The dynamism of Buster Keaton’s silent-film comedy arises from the coordination of physical movement with the spatial and temporal manipulation of editing. The plot of The General (Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman, 1926) is set in motion when Union soldiers steal Keaton’s character’s steam engine, the General.

Discussion Questions

After watching this clip from The General, consider the questions below. Then submit your response.