The General
The General

Movie spotlight

The General

1998
Movie
124 min
English

The real-life story of Dublin folk hero and criminal Martin Cahill, who pulled off two daring robberies in Ireland with his team, but attracted unwanted attention from the police, the I.R.A., the U.V.F., and members of his own team.

Insights

IMDb8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic98
Google Users95%
Director: Buster KeatonGenres: Comedy, Romance, Action, War

Plot Summary

Johnnie Gray, a Civil War train engineer, is rejected by the Confederate army due to being a civilian. When his sweetheart Annabelle Lee is taken by Union soldiers along with his beloved locomotive, The General, Johnnie embarks on a daring mission to rescue her and recover his train. Facing overwhelming odds, he must outwit the Union army and prove his bravery.

Critical Reception

Widely regarded as a masterpiece of silent cinema and one of the greatest comedies ever made, 'The General' was initially met with mixed reviews but has since achieved legendary status. Critics and audiences alike praise its incredible stunts, comedic timing, and thrilling narrative. It is celebrated for its technical achievements and Keaton's unparalleled physical performance.

What Reviewers Say

  • A breathtaking display of physical comedy and daring stunts.

  • A thrilling chase film with a perfect blend of humor and heart.

  • Buster Keaton's performance is a masterclass in silent film acting.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise the film's inventive gags, impressive stunts, and the charisma of Buster Keaton. Many highlight the train sequences as particularly memorable and exciting.

Awards & Accolades

Ranked #18 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 funniest films.

Fun Fact

Buster Keaton performed many of his own dangerous stunts, including a sequence where he sits on the coupling rod of a moving train and another where he rides on top of the locomotive's steam chest.

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