2008 Schweitzer Lakedance Film Blocks
now viewing: Sunday, September 7, 2008 - Day #1
Film Block #1 - "The General At the Beach"
7:30PM-9:00PM
Schweitzer Lakedance continues the tradition of kicking off Schweitzer Lakedance with a free outdoor film suitable to entertain the whole family. Sponsored by Sandpoint Parks and Recreation, and with a blowup screen supplied by Schweitzer Mountain Resort, what a great way to celebrate the opening of the film festival... and the closing of summer.
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The General
The classic Buster Keaton masterpiece comes to life again, where he stars alongside his perennial affectionette Marion Mack, and only he alone can help the confederate army recapture their locomotive, "The General"! Completed and released originally in 1927, "The General" is widely considered today by many to be Keaton's best film, and in fact, one of the best silent films of all time. In fact, it is listed at #132 of all films of all time by IMDB. It wasn't that way in 1927, though. "Old Iron Face" Keaton was given total autonomy by United Artists over the picture due to his previous box office smash successes such as "Cops" and "Sherlock, Jr.", and he made "The General" his pet project, pulling no stops in creating an historic setting for his civil-war epic, even going so far as to use his own money to partially fund the film.
He chose Cottage Grove Oregon, the only place he could find all of the components he needed for the film, especially the all-important train for which the film is named, "The General". This movie was Buster's favorite (consider he starred in well over a hundred!), but despite all of his efforts, critics panned the movie for not enough classic Keaton-esque slapstick humor, and audiences neglected the movie. United Artists never again trusted Keaton with complete control over a film, and it was shortly thereafter that he left for MGM, where he went on to have a career spanning several more decades.
Great fun for the whole family! Come out and see the film Buster Keaton called his best ever! This movie is presented free due in part to sponsorship from Sandpoint Parks and Recreation, and Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Digitally Remastered. The movie will begin following a brief introduction. Bring your lawnchairs, a blanket, your cooler, and WARM CLOTHES!
