The Goat (1921)
Buster Keaton's 1921 silent comedy short where one case of mistaken identity triggers a nonstop, brilliantly physical chase.
The Goat - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Goat
- Release Year: 1921
- Directed by: Buster Keaton, Malcolm St. Clair
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 23m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 15, 1921 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: El chivo (ES), A kecske (HU), La cabra (AR), Le crime de Malec (FR), En ubehagelig fejltagelse (DK), A Cabra (PT), Buster Keaton wird steckbrieflich gesucht (DE), Козел отпущения (RU)
- Production Companies: Buster Keaton Productions, Joseph M. Schenck Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Goat - Plot
A series of misadventures occur when Buster is mistaken for a criminal on the lam.
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The Goat - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Buster Keaton
- Malcolm St. Clair
Main Cast
- Buster Keaton
- Virginia Fox
- Joe Roberts
- Malcolm St. Clair
- Edward F. Cline
- Jean C. Havez
- Joe Keaton
- Louise Keaton
- Myra Keaton
Writers
- Buster Keaton
- Malcolm St. Clair
Producers
- Joseph M. Schenck
The Goat - FAQs
What is The Goat about?
The Goat is a 1921 silent comedy short in which Buster Keaton's character is accidentally mistaken for a wanted criminal. What follows is a breathless chain of misadventures as he flees a relentless police pursuit, delivering some of Keaton's most inventive physical gags along the way.
Where can you watch The Goat for free?
You can watch The Goat for free on Kanopy and Public Domain Movies. As a 1921 silent short film, it has entered the public domain, making it widely accessible online at no cost through several legitimate streaming platforms.
Who directed The Goat (1921)?
The Goat was co-directed by Buster Keaton and Malcolm St. Clair. Keaton was already developing his signature style of deadpan physical comedy and inventive stunt work, and this short is a great example of that creative partnership in action.
Is The Goat a silent film?
Yes, The Goat is a silent film. Released in May 1921, it was produced during the golden age of silent comedy. The film relies entirely on physical performance, visual gags, and intertitles to tell its story — no spoken dialogue whatsoever.
How long is The Goat (1921)?
The Goat runs approximately 23 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief runtime, it packs in an impressive number of comic set pieces and chase sequences, showcasing Buster Keaton's remarkable ability to sustain energy and invention throughout.
Who stars in The Goat alongside Buster Keaton?
Alongside Buster Keaton, the cast includes Virginia Fox as the Police Chief's daughter and Joe Roberts as the Police Chief himself. Malcolm St. Clair, who also co-directed, appears as a cab driver, and several members of the Keaton family — Joe, Louise, and Myra — take on minor roles.
What makes The Goat a classic Keaton short?
The Goat stands out for its relentless pacing, clever mistaken-identity premise, and a string of brilliantly executed physical gags. The film showcases Keaton's trademark stone-faced resilience against mounting chaos, including a memorable elevator sequence that has delighted audiences for over a century.
What are similar films to The Goat?
If you enjoy The Goat, you might also appreciate other silent-era comedies like Beggar on Horseback (1925). For modern takes on mistaken identity and comic chaos, Confess, Fletch (2022) and All You Need is Crime (2019) offer a similar spirit of fast-paced, laugh-out-loud fun.
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