Jail Bait Poster

Jail Bait 1937

★ 5.210 votes18 min📅 1937-01-08

In this 1937 slapstick comedy gem, legendary silent-film star Buster Keaton takes on a delightfully absurd role in *Jail Bait*, directed by Charles Lamont.

Director: Charles Lamont

Cast

Buster Keaton
Buster Keaton
Harold Goodwin
Harold Goodwin
Matthew Betz
Matthew Betz
Bud Jamison
Bud Jamison
Betty André
Stanley Blystone
Stanley Blystone
Arresting officer (uncredited)
Bobby Burns
Bobby Burns
Warden (uncredited)
Allan Cavan
Desk Sergeant (uncredited)
Harry Tenbrook
Harry Tenbrook
Prison guard (uncredited)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jail Bait (1937) about?

Buster Keaton plays a man who pretends to be a murderer to throw the police off the scent, buying time for his reporter roommate to uncover the truth. The setup leads to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and physical comedy, all wrapped up in a tight 18-minute runtime.

Who directed Jail Bait?

Charles Lamont directed *Jail Bait (1937)*, a short comedy that showcases his knack for blending humor with a straightforward narrative.

Who stars in Jail Bait?

The film features Buster Keaton in the lead role, supported by Harold Goodwin, Matthew Betz, Bud Jamison, and Betty André.

Is Jail Bait (1937) worth watching?

For fans of classic comedy or Keaton's unique brand of humor, *Jail Bait (1937)* is a quick, entertaining watch. Its short runtime and sharp gags make it a rewarding slice of early Hollywood entertainment, even if it's not as iconic as Keaton's silent features.

How long is Jail Bait?

Jail Bait (1937) runs for 18 minutes.

About Jail Bait (1937) — Classic Comedy Short with Buster Keaton

In this 1937 slapstick comedy gem, legendary silent-film star Buster Keaton takes on a delightfully absurd role in *Jail Bait*, directed by Charles Lamont. The plot hinges on a clever deception as Keaton's character agrees to stand in for a wanted murderer, allowing his roommate—a quick-witted reporter—to unmask the real culprit. The film crackles with the anarchic energy of classic Keaton comedy, blending physical humor with a punchy narrative that moves at lightning speed. The 18-minute runtime keeps the gags tight and the pacing brisk, a testament to the efficiency of early sound-era filmmaking.

Packed with Keaton's signature deadpan charm and a supporting cast that includes Matthew Betz and Bud Jamison, *Jail Bait (1937)* thrives on its blend of mistaken identity and comedic timing. The atmosphere is lighthearted yet clever, with a dash of noir-inspired intrigue in its premise. While not as widely remembered as Keaton's silent classics, this short film is a hidden treasure for fans of vintage comedy, offering a snapshot of Hollywood's golden age in microcosm.