Buster Keaton’s incomparable comic genius and one of Hollywood’s greatest chase scenes combine to make this a true masterpiece of the silent film era. Yankees steal the grand locomotive, ‘The General,” with Marian Mack aboard.
Her boyfriend, Confederate army engineer Keaton, will not give up his chase until he wins back his girl and his train – even though it means chasing both right through Union lines. Hilarious sight gags abound, backdropped by remarkable location photography reminiscent of Matthew Brady’s work.
production details
USA | 79 minutes | 1926
Writers and Directors: Clyde Bruckman, Buster Keaton
cast
Edward Hearn as Union Officer (uncredited)
Al St. John as Officer on Horseback (uncredited)
Mike Donlin as Union General
Eddie Foster as Union Railroad Fireman (uncredited)
Frank Hagney as Confederate Recruiter (uncredited)
Buster Keaton as Johnny Gray
Marion Mack as Annabelle Lee
Glen Cavender as Captain Anderson
Jim Farley as General Thatcher
Frederick Vroom as A Southern General
Charles Henry Smith as Annabelle’s Father (as Charles Smith)
Frank Barnes as Annabelle’s Brother
Joe Keaton as Union General
Tom Nawn as Union General
Jimmy Bryant as Raider (uncredited)
Budd Fine as Raider (uncredited)
Ray Hanford as Raider (uncredited)
Charles Phillips as Raider (uncredited)
Jack Hanlon as Bit Part (uncredited)
Hilliard Karr as Soldier (uncredited)
Louis Lewyn as Soldier (uncredited)
Elgin Lessley as Union General Who Gives Command to Cross Bridge (uncredited)