The General

Johnnie Gray (Keaton) is in Marietta, Georgia, when the Civil War breaks out. He is first in line to enlist in the Confederate Army, but is rejected because he is too valuable in his present job. Annabelle Lee (Marion Mack) travels north on the W&ARR with The General pulling the train to see him but still wants nothing to do with Johnnie. Union spies led by Captain Anderson (Glen Cavender) use the opportunity to steal the train.

Through the inferno and chaos of the Civil War, Keaton weaves his comedy so expertly that the two great armies serve as mere straight men. Buster tries to enlist in the Confederate Army but is refused because he drives a train. His girlfriend believes him to be a coward. Union soldiers steal his locomotive and kidnap the girl. After several misadventures, and a hectic chase, Keaton wins both back.

Keaton, an engine driver, recaptures his train and rescues his girl after it has been stolen and she has been kidnapped by Union soldiers from behind Confederate lines. Based on an actual incident in the Civil War this is widely regarded as Keaton’s finest film. Oblivious to the dictates of normal comprehension, Keaton as Johnny its own.

Keaton’s best, and arguably the greatest screen comedy ever made. Against a meticulously evoked Civil War background, Buster risks life, limb and love as he pursues his beloved railway engine, hijacked by Northern spies up to no good for the Southern cause. The result is everything one could wish for; witty, dramatic, visually stunning, full of subtle, delightful human insights, and constantly hilarious. Cast includes Buster Keaton and Marion Mack. Rated: G