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Jackie Coogan saves a marriage AND a sinking ship—silent cinema chaos at sea!
TMDB
37

Buttons (1927)

melodramatic maritime mayhemprecocious orphan energypre-Code soap opera

Overview

Drama

Working as a pageboy on an ocean liner, a street orphan and his friend Slugger end up on the wrong side of the ship's captain when they try to tell him that his wife is cheating on him with other members of the crew. The boys end up in deeper trouble, after they are thrown in the brig and the ship starts sinking...

Flag of USUSxx
Content warning
orphanadulteryshipwreckocean liner
class divide at seainnocence revealing adult corruptionfound family survivalcowardice versus duty

Standout Aspects

Practical Effects

Massive water tank sets and miniature destruction.

Acting

Jackie Coogan's expressive face carries entire scenes.

Best for:Solo: Silent film curious? Perfect 70-minute gateway.·Rewatch: Spot the practical effects in sinking sequences.
Heads up:Emotional: Orphan abandonment themes; children in peril.
G

Director

George W. Hill

ReleasedDec 24, 1927
Runtime1h 10m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacesteady
Intensitymedium
Tonemixed
Feelmedium
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Top Cast

Jackie Coogan

Jackie Coogan

Buttons

Lars Hanson

Lars Hanson

Captain Travers

Gertrude Olmstead

Gertrude Olmstead

Ruth Stratton

Roy D'Arcy

Roy D'Arcy

Henri Rizard

Polly Moran

Polly Moran

Polly

Paul Hurst

Paul Hurst

Slugger McGlue

Coy Watson Jr.

Coy Watson Jr.

Brutus

Ask about Buttons

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

Jackie Coogan was Hollywood's highest-paid child star when he made this, earning $22,000 weekly—more than most adults on set.

Cultural

This was MGM's attempt to replicate the success of Coogan's partnership with Chaplin in The Kid by pairing him with another adult comedy partner.

Gallery

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