Cal Poly Arts Presents “The General” (1926)

Immerse yourself in the roaring excitement of Buster Keaton’s silent‑film masterpiece, The General (1926), as it unfolds on the screen alongside the majestic live sound of Cal Poly Arts’ own premier theatre organist, Christian Elliott. Elliott, classically trained and renowned for his historically authentic accompaniment, brings the film’s high‑octane action and razor‑sharp wit to life with sweeping organ flourishes that echo the thunder of steam engines and the clash of Civil War artillery. The screened film is a monumental blend of comedy and adventure, inspired by the real Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War. Keaton performed every daring stunt himself, culminating in the most expensive single shot in silent‑film history—a real steam locomotive crashing into a burning river bridge. A century later, the spectacle remains as breathtaking as ever, and no better way to relive it than with the powerful resonance of a live organ score that responds to every twist, turn, and triumphant climax. Join us for an unforgettable cinematic and musical experience that pays tribute to both a cinematic legend and the artistry of live theatrical music.