Brown Eyes: Leading Lady, Affectionate Pet, Hostess

Written for the 2024 Silent-ology Buster Keaton Blogathon

“I never had a more affectionate pet or a more obedient one.” -Buster Keaton

“The Keaton heroine was no juicy part, yet she had to have looks, intelligence, fortitude, paid-up insurance, and a grasp of the art as Keaton underplayed it.”

Enter an inspired choice of leading lady, Brown Eyes. She made a stir from the very beginning.

The use of the name Brown Eyes, as suggested here, might’ve been a reference to one of the heroines of D.W. Griffith’s popular drama, Intolerance.

They had the name but still needed the girl. Our Brown Eyes beat out hundreds of beautiful cows.

“The cow we bought for this great honor was a Holstein. She was a beautiful creature and I named her “Brown Eyes.” But as she did not appear to be any more intelligent than other Holsteins I took great pains in training her for her new work.”

“I began my training of Brown Eyes by leading her around the studio on a rope. I continually fed her carrots and other culinary delights for bovines. When she became convinced that following me about paid off big, I substituted a string for rope and finally a thread for string.

After a while I was able to walk her through doors, in and out of sets, even past bright lights. The only difficulty we had as when I sat down and she tried to climb on my lap.” (MWWoS p.142)

Being such a well trained and important member of the cast, she was properly cared for and insured.

Brown Eyes, was the center of a lot of publicity for her breakout film. Photoshoots and even songs were written about her docility and beauty – a refreshing new take on the leading lady.

My favorite publicity move was the tea party thrown in her favor. It was held at the Ambassador Hotel, Hollywood’s most luxurious stay and home of the world famous Cocoanut Grove night club.

The party was held outdoors for the hostess’s convenience. It was the first occasion on which such unique and interesting guests were permitted at the hotel. They behaved with impeccable decorum.

Brown Eyes’ company included well known dog actors Peter the Great and Cameo.

Though it is unlikely the invitation was reciprocated by any of the attendees, it is presumed that enjoyment was had by all.

I haven’t been able to discover anything about Brown Eyes’ life post stardom, but judging by Buster’s love of animals and her treatment during filming, I think it’s safe to assume she was well cared for to the end of her days.