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Scottish Rite hosts screening of "The General"

Buster Keaton in The General The historic Wichita Scottish Rite Theatre will screen the 1926 action/comedy The General staring Buster Keaton on Friday, Aug. 27. The film shows at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m.

The General was Keaton's favorite film, and as writer, director and star, was also the one that he had the most artistic control over. In the film, Johnny (Keaton) splits his love between his train, The General, and the lovely but daft Annabelle Lee. When the Civil War begins, his value as an engineer outweighs his value as a infantry man, and he is turned down for service. Annabelle thinks it's because he's a coward. When Union spies capture The General with Annabelle on board, Johnny must rescue both.

Dinner will be served for $5 before the movie including hotdog, chips, cookie and soft drink. Come early and chow down! Also, prior to the feature, a silent short film will be shown. This is an excellent opportunity to experience a bit of cinema history in a beautiful theater. Built long before the "talkies," the Wichita Scottish Rite Theatre is also one of the best kept secrets in town. A beautiful proscenium stage boasts a 700 seat auditorium complete with a stained glass dome. These movies are free and open to the public.