Jon Mirsalis on Piano. Many critics consider The General to be the last great comedy of the silent era, and it consistently ranks as one of the greatest comedies of all time on international critics' polls. Set during the Civil War and based on a true incident, the film is also an authentic-looking period piece, bringing the scope and realism of Matthew Brady-like images to brilliant life. The title refers not to Keaton's character but to his engine, "The General," which figures prominently in one of the most harrowing and hilarious chase scenes ever filmed. Keaton portrays the engineer Johnnie Gray, who is rejected by the Confederate Army and thought a coward by his girlfriend. When a small band of Union soldiers penetrate far beyond Confederate lines to steal his locomotive, Johnnie Gray sets off in hot pursuit; seven of the film's eight reels are devoted to the chase, with its orchestration of thrills and comedy. Keaton shot the film on the narrow railways of Oregon.