Silent Film with Pipe Organ: Buster Keaton’s “The General”

Founders Recital Hall

The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
$20
Inspired by Woodbine Productions, Sandy and Doug Oleson continue their support of SDSU’s beloved Silent Film with Pipe Organ tradition with a sixth appearance by acclaimed organist and silent-film historian Ben Model.

South Dakota State University’s School of Performing Arts is pleased to present Buster Keaton’s 1926 masterpiece, The General, accompanied live by Model’s original score on pipe organ. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading silent-film accompanists, Model has spent more than four decades creating and performing live music for silent films. He serves as a resident accompanist at both the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Library of Congress’ Packard Campus Theatre.

As SDSU commemorates America 250, The General offers a uniquely American story. Set during the Civil War and inspired by real events, the film combines Keaton’s groundbreaking comedy with themes of perseverance, divided loyalties, and national identity, creating a memorable cinematic experience for contemporary audiences.