have never see a silent film before and i wasn not sure what to expect go into it . buster keaton the general be set in 1861 and the year the american civil war break out . like all young men at the time and the film main protagonist john gray ( keaton ) and a railroad engineer try to enlist in the army but be denied entry a he be deem more valuable to the southern cause a an engineer . subsequently and he be dismiss a a coward by his girlfriend and annabelle . it so happen that one day soon after and the northern union spy steal his train . with annabele on board and it up to johnnie to go deep into the enemy territory to recapture the engine and the girl . buster keaton who also co write and co direct the film be utter perfection a the title character . not only be his facial expression when he realise that something have go wrong on the train hilarious but one must also give him credit for do most of his own stunt work . also deserve of praise be the film three composer whose score be memorable and never feel repetitive . overall represent positive and a great first film for anyone who want to broaden their horizon by watch film make in the pre talkie era .