Watch Three Ages

In Three Ages, Buster Keaton takes us on a time-traveling adventure through love stories in three different historical periods. The film is a silent comedy that explores the timeless themes of love and relationships in a humorous way. The first age is set in prehistoric times, where Buster is a caveman vying for the affections of his chosen mate (Margaret Leahy) against a rival tribe. In a world where survival is a daily struggle, Buster finds himself in all sorts of slapstick predicaments as he tries to woo his love interest.

The second age takes us to Ancient Rome, where Buster plays a lowly tailor who is in love with the daughter of a wealthy merchant. As he tries to win her hand in marriage, Buster finds himself embroiled in all sorts of shenanigans involving gladiators, chariots, and even an erupting volcano.

The final age takes us to modern-day America, where Buster is a hapless suitor trying to impress his love interest (also played by Leahy) against the backdrop of the wild and frenzied world of the Roaring Twenties. As he struggles to keep up with the fast-paced lifestyle of the modern age, he must compete with his rival (Wallace Beery) for the affection of his love interest.

Throughout the film, Buster's trademark deadpan expression and incredible physical comedy make him a joy to watch as he navigates through the different historical periods, each with their own unique challenges and comedic situations. Margaret Leahy also delivers a charming performance as Buster's love interest, bringing a touch of romance to the film.

The film is notable for its unique structure, with each historical period depicting a different stage in the progression of human civilization. The prehistoric age represents the dawn of humanity, the Ancient Rome period represents the height of civilization in the ancient world, and the modern age represents the rapid technological advancements of the 20th century.

The film also features some impressive special effects for its time, especially in the depiction of the volcanic eruption in the Ancient Rome period. The comedic timing and physical stunts performed by Buster and the rest of the cast are also impressive, showcasing the incredible athleticism and skill of the performers.

Overall, Three Ages is a timeless classic that still holds up today as a testament to the enduring power of comedy and the universality of love and relationships. With its unique structure, impressive special effects, and unforgettable performances, it remains a must-see for fans of silent comedy and Buster Keaton in particular.

Three Ages is a 1923 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.