THE GENERAL (1926) MADE CINEMATIC HISTORY WITH A SINGLE, PRICEY SHOT
During the Civil War, The Great Locomotive Chase was a daring attempt by the Union to disrupt the Confederate supply chain by stealing a train. This story would inspire not only a book of the same name, but also a variety of movies, including The General (1926). Near the end of the silent movie era, The General (1926), starring Buster Keaton, was a historical comedy filled with several elaborate stunts. It was a costly film and a passion project that eventually found praise but struggled through its theatrical release.
The General (1926): Buster Keaton’s Passion Project
By the time Buster Keaton took on starring and directing The General (1926), he already had made quite the name for himself during the silent era of film.
Together with co-director Clyde Bruckman, Keaton took on the project as he was a train enthusiast and was inspired by the Civil War’s Great Locomotive Chase.
Keaton was so inspired by the story, that he tried to use the actual train called The General. He shot the movie near the real-life location; however, he was unable to get access to the real locomotive.
Though somewhat controversial to those who believed in a united country, the protagonist of The General (1926) was on the side of the Confederacy to help the film appeal to a wider audience.
Since using the real train was a no-go, the movie instead turned to vintage locomotives from a local lumber services company in Oregon.
Remember, there’s no CGI, and special effects are nowhere near what they would become nearly a century later.
This is why the film’s infamous bridge collapse scene remains a great moment in Hollywood, as the train used was completely destroyed.
Keaton’s passion for trains drove the film’s concept, but logistical challenges made it difficult to fully capture historical accuracy.
Nevertheless, the film remained one of Keaton’s biggest sources of pride and cemented his legacy as a stuntman, director, and comedic actor during his time.
The Film Was Based on a True Civil War Story
In 1862, the daring Great Locomotive Chase unfolded as Union spy James J. Andrews led volunteers to steal a Confederate train, The General, and sabotage Southern railways.
Disguised as civilians, Andrews’ Raiders aimed to cripple Confederate supply lines between Atlanta and Chattanooga.
However, Confederate conductor William Fuller relentlessly pursued them. Despite their efforts, the Raiders faced delays, allowing Fuller time to catch up.
The mission failed just 18 miles from Chattanooga, and Andrews’ Raiders were captured.
This harrowing story was a popular one in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Great Locomotive Chase was written in 1863, by Army Veteran Sgt. William Pittenger, who took part in the actual events during the Civil War.
This memoir would inspire various movie adaptations, including The General (1926) bringing the adventure to life on the big screen.
The General (1926) Was a Costly Endeavor in Multiple Ways
Today, the most expensive movies range from $300 to well over $400 billion to produce.
These blockbuster films have ballooned to ridiculous figures as audiences continue to expect more and more from their movie-going experiences.
However, when The General (1926) came out, it made quite a stir for its hefty budget of $750,000.
In 2024, this would still pale to modern films, but due to inflation, it puts the film’s budget over $13.3 million.
Part of this was the trainwreck scene which cost the production $42,000 ($748,171.86 in 2024), making it the most expensive single shot in silent film history.
Once they were done, the locomotive remained for almost two decades at the bottom of the riverbed and acted as a tourist attraction, that is, until it was salvaged during World War II to scrap.
Even though the scene, story, and eventually, the film, would captivate audiences, its initial release was not as well as hoped.
It was a financial failure partly because critics at the time didn’t like it, leading to Keaton losing creative independence as a filmmaker.
Today, The General (1926) is held in much higher regard and considered to be one of the greatest silent films ever made.
Among the celebrated stunts, pyrotechnical shots, and comedy remains a tribute to one of the more interesting Civil War stories you’ll find.
If you’re looking to take a trip into another era, you can watch The General (1926) on several streaming services for free, including The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Sling TV.
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