The General
The General

Movie spotlight

The General

1962
Movie
8 min
Slovenian

Kristl plays a prisoner who can smile only when he sees The General.

Insights

IMDb8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic98
Google Users95%
Director: Buster Keaton, Clyde BruckmanGenres: Comedy, War, Romance

Plot Summary

During the American Civil War, Johnnie Gray, a Southern railroad engineer, is rejected by the Confederate army due to being a civilian. When his beloved locomotive, 'The General,' and his sweetheart Annabelle Lee are captured by Union spies, Johnnie embarks on a daring mission to rescue them and prove his worth.

Critical Reception

Widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies ever made and a masterpiece of silent cinema, 'The General' is celebrated for its incredible stunts, intricate plotting, and Buster Keaton's signature deadpan performance. Despite a lukewarm reception upon its initial release, its reputation has grown immensely over the decades.

What Reviewers Say

  • A breathtaking display of physical comedy and stunt work.

  • Keaton's performance is masterful, conveying emotion and character through pure physicality.

  • An intricate and thrilling narrative that holds up as a cinematic achievement.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise 'The General' for its ingenious stunts, timeless humor, and Buster Keaton's unparalleled comedic genius. Many highlight the film's enduring appeal and its status as a must-watch classic.

Awards & Accolades

Recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the greatest comedies of all time. Consistently ranked among the top films in various critical polls and 'best of' lists.

Fun Fact

Buster Keaton performed many of the film's dangerous stunts himself, including a famous sequence where he sits on the coupling rod of a moving locomotive and another where a full Union Boxcar train rolls off a burning bridge into a river.

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