One hundred years after its release, Buster Keaton's silent comedy masterpiece The General is finding a new audience on the free streaming platform JustWatch TV. The film, which has been hailed as one of the greatest ever made, is now available to watch without a subscription, marking a fitting tribute to its centennial.
Keaton's film, set during the American Civil War, tells the story of a Confederate locomotive engineer named Johnnie Gray who embarks on a daring mission to rescue his beloved train, 'The General,' and his sweetheart, Annabelle Lee. The movie is renowned for its breathtaking stunts and innovative action sequences, all performed by Keaton himself without the aid of special effects.
Despite its initial modest box office performance, The General has since been recognized as a cinematic treasure. Orson Welles himself called it "the greatest comedy ever made, the greatest Civil War film ever made, and perhaps the greatest film ever made." Its influence can be seen in countless films, from the train chase in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning to the slapstick humor in recent blockbusters like Resident Evil and Minions & Monsters.
Keaton once said of the film, "I was more proud of that picture than any I ever made. Because I took an actual happening out of the history books, and I told the story in detail too." Indeed, the film is loosely based on the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862, a real Civil War event.
Now, thanks to JustWatch TV, a new platform currently in beta and set to launch fully in October, audiences can experience this classic for free. The platform is also offering other silent-era gems, such as Fritz Lang's M and Nosferatu, making it a haven for cinephiles.
With a Certified Fresh 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, The General remains a testament to Keaton's genius and the enduring power of silent comedy. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to witness a true masterpiece.
For those interested in exploring more cinematic achievements, check out our list of iconic blockbusters or dive into the world of hard sci-fi masterpieces. And for a look at modern action, see how Tom Cruise's latest compares.
Don't miss your chance to experience the film that defined an era. Head over to JustWatch TV and enjoy The General for free today.
