Buster plays Elmer "Happy" Triple, a scientist who is expected to develop the next big thing. That big thing ends up to be a powder when combined with water, produces major blasts that make no sound, which catches the eyes of three robbers who want Elmer's secret powder.
Acting
Keaton's deadpan despair in a sound film still finding its legs.
Practical Effects
Lo-fi explosion gags that somehow still land almost 90 years later.
Director
Al Christie
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Keaton's desperate 1930s phase: divorced, broke, making shorts for Educational Pictures while his silent masterpieces were already being forgotten.
Director Al Christie was a comedy factory veteran; Keaton reportedly despised these quickie productions but needed the paycheck.
US
