MovieChat Forums > Cops (1922) Discussion > A subtle and risque joke

A subtle and risque joke

posted 14 years ago by Chrissie
9 replies | jump to latest

This one is probably mostly invisible to modern audiences. I had to do some research before I even saw the joke, much less got it. And it's probably my favorite bit in the entire film.

Buster takes his sluggish nag to a Goat Gland Specialist -- which, I learned, was a quack that specialized in, ahem, restoring men's vim and vigor via treatments with yes, goat glands.

Buster takes his horse in to visit the goat gland specialist, and she perks up quite a bit. Then comes the priceless moment: Buster treats us to a quick, fleeting downward glance before turning and pondering the miracle worker's sign. It appears our boy Buster is assessing his manhood and contemplating a dose of goat gland for himself. Very daring for a Keaton character! He walks back inside -- but his intentions are innocent. He's only retrieving his hat.

I love that little look and could just keep rewinding and watching it again and again.

[–] theinnerlight87 14 years ago

I LOVE that gag, it's such a shame it's kinda lost in time. Though I'd love to a teacher to be able to explain that gag to my students and see their reaction when he gives that look!

I love Buster's subtle jokes. I suppose some people wouldn't really call Buster subtle at all but I would.. there are so many that I miss the first time. For example the ballerina in the magazine in 'The Scarecrow' is called "Mademoiselle Danceabitski". I was in hysterics when I first realised that... and it was on the 10th watch, at least. That's the magic of Buster. He has to be rewatched.

[–] Chrissie 14 years ago

I love that about him, too. He bears watching and re-watching. And doing research to get the topical humor. And he really should be known for his subtlety as much as for his spectacular stunts.

[–] theinnerlight87 14 years ago

Definitely! I think what really impressed me at first was the subtlety and the underplaying, because -ignorant as I was- I didn't think that existed in the silent era. But he truly was part of the modern age. Another reason why I'm trying to get people I know to view him with an open mind.

[–] stevefle 14 years ago

Thanks for the explanation. I had wondered...

Now I have to reply the film just to check out that scene and see what I missed!

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Chrissie 13 years ago

Maybe Enzyte is made out of goat glands!

[–] jtyroler 12 years ago

So, if Buster had gone back upstairs, he could have ruined his stoneface reputation and be like Smilin' Bob?

[–] Chrissie 12 years ago

You go a big evil grin out of me.

[–] cmashieldscapting 12 years ago

I got the goat gland joke, although I didn't really take the downward glance as assessing his manhood but just pondering the situation, that is, doing a thoughtful take. Then his expression changes to shifty and his entrance back into the place is furtive. The thing I didn't get was he was going in after his hat. I thought the slight cut there meant time had passed (as when he took the horse in) and that he really had seen the doctor. He looked so smug and self-satisfied when he got back in the wagon driver's seat!