The Scarecrow: Synopsis

In The Scarecrow (1920) Keaton plays a farmhand who competes with a rival to win the love of a farmer's daughter (played by Sybil Seely - the actress who played the Bride in One Week).

Running from what he believes is a rabid dog, Keaton's character races around brick walls, jumps through windows and falls into a hay-thresher which rips off most of his clothes. Again, the narrative enables much of the comedy to come from Keaton's stunts; a technique that is recognised as a hallmark of Keaton's comic style.

Keaton has no option but to 'borrow' the clothes of a scarecrow in a nearby field. As the narrative progresses, Keaton's character trips into a kneeling position whilst tying his shoelaces and the farmer's daughter misinterprets his actions as a marriage proposal.

The couple speed off on a motorcycle with Keaton's love rival and the girl's father in hot pursuit (enabling a chase sequence; a typical narrative set-piece found in Keaton's work and in American silent film comedy more generally). The couple manage to sweep up a Church Minister whilst driving, and the couple are married during the chase.

The film ends with the motorcycle crashing into a stream at the end of the ceremony.

The Scarecrow incorporates many of the thematic (heterosexual romance, a preoccupation with modern, labour-saving gadgets) and stylistic conventions (stunts and chase sequences, flat lighting, static camera shots) that are associated with Keaton's short films.

Click on the link below to watch The Scarecrow.

The Scarecrow