The General

The General (1926) B/W Silent
77 mins, Cert U
Buster Keaton
***** film

Buster Keaton's character, Johnnie Gray, is the engineer on The General, a steam engine. Johnnie wants to join the Confederate (South) Army in the American Civil War, but is not allowed to enlist because his job is too valuable. His girlfriend thinks that this is because he's a coward. Johnnie has to prove himself to her.

She is kidnapped by the Yankees (North) soldiers and Johnnie saves the day.
There are lots of exciting chase scenes on the train and some good slapstick moments, especially when Johnnie's sword keeps flying off the handle. It is very funny when he bundles his girlfriend into a sack and throws her into the supply wagon. There are recurring jokes, such as the water joke, which keep the laughs coming.

We saw this film with a live pianist, Ben Draper, playing along. This made the film more enjoyable for us.

***** stars.(I rate it).

I'm going to ask Charlie some questions:
1. "Did you like it?"
"Yes, because it was funny."
2. "What was your faveorite bits?
"When he plunged through the hole in the bridge, and when the steam Enginne crashed through the bridge and into the river.
3. "What is your recommendation?"
"For ages 6-80 because it's an allround film and anyone can watch it and enioy it.
4. "How many stars would you rate it out of five?"
"I would make it five because I loved every bit of it."


Younger children might need help reading the writing because Charlie who is 8 found it incredibly hard to read fast enough.

Tim