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6,253 Ratings

The General

Directed by Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman

United States, 1926

Action, Adventure, Comedy

Synopsis

When the American Civil War breaks out, a confederate railroad engineer must revolt against Northern spies when they steal the locomotive carrying his fiancée.

The General Directed by Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman

Show all (6)

Awards & Festivals

Cannes Film Festival

2013

Berlin International Film Festival

1995

São Paulo International Film Festival

2016

Transilvania International Film Festival

2017

Show all (16)

Cast & Crew

Articles from the Notebook

Movie Poster of the Week: “The Golden Coach” and the Early Posters of Waldemar Swierzy

A look at the early work of one of the great designers of the Golden Age of Polish movie posters.

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What are people saying?

msmichel's rating of the film The General
msmichel

Essential cinema. Keaton's civil war set tale is one of the best films of the silent era. Memorable sequences throughout and unlike many of Keaton's films it is consistent in telling its story. Impeccable timing and planning throughout. My personal favourite scene though is the twig for the fire.
March 13, 2016 18:16
- 1
- 0
anarresti's rating of the film The General
anarresti

This is such a perfect movie. Amazing editing, when it was done manually. Brilliant and hilarious! A timeless movie, made in 1926 "about" the Civil War. Buster Keaton "fights" for the Confederate Army, and we can see it now (or maybe I'm too naive) without any political conotations, just for the fun of it. Most of the movie is set on a moving train, which is an achievement in itself.
July 14, 2014 11:11
- 2
- 0
Matthew_Lucas's rating of the film The General
Matthew_Lucas

Perhaps Buster Keaton's greatest achievement, THE GENERAL may not be a laugh-a-minute knee slapper like some of his other films, but is instead a great adventure distinguished by Keaton's trademark deadpan humor. The train chase set pieces are especially impressive, THE GENERAL is an impeccably choreographed and realized comedic masterpiece. What Keaton accomplished with trains is simply astounding.
September 02, 2011 04:09
- 3
- 0
Arisa's rating of the film The General
Arisa

This was the first Buster Keaton film I had ever seen, and it really just proves that even after all of these years and despite what many may think, silent films are not at all dull. On the contrary, this particular one was really entertaining and hilarious.
November 03, 2010 23:36
- 1
- 0
Pedro Zambujo's rating of the film The General
Pedro Zambujo

I recognize its value, but I much prefer his short movies. Also, had to watch it with a terrible soundtrack that sounded like The Sims' Buy Mode, didn't help.
August 25, 2012 19:19
- 0
- 0
Kamran's rating of the film The General
Kamran

Like Mario, the hero must overcome all obstacles and defeat all enemies to save the princess and then his honour. 87/100 - Excellent. (4.5)
February 23, 2016 22:18
- 0
- 0
sayurkangkung's rating of the film The General
sayurkangkung

I was both laughing and amazed at the same time while watching this, wondering "did they really make this back at the 1920s ?" Plain genius.
April 10, 2010 07:15
- 0
- 0
Jeremy Tamura's rating of the film The General
Jeremy Tamura

I have watched this film maybe 10 times when I was a child, that is probably one of the most poetic and playful film that has ever been made.
November 14, 2009 16:44
- 0
- 0

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The General

Synopsis

Awards & Festivals

Cast & Crew

Buster Keaton Director, Editing, Producer, Cast & 1 more

Buster Keaton Director, Editing, Producer, Cast, Screenplay

Clyde Bruckman Director and Screenplay

Marion Mack Cast

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Al Boasberg Screenplay

Joseph M. Schenck Producer

Mike Donlin Cast

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Movie Poster of the Week: Buster Keaton and the Poster Art of Dylan Haley

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What are people saying?

msmichel's rating of the film The General

anarresti's rating of the film The General

Matthew_Lucas's rating of the film The General

Arisa's rating of the film The General

Pedro Zambujo's rating of the film The General

Kamran's rating of the film The General

sayurkangkung's rating of the film The General

Jeremy Tamura's rating of the film The General

In these lists

Related films

Cops

Neighbors

College

What! No Beer?

Battling Butler

Go West

The Haunted House

The Cameraman

Three Ages

Sherlock Jr.

Parlor, Bedroom and Bath

The General

Synopsis

Synopsis

Awards & Festivals

Cast & Crew

Buster Keaton Director, Editing, Producer, Cast & 1 more Buster Keaton Director, Editing, Producer, Cast, Screenplay

Clyde Bruckman Director and Screenplay

Marion Mack Cast

Glen Cavender Cast

Jim Farley Cast

Al Boasberg Screenplay

Joseph M. Schenck Producer

Mike Donlin Cast

Articles from the Notebook

Movie Poster of the Week: Buster Keaton and the Poster Art of Dylan Haley

The Best of “Movie Poster of the Day,” Part 5

Movie Poster of the Week: “Shadows” and the Posters of Hans Hillmann

Movie Poster of the Week: “The Golden Coach” and the Early Posters of Waldemar Swierzy

What are people saying?

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