Why Keaton Hides the Santa Monica Pier in The Cameraman

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John Bengtson
Posts: 182
Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2013 3:58 pm

Why Keaton Hides the Santa Monica Pier in The Cameraman

Postby John Bengtson » Thu Apr 16, 2020 5:33 pm

Buster Keaton filmed an elaborate soaked-in-the-rain automobile tracking shot during The Cameraman on the Santa Monica Pier. Yet nothing during the sequence betrays it was filmed on a pier. Why film at such extraordinary site but hide it from the audience?

My only thought – somehow easy access to ocean water from the pier necessitated the choice. It took 20 years to solve this because I thought it was staged on a conventional street.

Image

Buster passes by buildings on the pier that remain standing today. Lots of detailed vintage photos – travel back in time for a closer look here - https://wp.me/p11nfB-48n

Be safe and well - John

DaveGlass
Posts: 216
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2010 11:58 am

Re: Why Keaton Hides the Santa Monica Pier in The Cameraman

Postby DaveGlass » Thu Apr 16, 2020 6:13 pm

Bravo!


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