This gem is presented by Silent Hall of Fame. Please visit https://silent-hall-of-fame.org/ to support our non-profit mission and the legacy of silent movie stars by making a tax deductible contribution. FEEL FREE TO FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SilentFilmGems "The General", a classic silent comedy, lifted Buster Keaton from the ashes of oblivion decades after his name and legacy were forgotten. Audiences and critics in the 1920ies did not appreciate this extraordinary masterpiece, but Buster Keaton always regarded "The General" as his best film. Today he is totally vindicated and the world agrees with him. The movie luminary Orson Welles has stated that Buster Keaton's "The General" is "the greatest comedy ever made, the greatest Civil War film ever made, and perhaps the greatest film ever made." (From Wikipedia). The film contains the single most spectacular scene of the Silent Era when a real train falls from a burning bridge and crashes into the river below. "The General" has been voted in the list of the best films ever made, and is ranked number 1 in the list of The Top 100 Silent Era Films of the influential website Silent Era. "The General" was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" in 1989, the first year it was enacted. Directed by Clyde Bruckman, Buster Keaton Produced by Joseph Schenck, Buster Keaton Scenario by Al Boasberg, Clyde Bruckman, Buster Keaton Based on The Great Locomotive Chase by William Pittenger Starring Buster Keaton, Marion Mack Cinematography Bert Haines, Devereaux Jennings Distributed by United Artists Release date 5 February 1927 Running time 75 min. Country United States Language Silent film, English intertitles Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: "Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."
"I agree that this film is "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant," as is Griffith’s “Birth of a Nation.” And probably, like the latte..."
"I believe Phil refers to Roger Ebert. In a 2002 poll of critics and filmmakers on the best films ever made, critic Roger Ebert listed it on his top 10..."
"Silent masterpiece. Can't remember who, but a contemporary HUGE director said this was in the top ten greatest films of all time. (i know its a lame s..."