The Reese Project Silent Film Series 

THE GENERAL (1927)

Starring Buster Keaton

Comedy

Running time:  approx 70 min

Union solders have stolen The General, a Confederate train manned by Johnnie Gray (Keaton), who was unable to enlist in the Confederate army because he is needed as an engineer. The Union plans to use the train to supply its soldiers in a sneak attack against the Confederates. But now it's up to Gray and his love, Annabelle Lee, to reclaim The General, recross enemy lines, and warn the Confederates.

Although "The General" was widely panned by critics in 1927 for being "too serious", Buster Keaton called the film "my personal best" later in life.  Today the silent classic, based on a true Civil War tale, is one of Keaton's most popular films ever.