Keaton Movies

Three summers ago the Orpheum Theater ran the silent classics “One Week” and “The General,” complete with live music. My 4-year-old laughed her head off at Buster Keaton’s inspired slapstick (though I had to whisper the dialogue titles into her ear). At the end of the first film, the older lady sitting in front of us turned around. Uh-oh, I thought, did she hear me whispering? Were we laughing too loud? She asked the little girl’s name, how old she was and how she liked the movie. “It was so funny!” exclaimed my daughter. The woman beamed and shook hands with her: “Well, Dierdre, my name is Eleanor Keaton, and I’m so glad you enjoyed my husband’s movie.”

Only in L.A. Alas, not even here, anymore. Give our regards to Buster, Eleanor (obituary, Oct. 21).

DOUG MOLITOR

Altadena