I wonder. Is this multiply astonishing thing Keaton’s best short? A number of his features are major, out-and-out miracles. But given how the shorts are so incredibly accomplished, and have stood up so very well, I wonder again. Is this his best film? And given how deep and wide prime Keaton is, I’m asking if maybe this is about the best silent comedy there ever was? And since silent comedy stands up there with any kind of comedy that anyone has ever contrived, it makes me wonder again. Is this the best comedy ever? And since comedy might just be the greatest institution of the cinema entire, a final possibility emerges. Maybe this is the greatest film in the world.