The General: Steam Engines, Chases, and That Old-School Chaos

You know when someone calls a film “timeless” and you just want to say, “yeah, right, like Strömmingsvagnen in Sundsvall’s still got the best herring?” But I’ve got to admit, when it comes to *The General* (made 1926, can’t believe it’s almost 100 years old!), Buster Keaton really does something wild. The bloke’s not just starring; he’s actually co-director too, together with Clyde Bruckman. Madness! Keaton, that stoneface, manages to do more with one eyebrow than most Swedes do after three snaps at midsommar.

When Steam Engines Feel Like Life

Seeing those black-and-white frames, dusty uniforms and the railroad stretching out forever, it all gets weirdly close to my own childhood. Ok, not Civil War South close, but I do remember my grandfather taking me on these ancient trains near Gävle in the late 70s… The screech, the frantic shoveling, the feeling it could all go off the rails any second. Watching Keaton cling to those trains is like re-living those stiff wooden seats and coal dust up my nose.

The stunts are so bonkers you legit start giggling and worrying at the same time. I mean, compare that with today’s digital explosions – Keaton dodges wreckage with no CGI, just lunatic planning. And Marion Mack as his love interest – you can almost smell the pomade in the air! Maybe not the deepest character, but hey, it works for the laughs.

Not gonna lie, some jokes feel ancient as my parents’ ol’ VCR. Still, there’s this nervous, ticking energy – like waiting to see if the SL-train in Stockholm ever shows up on time. Makes you root for Keaton like he’s got the last cinnamon bun at a fika.

Is it perfect? Nah, some gags drag, and the whole “north vs south” stuff? Bit out of our league up here. But sit down with a mate, strong kaffe, and just let yourself get run over by that old-school charm.

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