Three Ages 🏛️🪓 Buster Keaton 💘🦕

"Three Ages" is a 1923 American silent comedy film directed by and starring Buster Keaton.

The film is structured as a parody of D.W. Griffith's 1916 epic "Intolerance," presenting three parallel stories set in different historical periods: the Stone Age, Ancient Rome, and the modern Roaring Twenties. In each segment, Keaton's character competes with a rival (played by Wallace Beery) for a woman's affection (played by Margaret Leahy). Despite the different settings, each story follows a similar narrative. Keaton's character uses his wit and physical prowess to overcome obstacles and win the heart of the woman he loves.

"Three Ages" was Keaton's first feature-length film as a director, showcasing his talent for physical comedy, inventive visual gags, and daring stunts. The film's unique structure allows Keaton to explore various historical settings while maintaining a cohesive narrative that revolves around themes of love, rivalry, and perseverance. Although it may not have achieved the same level of critical acclaim as some of his later films, "Three Ages" remains an essential entry in Keaton's filmography, demonstrating his early ambition as a filmmaker and his skill in blending humor and romance across diverse settings.