A question that was in my mind when I wrote my biography of Lloyd Hamilton was whether or not Hamilton ever socialized with Buster Keaton. Both men had a mutual drinking buddy, Lew Cody, who figured prominently into their social activities. It seemed that the men were bound to cross paths at times. I have at long last discovered an occasion in which Cody did in fact bring Hamilton and Keaton together and, even more significant, he got the two master comedians to perform a burlesque act together.
In 1926, Cody was asked to host the grand opening of the Loew's State Theater in New Orleans. He brought along funny pals Hamilton and Keaton to add levity to the event. The actors rode together by train to New Orleans. Not surprising considering the festive ways of these men, the journey turned into a longstanding party on wheels.
At the theater's opening, Cody let the crowd know that big movie stars were in attendance. He introduced Gloria Swanson, which was the cue for Hamilton to walk out on stage in drag. Next, he introduced Douglas Fairbanks. Keaton appeared at this point to perform a series of comic acrobatics. Later, while making a speech, Marcus Loew was interrupted by Hamilton and Keaton, who stormed into the gathering to sell peanuts and sheet music. Loew's publicist, Nils Granlund, playfully ordered the men to sit down. Hamilton complied by laying down on the floor and listening attentively as Loew finished his speech.
Dorothy Mason, a Ziegfeld Follies girl, noted in a report to Exhibitors Daily Review that Keaton entertained the party on the train ride home by playing the ukulele. Hamilton, she said, was "very bashful," which is something that was commonly noted by people who had observed Hamilton in social situations.
It's a shame that the comedy stars of the silent era weren't free agents who could team up for the occasional buddy comedy. It would have been great if Keaton and Hamilton could have clowned together in the same film.
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Great story about two great comedians!
ReplyDeleteLew Cody and Buster Keaton were members of the Masquers. I'm sure that if Charley Chase had anything to do with it, Lloyd Hamilton was nominated for membership. This may very well have been the connection of the 3 as well. The Masquers was established in 1925
ReplyDeleteConsidering that Keaton and Roscoe Arbuckle pulled a few pranks on Loew before this (driving like madmen in Los Angeles with Loew as an unwitting passenger; Keaton posing as a waiter at Arbuckle's house and later showing up as a guest), I am not surprised that this story happened.
ReplyDeleteKeaton would have traveled anywhere to go into an arena and interrupt a speech given by Marcus Lowe, considering an old feud between Lowe and his father. The two had a history in NYC during the uprising of the White Rats , which brought about the Actors union, Equity.
ReplyDeleteOnce Marcus shout an insult to Joe Keaton in a theater the 4 Keaton's were playing in, and Joe chased him down and punched him. The Keatons were banned for a time, and had to play outside NY. Buster never forgot this.
Arbuckle, Buster, and Bebe Daniels, pulled some pranks on Adolph Zukor in a playful and friendly way, during their time in Hollywood during a dinner with Joe Schenk. But, I think the Lowe Burlesque was a vendetta!
The spelling is Loew ....I always misspell his name.
DeleteThis is great information. I thank you all.
ReplyDelete