The General

1927 historical comedy

Rating: 20/20 (Dylan: 11/20; Emma: 15/20; Abbey: 20/20)

Plot: Johnny Gray has two loves in his life--his girl Annabelle and his train engine The General. The former is less than impressed when Johnny can't get himself enlisted to fight for the South in the Civil War. The latter is stolen by Union spies. Oh, snap! Johnny Gray's in hot pursuit as he attempts to single-handedly rescue train and girl.

The girls actually made me watch this one. Classic comedy made better by the historical authenticity and the fact that it's based on a true story. My favorite thing about this is that the comedy comes so naturally. In lots of slapstick, the comedy is an excuse to have a characters, a setting, plot, etc. With The General, you've got the story at the forefront and the comedy fits in around it. Not a lot of the slapstick is forced, and a lot of it is subtle, almost stuff you might miss the first time. The comic timing looks complicated and is executed perfectly. Iconic shots, great gags, classic moments. I actually wouldn't call this my favorite Buster Keaton movie, but it's his best.

Me and somebody and dog: