Convict 13: Prison Break, 1920s Style

Ok, so Convict 13, right? I watched it again last night, probably my fifth or sixth time since that summer back in ‘97 when I rented all those dusty silent movies from Videomix i Sundbyberg. I know, who else except film-nerds like us does that? But there’s something there, a magic that’s almost, I dunno, more Swedish than surströmming at Midsommar. It’s just grit and clumsy charm all in one.

So, Buster Keaton is the big name here, directing and starring as the poor golf player who gets mixed up in a prison riot. You know Keaton, the “stone face” guy, but here he’s less statue, more liksom, awkward moose. Maybe it’s just me, but I always felt he’s like that quiet kid outside ICA who just won at chess club but no one noticed. The gags are tight, some physical stuff makes me actually snort-laugh, but other bits – maybe it’s the pacing – the jokes just kinda *flygar förbi* (“go flying by,” y’know), like when your aunt tries to tell a joke at julbordet and misses the punchline.

Joseph M. Schenck produced, big deal in the silent stuff. Watching it today feels a bit like looking at old hockey cards – you see where all the modern action-comedy stuff kind of *borrowed*, but it’s slower, fuzzier.

So, a silly memory – I once tried copying one of Keaton’s pratfalls at Skansen after seeing this, properly bashed my knee, ended up at Odenplan’s vårdcentral. Still got the scar, fan. Makes me remember that real comedy hurts, ha!

I dunno if it hits you in the hjärta, but there’s a sweetness, like old family photos. If you’re in for some low-tech chaos and can handle the silence (and yes, the slightly wobbly acting!), go for it. Or just do what I do: watch it, then try not to get arrested yourself climbing statues on S:t Eriksplan after.

watch the full movie on Mavshack Movies on YouTube

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