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Keaton Parodies Melodrama in 1922’s “The Frozen North”

PRESENTED BY GARY SCOTT BEATTY, PUBLISHER AND EDITOR, MUSKEGONMAGAZINE.COM, AND AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR

Buster finds the frozen north the “last stop on the subway” in this parody of 1922’s popular melodramas.

Keaton pokes fun at William S. Hart, one of the first great stars of the motion picture western. Hart made damaging public statements about Keaton’s friend Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, after Arbuckle’s headline-grabbing arrest in 1921. Written and directed by Eddie Cline and Muskegon’s own Buster Keaton


In the early 1900’s performers began to spend summers in the Bluffton area. Buster’s father, Joe, helped found the Actor’s Colony club there and by 1911, over 200 performers resided in the colony. By the early 1920’s, the California film industry lured many vaudevillian performers to Hollywood, including Buster and his family.

Muskegon Magazine.com, Muskegon County's online magazine

Above, one of The Frozen North Lobby Cards, 11 by 14 inches, hung by theaters to promote coming movies.


These Works are in Public Domain and not Derivative as specified by U.S. copyright law (title 17 of the U.S. Code).

Writer and illustrator Gary Scott Beatty is excited to share projects, art, video and other updates with those who are interested in illustrated fiction. If you want to enjoy a free story, and have him share his creative journey with you, join the Aazurn Fan List at StrangeHorror.com.

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Muskegon Magazine.com is locally owned and produced. Gary Scott Beatty, editor and publisher. Contents and design © Copyright Gary Scott Beatty, 1509 Princeton Rd., Muskegon, Michigan 49441. Inquire about advertising here.

Muskegon Magazine.com is an educational and informational service to help you make informed decisions. The content, tools and services of Muskegon Magazine.com are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Privacy.

Muskegon Magazine.com, Muskegon County's online magazine
NOVEMBER 2025
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Contents:

HOLIDAYS
The Holiday Spirit is strong in the White Lake Area! Stephanie Ware shares details about the White Lake Area Holiday Walk and Annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade.

SENIORS
Am I going to be able to afford this funeral? It's the question everyone should ask. End of life expert Jodi Clock has answers and advice (Don't pay for what you don't need) in this important article.

THE ARTS
Find out why author and artist Gary Scott Beatty is happy to have Caliber Comics as his publisher, hear a bit of backstory, and see the three graphic novels available now on Amazon.

COMMUNITY
Dom Bunker explains how United Way of the Lakeshore is helping Muskegon families be safe, warm, and together for the holidays. The Continuum of Care is a network that anchors housing stability.

LAKESHORE STAR GAZER
Enjoy the stars of autumn, planets, and meteors in November's sky. Plus: the planetarium explores the mystery of the Christmas Star. MCC Astronomer Jonathan Truax is your guide.

BUSTER KEATON
Muskegon's own silent film star visits “The Frozen North” in this parody of 1920’s popular melodramas. Find out why Buster made this short and enjoy the film, complete and online, here!

EVENTS CALENDAR
Track and discover area events here with Muskegon County's best online events calendar, courtesy of Visit Muskegon!

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Inquire about ADVERTISING here.

Muskegon Magazine.com is locally owned and produced. Gary Scott Beatty, editor and publisher. Contents and design © Copyright Gary Scott Beatty, 1509 Princeton Rd., Muskegon, Michigan 49441.

Muskegon Magazine.com is an educational and informational service to help you make informed decisions. The content, tools and services of Muskegon Magazine.com are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Privacy.