In this Educational sound short from the thirties, Buster plays another variation of his dim but resourceful rich kids, seen in films like The Navigator and Battling Butler. Although this never even approaches the greatness of his earlier work, it is however a charming little film with a great sense of fun. Buster, being spurned by the girl he wants to marry, heads off in his car and keeps going until he runs out of petrol. He ends up in an old gold prospector village that has been deserted and makes himself sheriff (well, he puts on the badge and gun). He is not alone for long though as a gangster on the run crashes his plane in the town and soon strikes up a friendship of sorts with Buster. However, their peace is soon shattered by gold being discovered again and before long the town is booming again. Of course the girl shows up as the mine is owned by her father and Buster in his sheriff's role has to save the day etc etc.
The Gold Ghost has some good bits of business and some fitfully funny scenes but it's the setting that helps make it a winner. Also there are small hints of the Buster that went before as the fantasy playing of Buster being the sheriff gives way to his playing the role for real and there are several surreal touches. One of the best Buster talkies.
The Gold Ghost has some good bits of business and some fitfully funny scenes but it's the setting that helps make it a winner. Also there are small hints of the Buster that went before as the fantasy playing of Buster being the sheriff gives way to his playing the role for real and there are several surreal touches. One of the best Buster talkies.