In The General (1926), Buster Keaton performed a now-iconic, dangerous, and perfectly timed stunt for real, where he cleared heavy debris from the tracks while riding on the front of a moving train. This incredible sequence, executed without special effects or trick photography, showcases Keaton's daring and is a celebrated example of practical filmmaking in the silent era. | History In Pictures

Buster Keaton, born Joseph Frank Keaton in 1895, began his career in vaudeville at age three, performing with his parents in the Keaton Family act. Known for his physical comedy and stoic expression, he transitioned to silent films, starring in shorts like One Week (1920). His innovative stunts and gags earned him the nickname The Great Stone Face. In the 1920s, Keaton produced and directed masterpieces like The General (1926), blending comedy with elaborate stunts. Financial struggles and the s