Some critics feel they've a Midas touch, turning to gold all they gild, but in fact, may just be spinning straw for the Studios. Buster was a comedy pioneer and stunt specialist, yet, despite modern attempts to lionize this film, not without its great aspects in staging scenes, did err in trying to turn Civil War oddity (train trade-offs) into laughs. What is curious is that one of his players, former Giants great Mike Donlin (US General), erred in similar fashion, leaving MLB (.333) for an acting career where he hit around .200 (bit parts). The lesson: Stick to what you know. For Keaton, that was all his terrific rom-com shorts made in years prior, ones that fit his form like silks a Jockey® (2/4).
Review of The General
