A black-and-white still from a silent-era film. A young man (Buster Keaton) with dark, curly hair and an intense, wide-eyed expression crouches low on the front cowcatcher of a large steam locomotive, gripping the metal frame with both hands. He wears a loose striped shirt and appears to be in a moment of high tension or peril, staring directly into the camera. The massive iron body of the train looms behind him.

Flatpack 2026: The General at 100 + live score

About Flatpack 2026: The General at 100 + live score

One hundred years ago, Buster Keaton didn’t just make a movie; he orchestrated a high-speed, deadpan ballet involving a twenty-ton steam engine and some of the most daring practical stunts ever captured on celluloid.

To celebrate the centenary of this undisputed masterpiece, we’re bringing The General back to the big screen for a birthday bash of epic proportions.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, it follows the hapless engineer Johnnie Gray as he embarks on a relentless, locomotive-led pursuit to reclaim both his beloved engine and his sweetheart. It’s a miracle of geometry, timing, and sheer cinematic ambition - famously featuring the most expensive single shot in silent film history.

We are thrilled to welcome the world-renowned silent film pianist Stephen Horne who will be accompanying the film.
 

Booking info

To book Accessible tickets and free Companion tickets, please visit our Accessible Bookings page. Companion tickets will initially show a standard ticket price, but once your account is set-up and you are logged in, this will be reduced to £0 at checkout.

Duration includes trailers, adverts and any Q&A/panel. For events such as NT Live, Colour Box and Reel & Meal there will be minimal advertising. We do not admit latecomers after the main feature has started and we have a limited food & drink policy.

MAC’s cinema programme has been generously supported by BFI Film Audience Network and Film Hub Midlands.

Dates and times

You might also enjoy

  1. Animated image of Porky Pig in a white spacesuit as he runs away from a flying saucer behind him, which is emanating a green ray. We see flames all around him as he runs across what appears to be the surface of a rocky planet.

    Pay What You Choose: Looney Tunes - The Day The Earth Blew Up

    Cinema
    More info
  2. A close-up image of Elvis Presley during his Las Vegas residency, with long sideburns and a sweaty head of hair. A microphone is in front of his mouth and we can see shadows of band members behind him in front of a dark red backdrop.

    EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert

    Cinema
    More info
  3. A sombre looking woman in her forties with long brunette hair (Rose Byrne) lies on a bed, her head propped up by her left hand. She is hugging a white stuffed plushie and the image is lit up in stark red.

    If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You

    Cinema
    More info