Question 1

Why did Buster Keaton have to find a different locomotive to film with?

Accepted Answer

The railroad withdrew permission to use the real locomotive "General" when they learned the film was a comedy, forcing Keaton to look elsewhere.

Question 2

How did Buster Keaton film scenes with both Union and Confederate armies using the same extras?

Accepted Answer

He had 500 Oregon National Guard troops wear Confederate gray uniforms and march one direction, then change into Union blue uniforms and march the opposite direction.

Question 3

What happened during the filming of the final battle scene?

Accepted Answer

The scene sparked a small forest fire around the river, and Keaton, his crew, and extras stopped filming to fight it.

Question 4

What was Buster Keaton's personal favorite among his own movies?

Accepted Answer

Buster Keaton always said that "The General" was his favorite of his own movies.

Question 5

What is the central conflict in 'The General'?

Accepted Answer

During the Civil War, Union spies steal engineer Johnny Gray's locomotive 'The General' with his love Annabelle aboard, and he must single-handedly recover both.

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The General

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