The General (1926 Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman & scr)

Epic Civil War silent comedy. Keaton loves his train and Marion Mack - thus when they're both stolen by Unionists he follows in hot pursuit. Inventive gags and dangerous stunts abound, with Keaton utterly deadpan in the midst of it. Some huge set pieces but lovely little moments  -such as when the boys follow him into girlfriend's house, or when she starts putting tiny pieces of wood into the furnace, then starts sweeping the floor. It's absolutely brilliant.

Photographed by Bert Haines and Devereaux Jennings. An independent - Joseph Schenk production.