General

Pros: Stunts, comedy, Buster Keaton
Cons: Should be better known

The General (1927) Sometimes it is good to stop and remember things. For instance, I remembered a discussion I had had with Steven Murray regarding the "best" Civil War movie - we both agreed there were few ...

Pros: Amazing!
Cons: It's a silent film

The General is one of the biggest budget movies from the silent film era and also considered to be one of the top 100 movies of all time. Even though some might find the thought of a silent film as unacceptable, I urge you to give this one a try. ...

Pros: Very funny display of Keaton's talents
Cons: none

For those actors who think looking pretty or using foul language makes for fine work and puts them on the path to comedic stardom, I recommend a mandated viewing of “The General” which was made in 1927.

This silent movie features...

Pros: Beautiful story, photography...pretty much everything
Cons: Critics and audiences despised the movie when it was first released -- the fools!

Buster Keaton's classic -- dare I say epic? -- silent comedy The General (1927) has just received a sterling DVD release from New York's Kino Video ($30). I can't recommend a better stocking-stuffer for your friendly film buff.The movie is ...

Pros: Keaton and the train
Cons: Glorification of the Confederacy (PC thugs need only apply for this one)

International action superstar Jackie Chan stated in his autobiography that the first action heroes in movies were really the giants of the silent film era. This may not mean much to an intellectual such as yourself, as it's coming from a guy who once ...

Pros: Wonderful physical comedy
Cons: Unfortunately, black people are shown in an unflattering light.

Silent-film star Buster Keaton shows how terrific comedy can be when performed by the right person. No need for foul language, grabbing of private parts; just sheer, perfectly executed physical comedy, with an amusing storyline. "The General" stars ...

Pros: Incredible stunts, exciting action, hilarious comedy
Cons: None

Buster Keaton was one of the greatest players in silent comedy of the 1920s. His only rival in that respect was Charlie Chaplin. But while Chaplin simply used the camera to record his wonderful films, Keaton used his superior directorial skills to make...

Pros: Fantastic set pieces, a well-structured plot and tremendous production values.
Cons: You'll gasp in amazement more than you'll laugh. Buster is not a particularly endearing comedian

Silent comedy of the 1920's is often considered to be the high point of the genre. You had the top three film comedians of the era working at the top of their game. Charlie Chaplin did THE KID (1921) and THE GOLD RUSH. Harold Lloyd gave us SAFTEY LAST...

Pros: Keaton in the grandfather of the great cartoon
Cons: It might frustrate some for having no dialogue

While viewing a film like “The General”, you begin to realize what has inspired great cartoon writers and directors of the nineteen forties and fifties. That is perhaps why some of Buster Keaton’s best films age better throughout the years, as apposed to...

Pros: Keaton's essential work!
Cons: none, in my view. slow moving by today's standards.

This film is Buster Keaton personified. This is the film he was most proud of, the one he put the most work into, his heart and soul even. Unfortunately, due to the poor reception at the time, and the expense it took to make it, this film also was a...

Pros: cinematography, sets, direction, stunts
Cons: characters, repetition

"The General" is a silent film starring Buster Keaton. It is his most ambitious work, and probably his best.

"The General" takes place during the Civil War. Keaton is an Southern engineer who has two loves: his steam train...

Pros: Incredibly funny.
Cons: Black and white, no sound.

What do you get when one of the greatest comedic minds of the 20th century decides to make a movie about something that actually happened during the Civil War - and that something involves one of the most outlandish military plans ever? You've guessed...

Pros: Good action
Cons: Not historically accurate

One of the truly great silent movies of Buster Keaton. In this film the great stone face is cast as an unfortunate Confederate railroad engineer who has the misfortune of having his train captured by the Yankees. This film while not completely...

Pros: Acting
Cons: no major problems come to mind

The Movie "The General" provides proof that physical comedy can be more than just Jim Carey making faces. This film shows how comedy can be interesting and captivating with out words. This film not only kept my attention, but I truly enjoyed...