Kids are amazed if you show them a Keaton or Lloyd movie and say “yes, they really did that stunt - it wasn’t created by CGI.” Of course, the problem with CGI is that is looks so unbelievably phony. Even watching the spectaculars from the 50s like “The Ten Commandments,” show enormous energy and talent to create those effects.
Reminds me of my son’s love for Alfred Hitchcock films. While in college on a Saturday night, he decided to stay in and watch one of his favorites: “Rope.” A few of his friends dropped by to see if he was interested in hitting the bars. When he declined, they started making fun of him for choosing to watch “old movies.” One by one, however, they all fell silent as the story line drew them in. Within minutes, the entire gathering fell silent, transfixed by an “old movie” depicting a cold blooded murder, filmed entirely in one room, and centered on three actors. No blood. No gore. No special effects. The boys never moved or spoke during movie. The magic of Hollywood, pre CGI.
I watched Keaton’s “The General” with my son. He didn’t want to watch it at first, but after a few minutes he got into it, then ended up loving it. I told him that Buster did all of his own stunts and none of it was “special effects” and he was just blown away by that.