The General (1926)
The General (1926) Watching the classics, everyone has one of those films that they cannot identify with, and they ask, “How do people like the movie the way they do?” For me, Buster Keaton’s The General was that movie for me. It was not terrible by any stretch of the imagination, but I was not truly enthralled. I have not seen many silent films in my life, but I am a fan of Chaplin. I scratch my head in disappointment given the praise that was sung. Still, there is much to admire. Keaton did all the stunts, even the more dangerous stunts, with such acrobatic grace. The first ten minutes are great. The scene where Keaton is turned away from the Confederacy because of his “train engineer” status and the subsequent walk to his love’s house is fantastic. But the rest of the film does not live up to that scene. Maybe another rewatch will be the cards? I will give Keaton the praise of authenticity. His movie was based on a train chase that took place between the Union and Confederat...