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Orphan Train

  • TV Movie
  • 1979
  • 2h 23m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
257
YOUR RATING
Orphan Train (1979)
AdventureDrama

In 1854, there were over 10,000 abandoned, orphaned children living on the streets of New York City. Out of this desperate situation was born the orphan Train. This is a fictionalized accoun... Read allIn 1854, there were over 10,000 abandoned, orphaned children living on the streets of New York City. Out of this desperate situation was born the orphan Train. This is a fictionalized account, based on actual events.In 1854, there were over 10,000 abandoned, orphaned children living on the streets of New York City. Out of this desperate situation was born the orphan Train. This is a fictionalized account, based on actual events.

  • Director
    • William A. Graham
  • Writers
    • Millard Lampell
    • Dorothea G. Petrie
  • Stars
    • Jill Eikenberry
    • Kevin Dobson
    • Linda Manz
  • See production, box office & company info
  • IMDb RATING
    7.2/10
    257
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • William A. Graham
    • Writers
      • Millard Lampell
      • Dorothea G. Petrie
    • Stars
      • Jill Eikenberry
      • Kevin Dobson
      • Linda Manz
    • 3User reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
      • 2 nominations total

    Photos

    Orphan Train (1979)
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    Top cast

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    Jill Eikenberry
    Jill Eikenberry
    • Emma
    Kevin Dobson
    Kevin Dobson
    • Carlin
    Linda Manz
    Linda Manz
    • Sarah
    Graham Fletcher-Cook
    Graham Fletcher-Cook
    • Liverpool
    Melissa Michaelsen
    • J.P.
    Charles Fields
    Charles Fields
    • Mouse
    • (as Charlie Fields)
    Peter Neuman
    • Ben
    John Femia
    John Femia
    • Tony
    Sara Inglis
    • Annie
    • (as Sarah Ingliss)
    Andreas Manske
    • Dutch
    Glenn Close
    Glenn Close
    • Jessica
    Morgan Farley
    Morgan Farley
    • Mr. McGarrity
    Severn Darden
    Severn Darden
    • Barrington
    Scott Rogers
    • Bruce
    Justine Johnston
    • Mrs. Comstock
    Sue Ann Gilfillan
    • Mrs. Gardner
    Hallie Foote
    Hallie Foote
    • Nellie
    • (as Barbara Hallie-Foote)
    Mike Hammett
    • Danny
    • Director
      • William A. Graham
    • Writers
      • Millard Lampell
      • Dorothea G. Petrie
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      This was initially envisioned as a theatrical film with then-real life couple Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw in the leads. After the duo ended their relationship, it became a TV movie instead.

    User reviews3

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    10/10
    orphan train is on the right track
    This movie has been part of my library for many years, and I've watched it about 7 or 8 times. I never get tired of it. Matter of fact, I never view it without choking up.

    It is a beautiful story, beautifully told and, among other things it shows us there is a world full of s.o.b's as well as a world full of people with kind hearts.

    The acting is quite impressive, all the children perfect in their roles. Melissa Michealson was superb as well as the little girl who limped through her role.

    It is an outstanding piece of American history, a fictionalized account about orphans on New York City streets who are taken out west to bond with families. Try that plot today.

    Jill Eikenberry and Kevin Dobson were excellent in the leads. Both of them stayed busy for many years. The Michaelson girl later appeared in a movie about boxing. Can't recall the name. After that, don't know what happened.

    Like "The Sound of Music" it is a story of children handling adversity, but minus the music.

    For me, it is a must-see film as it should be for everyone. Give it just a few minutes and you will be hooked. And the ending, where we are told about what happened to the children when they grew up, is quite impressive.

    We're only allowed 10 stars so, on my own, I will another 10.
    helpful•8
    0
    • froberts73
    • Jan 22, 2011

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 22, 1979 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • El tren de los huérfanos
    • Filming locations
      • Black Hills of South Dakota, USA(Train scenes)
    • Production company
      • EMI Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • Runtime
      2 hours 23 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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