'The 'High Sign' (1921)' is one of the pieces, along with 'One Week (1920)' and 'The Scarecrow (1920)', that prove Keaton works better in short form. Essentially, it's a delight. It moves through a few different set-pieces and, most pertinently, places Keaton in the position of both bodyguard and assassin. Of course, our hero can't actually kill in cold-blood. Self-defence is a different matter, though. The finale sees him scurry about a trap-laden house as he's chased by a bunch of bad-guys, performing all number of slapstick acrobatics in the process. It also sees him, accidentally or otherwise, kill a number of his assailants - most graphically by trapping one of their heads in a door, leaving his aghast expression motionless for the duration of the piece. It's heavier stuff than usual - even when compared to earlier in the same short - but it lends to a feeling of proper consequence. The sequence is also really entertaining, featuring frenetic choreography within an impressively constructed cross-section of the booby-trapped home. The entire thing is just entertaining, really. The fast-paced gags are usually funny and, even when they're not, they're always enjoyable. The set-up is unique and the set-pieces are splendid. Plus, it isn't about Keaton trying to impress a girl again. 7/10
Review of The 'High Sign'
