I think my first memories of watching silent movies were on “Joe Franklin’s Memory Lane” This was tv show that was produced locally on New York City television. I think the show aired from the ’50’s right through the ’90’s. Joe Franklin specialized in nostalgia…he’s actually credited with inventing the television talk show. He had a desk and a couch and many guests, both known and unknown. Some panelists were up-and-comers, while some were from yesteryear. Guest singers would rarely perform live. Rather, a recording was played, and the camera would pan the the panel (supposedly listening,) who chatted off microphone. It was pretty odd. But…he did have some great guests…Bing Crosby, Fay Wray, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland and the like. Stars from the 30’s, and 40’s. I loved it . Even as a kid I was a nerd.
But…Joe Franklin also featured silent film shorts. I looked forward to these segments. I found them diverting because to me they were so different from standard television fare. I would try to figure out the silent dialogue, before the title cards appeared. As I grew older and Joe Franklin passed-on to nostalgia heaven, opportunities for me to experience silent cinema became far fewer.
Fortunately, I recently had the chance to re-discover, a film considered to be a masterpiece in the genre…The General from 1927. This film stars the legendary Buster Keaton, who co-directed with his colleague, Clyde Bruckman.
Upon its release, the film was unsuccessful, both critically and financially. Its failure is regarded as the main reason Keaton lost his independency as a filmmaker. But over the decades, The General has grown significantly in cultural merit. I totally enjoyed my viewing experience, which has rejuvenated my appreciation for these artistic pioneers.
The movie is based on real life Civil War experiences as recalled by William Pittenger in his 1889 memoir, The Great Locomotive Chase. The story revolves around hapless railroad engineer, Johnnie Gray (Keaton) , who bumps and waggles an array of Union soldiers after they steal the “General,” his beloved train engine. In addition, Johnnie’s girlfriend, Annabelle, is accidentally captured while on the train. So the stakes are high for Johnnie-boy as he commically pursues the train through multiple forms of transportation. Buster Keaton’s physical prowess and dexterity are on high display here.
But The General goes well beyord the laughs. It integrates Keaton’s comic brilliance with a story of war, death and man’s vindication. The great director, Orson Welles, has suggested the Civil War scenes in The General may be the best visual reflections of that conflict ever created. It is my thinking that inclusion of these serious themes, may have been the cause of the film’s initial rejection. Folks who bought a ticket to laugh, found themselves thinking about serious issues as well. Maybe they weren’t ready for that.
The film is impressive on so many levels: multiple stunts and gags on a MOVING TRAIN! C’mon; no computor generated graphics….It’s all real; and no stunt doubles..Keaton performed all his own exploits. Cray!!!! Cray!!!!
Finally, we see strong character develpment in this movie. Johnnie Gray’s initial rejection by his circle is finally redeemed through his own perseverance and hard work. It’s really quite inspiring.
I found it necessary to watch the film twice. Initially, the lack of dialogue caused my mind to wander. It was difficult for me to follow. Second time through, I was able to focus on the visual array of delights. It was a truly a wonderful experience. I recommend it.
billbenbarker 