The movie The General was released in 1926.

The General is a silent film directed by Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman. It is considered one of the greatest silent comedies ever made.

The movie was inspired by a true story.

The General is loosely based on the true events of the Great Locomotive Chase during the American Civil War, which took place in April 1862.

Buster Keaton plays the lead role.

Keaton not only directed the film but also starred in it as Johnnie Gray, a Confederate train engineer.

The General was initially a commercial failure.

Despite being critically acclaimed today, the movie was not successful upon its release and failed to recoup its production costs.

It was rediscovered and appreciated decades later.

It wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that The General started gaining recognition as a masterpiece of silent cinema.

The film features impressive stunts.

Buster Keaton performed many dangerous stunts himself, including jumping between moving trains and standing on the roof of a train during a chase scene.

The General showcases Keaton’s unique sense of humor.

Keaton’s deadpan expression and physical comedy are hallmarks of his style, and they are on full display in this film.

The General is a blend of comedy and action.

The film seamlessly combines thrilling action sequences with Keaton’s comedic timing, creating a captivating viewing experience.

The movie’s budget was relatively high for its time.

The General had a budget of around $750,000, making it one of the most expensive films of the silent era.

The train used in the film was a real locomotive.

The producers acquired an actual Civil War-era train, which they named “The General,” to shoot the film.

The General is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time.

It is frequently included in lists of the best movies ever made and has influenced countless filmmakers.

The film was shot on location in Oregon.

Most of The General was filmed in Cottage Grove, Oregon, which provided the perfect backdrop for the historical setting.

The General was a departure from Keaton’s previous films.

Prior to The General, Keaton had predominantly made short films. This feature-length production allowed him to showcase his storytelling ability on a larger scale.

The movie received critical acclaim years after its release.

Roger Ebert, a renowned film critic, praised The General for its thrilling chase scenes and Keaton’s comedic genius.

The General has a brilliant musical score.

The film’s score, composed by Carl Davis, perfectly complements the action on screen and enhances the overall viewing experience.

The General is known for its attention to historical detail.

The filmmakers made great efforts to recreate the look and feel of the Civil War era, including the props, costumes, and set designs.

The movie’s storyline is simple but effective.

The General follows the journey of Johnnie Gray, who embarks on a mission to rescue his stolen train and reunite with his beloved Annabelle Lee.

The film’s comedy is timeless.

Despite being almost a century old, the humor in The General still resonates with audiences today.

The General showcases Keaton’s physical prowess.

Keaton was known for his acrobatic skills and used them to great effect in the film’s various physical comedy sequences.

The movie’s release was delayed due to negative test screenings.

The General initially received poor feedback from audience test screenings, leading to re-editing and delaying its release.

The film was a milestone in cinematic technology.

The General utilized groundbreaking camera techniques and special effects for its time, showcasing the advancements in silent film technology.

The General has been preserved as a cultural treasure.

The film has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, recognizing its historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance.

The movie was shot in black and white.

As was common for films of that era, The General was filmed in black and white, adding to its timeless charm.

The General features an iconic scene on a collapsing bridge.

One of the most memorable moments in the film is when a bridge collapses under the weight of a passing train, showcasing Keaton’s impeccable timing.

The film’s production faced several challenges.

From budget constraints to extreme weather conditions during filming, The General was plagued with difficulties that added to its legendary status.

The General has influenced numerous filmmakers.

Directors like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Spielberg have cited The General as a significant influence on their work.

The movie was re-released to great acclaim.

In the 1970s and 1980s, The General was re-released and received widespread praise from both critics and audiences.

The General showcases the power of visual storytelling.

With minimal dialogue, the film relies heavily on visual cues to convey emotion and advance the narrative, highlighting Keaton’s mastery as a filmmaker.

The movie has a timeless appeal.

Despite being a product of its time, The General’s themes of love, courage, and determination are still relatable to modern audiences.

The General was a personal project for Keaton.

Keaton poured his heart and soul into the film, considering it his favorite of all the movies he made during his career.

The film’s release marked a turning point in Keaton’s career.

After the initial flop of The General, Keaton struggled to regain his previous success and eventually left his partnership with MGM.

The General has been studied extensively by film scholars.

Its innovative techniques and comedic timing have made it a popular subject for analysis in film schools and academic circles.

The movie’s reception improved over time.

As audiences and critics revisited The General with a fresh perspective, its status as a cinematic masterpiece became undeniable.

The General has stood the test of time.

Almost a century after its release, the film continues to receive praise and admiration from both film enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

The General is an essential watch for any film lover.

With its combination of thrilling action, timeless humor, and historical significance, The General remains a must-see movie for cinema enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The General is a timeless movie that has captivated audiences for decades with its thrilling action, captivating storyline, and masterful performances. With its iconic status in film history, it’s no wonder that there are so many fascinating facts about this cinematic gem. From the daring stunts performed by Buster Keaton himself to the historical accuracy of the Civil War setting, The General continues to enthrall and inspire movie lovers around the world.

FAQs

1. Who directed The General?

The General was co-directed by Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman.

2. When was The General released?

The movie was released on December 31, 1926.

3. Is The General based on a true story?

While the movie is inspired by real events during the American Civil War, it is not a true story in the traditional sense.

4. Who plays the lead role in The General?

Buster Keaton portrays the protagonist, Johnnie Gray, in the movie.

5. Was The General successful at the box office?

Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its initial release, The General has since gained recognition as one of the greatest movies ever made.

6. How long is the running time of The General?

The movie has a running time of approximately 78 minutes.

7. Has The General won any awards?

While The General did not receive any major awards during its release, it has been praised for its technical achievements and contribution to silent film history.

8. Can I watch The General today?

Absolutely! The General is widely available today on various streaming platforms and DVD releases, making it easy for anyone to enjoy this cinematic masterpiece.

9. Are there any interesting behind-the-scenes stories about The General?

Yes, there are many fascinating stories about the production of The General, including the meticulously detailed sets and the dangerous stunts performed by Buster Keaton himself.

10. Why is The General considered a classic?

The General is considered a classic due to its innovative cinematography, impressive stunts, and timeless storytelling that continues to captivate audiences to this day.