by Nicole Gagne
synopsis
Dialogue only punctuates this inventive, near-silent two-reeler starring the great Buster Keaton. He plays the titular Elmer, who operates a rickety gas station in the California desert. A rival station opens for business right across the road from him, and the rivalry becomes personal when the two gas jockeys compete for the attention of a lovely lady motorist (Lona Andre). Learning she will attend a local baseball game, the men join opposing teams and wage an all-out grudge match that ends with Elmer scoring the winning run. Note the uncredited outfielder: That's the legendary Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe.
