The General

Set during the American Civil War, this silent film follows the story of Johnnie Gray, a train engineer who finds himself caught in a daring adventure when his beloved locomotive is stolen by Union spies. Buster Keaton, who also co-directed the film, stars as the determined and resourceful protagonist, showcasing his signature physical comedy and stunt work. The film is renowned for its impressive action sequences and meticulous attention to historical detail, making it a classic in the genre of silent cinema. Although it did not receive awards at the time of its release, it has since been recognized as one of the greatest films ever made. For those interested, it can be viewed for free on Soap2day.