The Mechanic of the "General" Buster Keaton in concert

The Mechanic of the “General” Buster Keaton in concert invites you to experience the brilliance of a silent‑film classic brought to life with live organ accompaniment and a modern concert‑theater setting. In 1861, young Johnnie Gray (played by Buster Keaton) finds himself torn between his love for the spirited Annabelle Lee (Marion Mack) and his devotion to the iron‑horse that is The General. When the Civil War erupts, he is urged to enlist but is instead assigned to the more “useful” task of repairing engines. Though the local townsfolk brand him a coward, Johnnie’s destiny comes into focus the day Union spies hijack The General while Annabelle is onboard, prompting him to dive headlong into the fray. The story is rooted in a true Civil War tale and offers a documentary‑style authenticity, from the meticulously rebuilt wooden‑boiler locomotives to the recreated river plunge that still exists today. A forge was even built on studio soundstage to conjure the sights and sounds of an 1860s railroad. Keaton, known for his geometric visual flair, masterfully employs every space to craft a film that is unmistakably Keatonian. Directed, edited and scripted by Keaton himself—complete with original intertitles—this concert film is a personal favorite and a must‑see for the whole family. Join us for this monument of slapstick, heart, and historic adventure, proudly presented in partnership with the Lumière Institute as part of a new silent film series. Details and tickets are available through United Artists.