Saturday, January 30, 2010

#39 The General - they're talking about a train...

1926. dir. Clyde Bruckman and Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton, Marion Mack.

Seen it before? No.

They made this movie when my lola was about 8 or 9 years old...Buster Keaton wasn't the only star of the film...the trains should have had screen credits as well...The General, the Texas, and one other which I can't remember, though historically speaking the train was named "The Yonah."

The music (added in 2003) was actually not so bad but was too comical (yes, I realize this movie is a comedy - you'll have to see for yourself the physical comedy endured - most likely - by Keaton, as I imagine stunt doubles weren't something you saw...though that's not what Singin' in the Rain was touting).

How fortunate and unfortunate for Johnny (Keaton's character) not to have been told the reason why he wasn't accepted as an enlisted serviceman. Unfortunate for Johnny because his love refused to acknowledge him - thinking he was a coward for not enlisting when it wasn't the case...and Fortunate for the South because Johnny was able to intercept the plans of the Union and save the train lines for the Confederacy.

Daniel hated the trains getting used inappropriately. The scene when the bridge exploded was probably the scene he hated the most...and apparently it was the most expensive part of any film in that era...

Would I see it again? I probably will if Daniel has anything to say about it.
Would I own it? Nah

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