Where is the General?
Where is the General?

Where is the General?

1964
Movie
92 min
Polish

Wacław Orzeszko is unlucky soldier, who one day decides to desert his platoon and hide out in a castle, where he meets a Red Army soldier Marusia. They discover that a German platoon is also hiding in a castle and together they must stop the Nazi soldiers from reuniting with the main army.

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Insights

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

Plot Summary

In 1861, Johnnie Gray, a train engineer, is rejected by the Confederate army due to being a civilian. Heartbroken, he also loses his sweetheart, Annabelle Lee, who enlists after him. When his beloved train, 'The General', is stolen by Union spies, Johnnie must prove his bravery and retrieve the locomotive, unaware that Annabelle is also aboard.

Critical Reception

Widely regarded as a masterpiece of silent cinema and one of the greatest comedies ever made, 'The General' was initially a box office disappointment but has since achieved monumental critical acclaim for its daring stunts, intricate plotting, and Keaton's signature deadpan performance. It is celebrated for its historical accuracy in depicting the Civil War era and its groundbreaking physical comedy.

What Reviewers Say

  • A breathtaking display of physical comedy and innovative filmmaking.
  • Buster Keaton's finest work, showcasing his unparalleled genius for silent film.
  • An epic adventure with thrilling action and enduring charm.

Google audience: Viewers consistently praise 'The General' for its incredible stunts, timeless humor, and engaging story. Many highlight Buster Keaton's remarkable performance and the film's impressive historical detail. It's often cited as a perfect example of silent film artistry.

Awards & Accolades

Ranked #18 on the American Film Institute's '100 Years... 100 Laughs' list. Nominated for AFI's '100 Years... 100 Movies' list. Consistently ranked among the greatest films ever made by critics and audiences.

Fun Fact

Buster Keaton performed all of his own dangerous stunts, including jumping onto the driving wheels of a moving locomotive and standing on the roof of a speeding train during a battle scene.

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