Sherlock Jr. 1924

B. Keaton is a projectionist who dreams of becoming a famous detective, like Sherlock Holmes. In love with a beautiful girl, he gives her chocolate and a ring, but another suitor is also vying for her attention. The projectionist tries unsuccessfully to track down his rival, a devious fellow who stole a watch from the girl’s home and, after pawning it, bought her a huge box of chocolates. Falsely accused of the crime by the girl’s family and overcome with grief, Keaton falls asleep on the job during a film screening. He dreams that he “steps into” the screen and interacts with the film’s characters—who are now reenacting the situation involving the stolen jewelry. Here, Keaton plays the role of a detective—“Sherlock Jr.”—who, while investigating the crime, finds himself in a series of comedic situations.