Why Keaton Hides the Santa Monica Pier in The Cameraman

[John Bengtson]

Buster Keaton filmed an elaborate soaked-in-the-rain automobile tracking shot during The Cameraman on the Santa Monica Pier. Yet nothing during the sequence betrays it was filmed on a pier. Why film at such extraordinary site but hide it from the audience?

My only thought – somehow easy access to ocean water from the pier necessitated the choice. It took 20 years to solve this because I thought it was staged on a conventional street.



Buster passes by buildings on the pier that remain standing today. Lots of detailed vintage photos – travel back in time for a closer look here - https://wp.me/p11nfB-48n

Be safe and well - John

[DaveGlass]

Bravo!