This biography investigates the life and creative methodology of Buster Keaton, the influential silent film comedian, director, and producer. Rudi Blesh, a noted critic and historian, utilizes his expertise in American performance arts to reconstruct Keaton's career. The text argues that Keaton's unique approach to physical comedy and his improvisational filmmaking style were central to the evolution of early cinema. Blesh draws upon historical records and personal accounts to document the technical and creative challenges faced by Keaton during his most productive years.

Critics and film historians frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the technical ingenuity of silent film comedy. Readers often note the detailed descriptions of on-set improvisation, which provide a clear window into the mechanics of early twentieth-century filmmaking.