In what is
considered Buster Keaton’s best film and one of the highest-rated
comedies, The General is a classic movie that didn’t get the critical
reception Buster expected when it was released. The movie is a silent film from
1926, and it’s funny, with juicy scenes and stunts that are a joy to watch.
Buster was at
his creative peak when he made this movie, but the problem was that his
creativity was well ahead of its time. When the film came out, it was both a
critical and commercial flop.
The movie also
cost Buster a lot. Even though he stood by his production, calling it the best
film he ever made, its commercial failure led to him losing total creative
control over his next set of productions. Eventually, when sound films took
over, Keaton was swept aside.
I’m not much of
a fan of silent films, but this one is worth seeing. Ranked 18th in both
AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Laughs and 100 Years… 100 Movies, this film
is guaranteed to leave you smiling by the time the credits roll.
Now, to be
honest, I feel Charlie Chaplin had it better, and between the two, I believe
Chaplin ranks higher. But that doesn’t take anything away from Keaton, who is
undoubtedly a brilliant comedian.
The General is
based on The Great Locomotive Chase by William Pittenger, a soldier
who was part of the Andrews' Raid, also known as the Great Locomotive Chase.
The movie starts
with Buster’s character, Johnnie, trying to enlist in the army to impress his
girlfriend. He’s turned down because his occupation is deemed too important,
and the South can’t afford to lose him during the ongoing American Civil War.
Hell-bent on joining, he pulls every trick in the book but fails and loses his
girl’s respect.
A year later,
his girlfriend receives word that her father is wounded and travels to see him.
Her train, named The General, is driven by her ex, Johnnie. During the
journey, the train makes a pit stop so passengers can eat. The Yankees (the
North) seize this opportunity to capture the train, which still has Johnnie’s
girl on board.
Johnnie begins a chase, unaware that his girl is on the train. He’s determined to get his train back, and the whole journey leads him to discover her in the enemy’s camp. Now, Johnnie has to save her and also carry critical information about the North’s plans—information he overheard while hiding under a table as they spoke.
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