The Railway Children (1970)

After the enforced absence of their father, three children move with their mother to Yorkshire, where during their adventures they attempt to discover the reason for his disappearance.

Director:

Lionel Jeffries

Writers:

E. Nesbit (celebrated novel), Lionel Jeffries (screenplay)

Stars:

Dinah Sheridan, Bernard Cribbins, William Mervyn

Nominated for 2 BAFTA Film Awards. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dinah Sheridan	...	Mrs. Waterbury (as Miss Dinah Sheridan)
Bernard Cribbins	...	Albert Perks (as Mr. Bernard Cribbins)
William Mervyn	...	Old Gentleman (as Mr. William Mervyn)
Iain Cuthbertson	...	Charles Waterbury (as Mr. Iain Cuthbertson)
Jenny Agutter	...	Roberta 'Bobbie' Waterbury (as Miss Jenny Agutter)
Sally Thomsett	...	Phyllis Waterbury (as Miss Sally Thomsett)
Gary Warren	...	Peter Waterbury (as Master Gary Warren)
Peter Bromilow	...	Doctor
Ann Lancaster	...	Ruth
Gordon Whiting	...	Russian
Beatrix Mackey	...	Aunt Emma
Deddie Davies	...	Mrs. Perks
David Lodge	...	Bandmaster
Christopher Witty	...	Jim
Brenda Cowling	...	Mrs. Viney

Storyline

The film opens in a happy, comfortable upper middle-class home in Edwardian London. One night in 1905, the three children see their father usher two strangers into his study. After an argument he leaves with them and does not return. They and their mother fall on hard times and eventually move to a cottage in the country. Yet they keep their spirits up and find ways to help others. Fascinated by the nearby railway, they wave to the passengers faithfully every day, and their vigilance and courage prevent an accident. Their kindness makes friends of some important people who can help solve the mystery of their missing father.

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Plot Keywords:

children | yorkshire | train | railway | missing father | 

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Taglines:

What's the unexpected secret that turns their world upside down?

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Genres:

Family | Drama

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Certificate:

G

Details

Official Sites:

Edith Nesbit & The Railway Children [uk]

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 December 1971 (Japan)

Also Known As:

Aseman lapset

Filming Locations:

Bents Farm, Oxenhope, West Yorkshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

EMI Film Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The British Film Institute ranks this film as the 66th Best British Film of all time, the only children's film to make the list.

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Goofs

The childrens' father dresses in the 'traditional' red and white Father Christmas outfit in order to hand out the presents. Father Christmas has a long and rich history, but up until 1931 he had been portrayed most often in black and white, or green and white. It was in 1931, that Coca-Cola created an image of Father Christmas in red and white, for a Christmas advertising campaign. So although theoretically possible, it is unlikely that red and white costumes would have been used in Edwardian England.

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Quotes

Phyllis Waterbury: I don't think we're going to enjoy being poor, you know, being cold and all that.
Bobbie Waterbury: Phyllis try to imagine it as an adventure, all sorts of things might happen.

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Crazy Credits

As the end credit captions are displayed the shot tracks towards a steam locomotive, in front of which are gathered the principal cast. They are surrounded by extras portraying local townspeople, who wave and say goodbye to the audience. All the while, Jenny Agutter is preoccupied with writing something on a slate. As the camera reaches her, she holds it up to display the words "The End".

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Connections

Version of The Railway Children (2000)

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Soundtracks

"Pretty Polly Perkins of Paddington Green"
Written by Harry Clifton
Performed by Perks at the birthday party

User Reviews

The Railway Children

The Railway Children is perhaps my favorite film of all time simply for the brilliant acting of the cast,the warm,humane interaction of the 3 children and the people they encounter living near the railway in the beautiful English countryside. Jenny Augutter is especially believable in her role as 'Bobbie' the older sibling of her sister Phyllis and brother Peter.The adventures they discover and relationships formed in their new home and surrounding area are very real and fascinating.The scenery is lovely,the trains a part of Britain's vast history and the soundtrack is very moving. This heartwarming film never fails to bring tears to my eyes,each and every time as well as makes me homesick.I often wonder if I should have been born in that era as I think I would have fitted in just fine as people treated each other with such chivalry and decency.

In short I consider this film somewhat of a masterpiece and a must see for anyone who considers themselves a 'sensitive or caring type'.Edith Nesbit wrote this story around the beginning of the 1900's and what a wonderful story it is.More kids today need to read this or see the film instead of playing violent video games.If we had more films of this nature ,the world would become a better place.