Watch The General 2bk3n

The General is a silent comedy-action film directed by Clyde Bruckman and Buster Keaton. Released in 1926, the movie is loosely based on the real-life events of the Civil War's Great Locomotive Chase that occurred in 1862. The movie follows Keaton's character, Johnnie Gray, a train engineer in Georgia, who is rejected by the Confederate Army due to his occupation not fitting its traditional view of a soldier. Heartbroken, he returns to his job and to his sweetheart, Annabelle Lee (played by Marion Mack). When Annabelle Lee mistakenly believing Johnnie was a draft dodger, refuses to speak to him again until he enlists, he sets out to prove his worth by volunteering to infiltrate Union lines and steal a Northern locomotive called The General. 5e2l58

Johnnie's plan goes awry when Union spies steal The General while he is distracted in the office of the railroad yard. Desperate to recover his engine and clear his (false) reputation as a coward, Johnnie chases the Union train deep into enemy territory, engaging in a series of spectacularly staged and expertly timed setpieces along the way.

Throughout the journey, Johnnie uses his skills as a train engineer to help him out of some confusing and captivating situations. He has been a master at manipulating his train to avoid danger and to get away from trouble several times. At one point, Johnnie has to push his train up a hill using a cantilever or a long wooden beam for traction, and as the train gets up to speed the beam snaps, sends everyone tumbling, and leaves them at the mercy of the Union soldiers.

The General is concomitantly a thrilling action flick that often displays the perils of train travel and a comedy, where almost everything that can go wrong does. These humorous elements of the film heighten its appeal, making it one of the greatest silent films ever made. The intricacies of Buster Keaton's performance and the grand train sequences culminate in a monumental climax as the film reaches its conclusion.

The movie is beautifully shot, moving from the euphoria of a chase sequence to tragically somber scenes of brutality and death. The movie captures the heart and soul of the period it sets itself in, with rare detail and accuracy. With excellent use of camera angles, the movie presents us with grand, sweeping landscapes that add to the grandeur of the film.

Keaton's star power, comic timing, and the physical brilliance he provides carry the film. It has some of the most breathtakingly impressive stunts ever performed on screen, each flawlessly executed with a perfect mix of comedy and action. At times, audience may hold their breath, but you can't help but laugh at the antics of Johnnie and Union soldiers as they pull one another into speeding trains' path. Keaton builds tension and suspense in a way that only a Hollywood legend could.

The movie's score, although silent, matches the action's pace splendidly. The music ranges from highly emotional and intense to lighthearted and humorous, adding to the movie's various emotions and sensations, underscoring the characters' development.

The General's unqualified success makes it a prime example of what made silent cinema so special. In combination with the performances, stunts, and epic-scale action, aesthetic beauty, and poignant humor, it showcases a wide range of cinematic techniques.

In conclusion, The General is a world-class silent film that has influenced generations of filmmakers. It is an impeccably crafted example of physical comedy, incredible stunts, stunning set pieces, and magnificent storytelling. With Buster Keaton's meticulous planning, near-perfect timing, and impressive athleticism, the movie simply tramples over its contemporaries. It still offers up humor, thrills, and suspense for audiences, over ninety years on. As such, it is a true cinematic masterpiece and a must-watch for all film fanatics.