Johnny Gray (Buster Keaton) is a southern train engineer, who wants to marry his sweetheart Annabelle Lee (Marion Mack). Unfortunately the outbreak of the civil war intervenes and she won't marry any man unless he is in uniform. Complicating matters the enlistment office won't accept Johnny as they feel his job as an engineer is too important. Eventually his beloved engine "The General" and his sweetheart are trapped behind union lines and Johnny must save the day.