Further images
A bold and playful paper-cut design by Tibor Jakfalvy for the 1964 Hungarian re-release of Buster Keaton's 1926 silent comedy classic The General. Inspired by the true story of the Civil War era Great Locomotive Chase, the plot was adapted from engineer William Pittenger's memoir of the incident, when Union soldiers hijacked a Confederate train. Keaton starred as the hapless train driver in dogged pursuit of his beloved locomotive in a seamless blend of action and comedy. The elaborate stunt sequences, which included an actual locomotive falling from a burning bridge into a gorge, made it one of the most expensive films of its time. Poorly received by both critics and audiences on initial release, The General was a commercial disaster, but has since been recognised as one of the greatest films of the silent era, one of the first films selected for preservation by the Library of Congress in 1989 alongside such classics as Casablanca and Citizen Kane. Voted one of the 10 greatest films of all time by the decennial Sight & Sound poll in both 1972 and 1982, The General was also included in the top 10 of revered critic Roger Ebert, who said of Keaton's films, They have such a graceful perfection, such a meshing of story, character and episode, that they unfold like music.
Condition
Excellent (A-)
Unfolded, not backed. Nicks and creases to corners and edges and a tiny ¼in. horizontal tear to left edge. Bumps and dog-ears to corners. A few faint surface scuffs and soft creases through artwork. Image and colours otherwise excellent.