"The General" is a 1926 American silent comedy film directed by and starring Buster Keaton. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. Here are some key points about the movie:
Plot Summary
The film is set during the American Civil War and follows Johnnie Gray (Buster Keaton), a train engineer for the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Johnnie has two loves in his life: his train, "The General," and his girlfriend, Annabelle Lee (Marion Mack). When the war breaks out, Johnnie attempts to enlist in the Confederate army but is rejected because his job as an engineer is deemed too valuable.
Annabelle and her family mistakenly believe that Johnnie is a coward, and she tells him she will not speak to him until he is in uniform. Later, Union spies steal The General with Annabelle on board. Johnnie sets off on an epic chase to recover both his locomotive and his love.
Production and Style
Directors: Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman
Starring: Buster Keaton, Marion Mack
Cinematography: Bert Haines, Devereaux Jennings
Studio: Buster Keaton Productions
Distributed by: United Artists
"The General" is notable for its meticulous attention to detail and its use of physical comedy. Keaton's performance is characterized by his stoic expression and elaborate stunts, which he performed himself without the use of doubles. The film is also known for its large-scale set pieces, including a famous scene where a bridge collapses as a train crosses it.
Reception
Initially, "The General" was not a commercial success and received mixed reviews. However, over time, it has been re-evaluated and is now considered a classic. It is praised for its technical innovation, historical accuracy, and Keaton's comedic genius.
Legacy
Today, "The General" is frequently listed among the greatest films ever made. It is included in the National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Keaton's work on the film is often cited as an example of his unparalleled talent as a filmmaker and comedian.
Trivia
The film is loosely based on the real-life Great Locomotive Chase of 1862.
The train used for the famous bridge collapse scene was left in the riverbed and later became a tourist attraction.
Buster Keaton performed all of his stunts in the film, some of which are considered extremely dangerous by modern standards.
11 июн 2024
