1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Buster Keaton believed "The General" was his best movie, and Roger Ebert declared it one of the ten best films ever. It's got comedy and excitement in a story about a young man who's trying to redeem himself. And best of all, it's based on a true story.

The Civil War would end years sooner if the Confederate railroad lines could be destroyed. So on April 12, 1862, Northern spies stole "The General," a coal-powered locomotive engine, during its morning stop in Georgia. Heading north, they began destroying the tracks and bridges they crossed. They could only be stopped if the General's original conductor, William Fuller, could catch up to the spies. It's remembered as "the great locomotive chase."

I love this film for the beautiful way it's put together, with on-location photography, impressive stunts, and a hero you can really root for! Buster Keaton's film resurrected the story of the chase, but gave Fuller's character (played by Keaton) an even more sympathetic story. He's rejected by the woman he loves because he's a conductor instead of a soldier during the war. But when she travels north to visit her wounded father, she boards the very train that the northern spies hijack! Buster Keaton's script gives his character an excellent double motivation for chasing after the train.

Buster Keaton was already famous for his amazing movie stunts, and the plot gives him lots of opportunities during its long chase sequence. He hops from one moving railroad car to the next, and at one point even rides on the front of the engine. And the movie culminates with one truly amazing scene. 500 extra were hired to play the Northern army, and they stare in horror as the locomotive crosses a burning trestle bridge which collapse and tumbles to the ground. When the movie was released in 1927, it was one of the most expensive scenes which had ever been filmed.

Silent movies are alien to a lot of today's audiences. This movie is often re-released with a new soundtrack added - sometimes just music, but occasionally with sound effects added. But Keaton's character rarely spoke, communicating determination and pathos with his always-unsmiling face. As the locomotive speeds along on its chase, it passes a never-ending forest of trees in the background. It all gives the movie a feeling that's almost magical - it's abstract and timeless, and very fun to watch.

Learn more about this author, Moe Zilla.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Movie reviews: The General (1926)?
We want to hear your view. Write now!