Episodes

  • Mechanical Marvels and Masterpieces

    Mechanical Marvels and Masterpieces
    Jul 9 2025
    This episode examines Buster Keaton's creative peak during the mid-1920s, focusing on his three greatest silent film masterpieces: "The General," "Sherlock Jr.," and "Steamboat Bill, Jr." We dive deep into the unprecedented stunts, innovative camera work, and technical wizardry that made these films legendary, including the famous building collapse sequence and locomotive chase scenes. The episode explores how Buster combined spectacular action with intimate comedy, created new special effects techniques, and established safety protocols that influenced modern filmmaking while proving that comedy could be as sophisticated and ambitious as any dramatic masterpiece.

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    14 mins
  • The Silent Star Rises

    The Silent Star Rises
    Jul 9 2025
    This episode chronicles Buster Keaton's pivotal transition from vaudeville performer to silent film star, beginning with his fateful meeting with comedy legend Fatty Arbuckle in 1917. We explore how their creative partnership at Comique Film Corporation launched Buster's film career, leading to his breakthrough independent shorts like "The High Sign" and "One Week." The episode details how Buster developed his signature deadpan screen persona while mastering every aspect of filmmaking, from camera techniques to editing, ultimately establishing himself as both a performer and director who revolutionized physical comedy through scientific precision and artistic innovation.

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    12 mins
  • The Boy Born for Vaudeville

    The Boy Born for Vaudeville
    Jul 5 2025
    Dive into the absolutely wild origin story of silent film legend Buster Keaton with your favorite gossip queen, Vivian Steele. This juicy deep-dive reveals how a six-month-old baby's tumble down theater stairs earned him his legendary nickname from Harry Houdini himself, and explores the dramatic world of 1890s vaudeville that shaped one of cinema's greatest comedians. From being literally thrown across stages as a child performer to developing the superhuman physical comedy skills that would make him famous, this is the scandalous behind-the-scenes story of how young Joseph Frank Keaton became "The Great Stone Face." Packed with family drama, dangerous stunts, and the raw survival skills that turned pain into laughter, this episode serves up entertainment history like you've never heard it before—with all the sass, wit, and dramatic flair that only Vivian can deliver. Ready for more captivating stories and engaging content that'll keep you completely hooked? Head over to https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ for an incredible collection of podcasts that will entertain, inform, and absolutely blow your mind!

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    14 mins