Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brawling, guns, and daring stunts in timeless silent comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Steamboat Bill Jr.
What's the Story?
In STEAMBOAT BILL, JR., William Canfield (Ernest Torrence) and his faithful first mate, Tom Carter (Tom Lewis), run the most dilapidated paddle steamer on the river. The wealthy Mr. King (Tom McGuire) hopes to run them out of business with a fancier, more expensive vessel. At this point, Bill's estranged son, Willie Canfield Jr. (Buster Keaton), returns home from college in Boston. But rather than a tough river man, he's a big-city softie. To make matters more complicated, King's daughter, Kitty (Marion Byron), also returns home, and she and Willie fall in love. When Bill tries to stand up to King and winds up in jail, Willie realizes that he must do what's right for his family. Unfortunately, a massive cyclone hits, changing everyone's plans.
Is It Any Good?
Directors Charles Reisner and Keaton never err; their camera is always in the right place at the right time to get the funniest laughs and the most beautiful moments of human connection. Steamboat Bill, Jr. was Keaton's final feature as an independent filmmaker (before he signed his ill-fated contract with MGM), and he used the opportunity to top himself with the cyclone sequence. The storm provides many amazing, memorable moments, but the most famous is the one in which the front of a building falls on Keaton, and his body passes safely through an open window. (Legend has it that if the comedian had missed his mark by an inch, he would have been crushed.)
But this movie has more to it than a famous stunt. Torrence gives a great supporting performance as a gruff, grizzled father. Their strained relationship might not be one that today's parents will want to emulate—Bill tries everything in his power to change his son to be more like himself, and that's portrayed as fine by the writers—but it does add emotional layers to the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence used in Steamboat Bill, Jr. It seems that Willie's father tries to solve everything through force and violence. Does he get anywhere with this method? Are there better ways to get what you want?
When Willie returns home from Boston, he's portrayed as "wimpy" for dressing fashionably, playing the ukulele, and being clumsy. Do you agree with this take? Why, or why not? What do you think makes someone a positive male role model?
When Willie tries to break his father out of prison, is he doing the right thing?
Why are Keaton's gags, which are based on falling down and getting hurt, funny?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 20, 1928
- On DVD or streaming : July 6, 2010
- Cast : Buster Keaton , Ernest Torrence , Marion Byron
- Directors : Buster Keaton , Charles Reisner
- Studio : Kino
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 70 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 14, 2025
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