This film packs in a surprising amount – it’s funny, but there's also action and even a romantic element woven into this narrative set during the American Civil War. Keaton, playing "Johnnie," is considered vital to his job as a railroad engineer and therefore denied service as a soldier, which leads “Annabelle” and her family to believe he's cowardly. When Union soldiers devise a scheme to hijack his engine, "The General," while she’s aboard, he has to rely on cleverness and trickery to rescue them both, finding himself behind enemy lines where he uncovers their plot to launch an attack. Will he manage to reunite with his girlfriend and warn the Confederates about the Union's intentions? The visuals are remarkably good; everything looks crisp even when the train is moving quickly. Numerous smaller battles bolster a well-developed and thrilling story, full of dramatic moments and occasionally some genuinely frightening scenes, all squeezed into just over an hour. The version I watched was re-scored by Carl Davis, which significantly enhanced both the momentum and the suspense – as well as the romantic aspects – contributing to what is truly an excellent film.

Source on TMDB