Presented to film director Gerald Potterton
2002 Buster Award Presentation Sept. 29, 2002
Bowlus Center, Iola, Kansas
 

This year’s recipient plays a significant role in the history of comedy films. He is a crucial link from the silent comedy world of Buster Keaton to the modern sensibilities of today.

How can we not be envious of this man? Not only did he get to know Buster Keaton well, but he can rightfully boast that he directed Keaton’s last great film.
Gerald Potterton with his "Buster", 2002.
Photo by Steve Friedman.		  
 
 
Buster describes Louis B. Mayer's acting techniques.

Knowing our recipient, I suspect he would insist that in actuality Buster Keaton co-directed the movie they did together, but the truth is that without our recipient, the filmography of Buster Keaton would be sadly diminished. And without the documentary made of their time together, we would have considerably less insight into the mind of a genius.
Eleanor and Buster on the set. Although in his later years, Buster Keaton worked in a lot of short films and television commercials, nothing could have been more special to that old vaudeville trouper than spending six weeks on a train, making a silent movie about train travel, courtesy of Her Majesty the Queen.  
 
A Beatle hairdo.
 
 
 
Buster sketches out the "sure-fire" gag plan.

Gerry, I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this year’s Buster Award than you. Please come up and let us express our appreciation.

-- Patricia Eliot Tobias, 2002.
  Gerald Potterton shows joy and relief after Buster pulls off one of the more dangerous stunts in the film.  

 

Moments during filming were luckily captured in the documentary "Buster keaton Rides Again" by John Spotton. 1964.

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