The silent comedy-action classic “The General” – starring Buster Keaton is coming to Mineral Area College. The film is considered one of the greatest train films of all time.
The showing of the film is being hosted by the Mineral Area Council on the Arts (MACOA). Director Roxanne Cummings says the film is an action movie that also features a love story. It is set during the Civil War where a southern train ("The General) is stolen by the northern army and Keaton's character spends the movie trying to get the train back.
Cummings says they decided to show "The General" so that all ages would be able to view a true classic and that recently there has been a lot of interest in the Parkland area with film clubs. This event gives students the chance to see a movie that they might not get to see unless they watch channels like AMC on a regular basis.
Roxanne noted that she has become a Buster Keaton fan since watching "The General." Silent movie actors used their facial expressions to help move the story along and she thinks Buster is one of the best. She said, "Buster has one of those wonderful faces. He's a true star because you can't take your eyes off of it."
Students of the Civil War will enjoy the movie because of the footage that is used throughout the picture. One reviewer said that watching "The General" is like seeing Civil War photographer Matthew Brady's photos on the big screen.
"The General" will be shown on Friday, Jan. 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Mineral Area Fine Arts Theatre. Special guest Dr. Kevin White, Music Department Chair & Film Club Sponsor at Mineral Area College will provide opening & closing remarks about the film and demonstrate a movie house piano.
Tickets are available at the MAC Bookstore and are $5 adults, $2 students. For more information, call (573) 518-2125 or visit the MACOA website.
