ComedyYear1966Duration3hIMDb5.9

The Scribe

ComedyShort

Amateur journalist Buster covers a story about construction site safety regulations and gets first-hand experience in the process.

Watch Now

Trailer

Cast

John Sebert

Director

Buster Keaton

The Reporter

Jack Creley

Newspaper Editor

Cec Linder

O'Malley

Clifford Braggins

Writer

Paul Sutherland

Writer

Comments

5 Comments

Wesley LotsNov 24, 2025

~{Hasan Marwan}~Nov 24, 2025

Samsam19Nov 24, 2025

Hau Amulauzi PeterMay 11, 2024

This is Buster Keaton's final film. It is an industrial film for Ontario's Construction Safety Commission. In this silent film, Buster gets to do some of his old routines originated in his classic silent films. It's Buster all the way, since he is the only real player in the film. It isn't as slapsticky as one might think, for at his advanced age, Buster is a bit limited. But it is a charming 3 reeler and it is one of the last glimpses of the genius of Buster Keaton.

Claayton07May 11, 2024

Because "The Scribe" is an instructional film, it doesn't develop a traditional plot. Keaton depicts an amateur newspaper reporter who finds a list of safety rules while snooping at a construction site. He runs amok trying to bring safety problems to the attention of construction workers, often precipitating disasters instead of preventing them. Because it's instructive, the pace is sometimes slow, but the film quickly establishes a pattern for delivering unexpected punch lines, thereby demanding the viewer's attention. And when there's action, the film really moves. Though seventy years old, Keaton darts about at a frenetic pace reminiscent of his early years, and still engages in hair-raising stunts. But while he moves as quickly as ever, Keaton performs stunts that rely on his skill and timing, not physical strength. Instead of leaping chasms and climbing flagpoles, Keaton here plummets through a floor and gets bodily hoisted by a crane. It's still white-knuckle stuff, but distinctly less intense than Keaton's younger years. Keaton's signature gags and style emerge throughout, and they enhance the film's instruction. For example, Keaton shoves a heavy tool box behind some equipment so nobody will trip over it. In a classic Keaton-style double-cross, someone instantly trips over the tool box in its new location! The gag is perfectly timed and perfectly executed, and it enhances the instructional value by candidly demonstrating that Keaton's careless "safety measure" was inadequate. Due to its instructional format "The Scribe" is unlikely to satisfy a casual viewer, but it will certainly fascinate a Buster Keaton fan. To the best of my knowledge it isn't available on video, though you might find it on 16mm film at a public library.

Featured Picks

Looking for more entertainment? Explore our recommended gaming hub and short-drama destination.

Instant Games

Gamixo

Play casual browser games with puzzles, cards, sports, and quick challenges ready in seconds.

Visit Now

Short Drama

VSKIT Drama

Watch trending mini-series, romance stories, and fresh short dramas with fast daily updates.

Visit Now

The Scribe

Trailer

Cast

You Might Also Like

Buster Keaton, the Genius Destroyed by Hollywood

Ambrosia

Love in the Time of Civil War

John, 316

My Husband Is a Mafia Boss

Where Your Eyes Linger

She makes my heart flutter

Industry

The Oval

Lucifer

Snowfall

The Boys

The Witcher

Power Book II: Ghost

SEAL Team

Empire

Shaka iLembe

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Never Have I Ever

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Alchemy of Souls

Power Book III: Raising Kanan

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Legend of the Blue Sea

Featured Picks

Gamixo

VSKIT Drama