The Navigator Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich guy gets rejected, accidentally boards the wrong ship, and then has to learn how to open a can of beans while being chased by cannibals.

🍿 The Navigator: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Unconventional Proposal

Rollo Treadway, heir to a fortune, decides on a whim to marry his neighbor, Betsy O’Brien. In his characteristic manner, he sends his servant to book a honeymoon cruise to Honolulu before even receiving an answer. Betsy, however, rejects his proposal, leaving Rollo undeterred but alone with his plans.

Stranded at Sea

Determined to proceed with his vacation, Rollo boards the “Navigator,” a ship owned by Betsy’s father, but mistakenly ends up on the wrong vessel. Unbeknownst to him, Betsy also boards the ship in search of her father, who has been captured by spies seeking to sabotage the ship. The spies cut the “Navigator” loose, leaving Rollo and Betsy adrift, each unaware of the other’s presence.

Survival and Discovery

As the “Navigator” drifts aimlessly, Rollo and Betsy eventually discover each other and must learn to survive together. The spoiled socialites struggle with basic tasks like cooking and navigating the massive, empty ship, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and inventive solutions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rollo Treadway (Buster Keaton): A wealthy and spoiled young man who accidentally boards the wrong ship, setting off a series of comedic events.
• Betsy O’Brien (Kathryn McGuire): Rollo’s sweetheart who also ends up stranded on the Navigator.
• John O’Brien (Frederick Vroom): Betsy’s father and the owner of the Navigator who is captured by spies.
• Cannibal Chief (Noble Johnson): The leader of the cannibals who attempt to invade the ship.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Title card: “Rollo Treadway – Heir to the Treadway fortune – a living proof that every family tree must have its sap… Buster Keaton.” – Introduces Buster Keaton’s character with a humorous description of his privileged yet inept nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $220,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Navigator Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘The Navigator’ for the first time last week, and I was blown away by how funny it was. Keaton’s physical comedy is just timeless. I especially loved the scene where they’re trying to cook breakfast on the ship – it’s pure slapstick gold. I can’t believe how much he accomplished with so few visual effects. Definitely a must-see for any comedy fan.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of silent films”
  • “Admirers of Buster Keaton’s physical comedy”
  • “Those interested in early 20th-century filmmaking techniques”
  • “Viewers looking for lighthearted, visually driven humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes may contain outdated cultural depictions that some viewers may find offensive.”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “A ship-shape comedy, on a grand scale and flawlessly executed. Keaton’s physical comedy is amazing, and the film is near perfect. Watch for Buster’s priceless reaction on tasting the coffee made by the girl with three unground beans and seawater. Kathryn McGuire is more comedy partner than love interest, and she makes an excellent foil, with her endearing gawkiness, straight-faced style, and willingness to be the butt of a joke.
• IMDB: “Good Comedy With Some Great Scenes. The Navigator is a good comedy that has some great scenes. It never quite hits high gear the way that some of Buster’s masterpieces do, but there is a good variety of material, and it is pleasant and funny to watch. Keaton and Kathryn McGuire work together well, and their scenes together make up most of the movie, including some of the funniest parts.
• IMDB: “One of Keatons cuter films. The Navigator was a cute and funny film that displayed Buster Keatons classic gestures greatly. One of his best scenes is when he tastes horribly made coffee on the ship. You don’t need sound to be able to understand what is going through Keatons mind. The Navigator was rich with physical gags and facial gestures that Keaton is best known for

Audience Reactions

The kitchen scene with the coffee and eggs is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.: People love the physical comedy and the creative ways the characters solve problems.

The underwater scenes are amazing considering the technology they had back then.: Everyone agrees that the movie is a masterclass in visual storytelling.

Overall Consensus: A classic silent comedy that showcases Buster Keaton’s physical brilliance and innovative storytelling.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The underwater scenes were filmed in Lake Tahoe because the original swimming pool was not deep enough. The water was so cold that Keaton and the crew could only stay submerged for short periods.”
• “Buster Keaton bought the S.S. Buford, a real ocean liner on its way to the scrap heap, and built the story around it, allowing for impressive scale and authenticity.”
• “Co-director Donald Crisp was hired for his dramatic skills, but Keaton regretted the decision as Crisp wanted to interfere with the comedy.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Navigator?

Currently, “The Navigator” (1924) is available for streaming on The Criterion Channel. You may also find purchase options on platforms like Amazon and Apple TV to own a digital copy of the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Navigator, you might like these similar films:

• Sherlock Jr. (1924): Another Buster Keaton masterpiece from the same year, showcasing his unique blend of physical comedy and inventive storytelling.
• Modern Times (1936): Charlie Chaplin’s iconic film that, like ‘The Navigator,’ uses physical comedy to critique societal issues, particularly the impact of industrialization.
• The General (1926): Another highly acclaimed Buster Keaton film, celebrated for its daring stunts and inventive physical comedy set against the backdrop of the American Civil War.

🛒 The Navigator Related Products

• Buster Keaton: The Essential Collection (Blu-ray): A comprehensive collection of Buster Keaton’s best films, including ‘The Navigator,’ digitally restored for optimal viewing pleasure.
• Buster Keaton – The Navigator Movie Poster Print: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster for ‘The Navigator,’ perfect for decorating a home theater or office.
• Vintage Diving Helmet Replica: A detailed replica of the diving helmet used by Buster Keaton in the underwater scenes of ‘The Navigator.’
• Cannibal Island Adventure Board Game: An exciting board game inspired by the cannibal island sequence in ‘The Navigator,’ where players must navigate treacherous terrain and outwit their opponents to survive.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Navigator features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Asleep in the Deep” – performed by Wilfred Green

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Flight of the Navigator (1986) Retrospective / Review

Ever wonder what made Flight of the Navigator so special back in the day? This retrospective review dives deep into the film’s themes and legacy – a total nostalgia trip and explains why the movie still rocks!

✨ Rate