The General 4K 1926 Ultra HD 2160p

Story Movie

Young Johnny Gray was rejected by the Confederate Army, and his beloved Annabel Lee rejects him, calling him a coward. Nevertheless, he and his "partner," the locomotive, prove everyone wrong by winning the battle. Johnny fights train hijackers, a disobedient cannon, and the unpredictable forces of fate.

Review 4K Movie

I owe my viewing of this charming film entirely to the magical KinoPoisk button called “Random Movie,” and I am very glad that this happened, because this film introduced me to the wonderful Buster Keaton and, in general, made me look at silent films in a different way. Although that's probably too strong a word, because until now, apart from numerous clips from who knows where, I had only seen The Lights of the Big City.
And here is Buster Keaton. I was struck by the naturalness of his acting. It seems that he is Johnny Gray—the clumsy, brave, and lovesick engineer of The General. There is no affectation in Keaton's acting, no obsessive desire to make people laugh with his behavior or appearance—I used to think that this was an integral part of comedies of that period.

The next stereotype that was shattered was the idea of silent films as something that tells stories about the lives and emotional torments of all sorts of exalted characters, accompanied by the inevitable piano music.

The General is a thoroughly modern, fast-paced adventure comedy with elements of romance and, dare I say it, drama. Love threatened by misunderstanding, kidnapping, pursuit, enemy treachery, and heroism in the name of the Motherland. There is also a struggle against the elements, subversive activities in the enemy camp, and much more that cannot be described in words.

But most importantly, the film is very kind. You sit there and smile foolishly, staring at the screen, even when nothing funny is happening (such moments are rare). It's amazing! Definitely, my introduction to Keaton's work was a great success.