In 1964, Buster Keaton came to Canada to make his final silent film. It was The Railrodder, a 25 min comedic travelogue produced by the National Film Board.
NFB filmmaker Gerald Potterton had the idea of making a film about a man going across Canada in a motorized rail cart.
Keaton agreed to be in the film because he loved trains and wanted to experience riding the rails in Canada.
Production began in the late-summer of 1964, and the movie was filmed in chronological order from east to west. Keaton turned 69 during filming and did all of his own stunts.
Various towns across the country held celebrations and screenings of Keaton's films, and he was treated to dinners nearly every single day.
The film was released in October 1965. Audiences loved the film, which became a beloved classic. The NFB sold the TV and film rights to 43 international markets.
Keaton died on Feb. 1, 1966.
