Television had a major limitation that even Buster Keaton couldn't overcome

Silent film stars like Keaton have always prided themselves on delivering completely original films. "We didn't repeat the gags and we didn't rob each other either," he told Turkel. Keaton again refused to sacrifice his creative integrity after being pushed around by MGM in the 1930s. He decided to do only guest spots from then on, enjoying the thrill of a live audience and absorbing their applause.

Keaton actually did a few brief shows called "The Buster Keaton Show" and "Life with Buster Keaton" in the early 1950s. But those shows focused on re-enacting some of the gags most famous of the star. This way he was able to circumvent his major problem with television - the gags weren't original, but neither were they pretending to be. The shows didn't air for long, and Keaton's thoughts on TV suggest he may have pulled the plug himself. It's a shame his fans couldn't see more of his comedic styles on TV, but then again, Buster probably knows best.

Even though Keaton thinks all TV screenwriters will eventually fly at some point in their careers, he sympathizes with their plight. "They have to [fly]," he conceded. So if you're ever writing for a sitcom and feel the need to steal one of Buster Keaton's gags, don't feel guilty. He understands.