General, The (1926)

“Don’t enlist him; he is more valuable to the South as an engineer.”

Synopsis:
During the Civil War, an accomplished train engineer (Buster Keaton) is denied entry into the Confederate Army, much to the dismay of his girlfriend (Marion Mack), who mistakenly believes he is too cowardly to enlist. Soon he becomes an unintentional hero when he rescues Mack from his hijacked train, and foils Union plans for an attack.

Genres:

Response to Peary’s Review:
Peary, like so many others, refers to this Civil War-era slapstick classic as “Buster Keaton’s masterpiece and, as such, one of our two or three greatest comedies”. Telling the “simple” story — almost entirely “centered on train chases” — of “Johnnie Grey, conductor of the General”, whose “two loves are his engine and lovely Annabel Lee (Marion Mack)”, it “features a dazzling number of sight gags, some spectacular Keaton acrobatics…, and… ingenious use of the frame”. Peary notes that “as usual, Keaton is a sweet fellow and it’s a delight watching this tiny, unmuscular civilian pull off one heroic act after another while soldiers on both sides accomplish nothing”.

Peary spends the remainder of his review pointing out something most other critics haven’t noted (or don’t agree with): the fact that “the relationship between Keaton and Mack is wonderfully romantic”. He argues that “her well-intentioned but ridiculous attempts to help in their escape effort both exasperate him and reinforce his love for her”, and calls out in particular the somewhat astonishing moment — you’ll likely give a start at its modernity and authenticity — when “he playfully strangles her, then kisses her” as she demonstrates tremendous ineptitude while “helping” him select wood for the engine’s fire. This scene — along with countless others in which he demonstrates a truly astonishing level of dexterity and quick-thinking savvy — make him a silent-film “hero” we’re delighted to see in action. In sum, this one is, as Peary calls it, “marvelous in every way”, and deserves its ranking as one of the best American films.

Note: Watch for the impressive burning bridge sequence, which cost $42K, making it “the most expensive single shot in silent film history”.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments: