Buster (1988)

Based on the story of Ronald Christopher "Buster" Edwards (Phil Collins), one of the thieves involved in "The Great Train Robbery" of 1963.

Director:

David Green

Writer:

Colin Shindler (screenplay)

Stars:

Phil Collins, Julie Walters, Larry Lamb

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Phil Collins	...	Buster
Julie Walters	...	June
Larry Lamb	...	Bruce
Stephanie Lawrence	...	Franny
Ellie Beaven	...	Nicky
Michael Attwell	...	Harry
Ralph Brown	...	Ronny
Christopher Ellison	...	George
Sheila Hancock	...	Mrs. Rothery
Martin Jarvis	...	Inspector Mitchell
Clive Wood	...	Sergeant Chalmers
Anthony Quayle	...	Sir James McDowell
Michael Byrne	...	Poyser
Harold Innocent	...	Justice Parry
Rupert Vansittart	...	Fairclough

Storyline

Ronald Christopher "Buster" Edwards (Phil Collins) is a small time crook who pulls a big time job. When he finds that the Police will not let the case drop, he goes into hiding and can't contact his wife and child. He arranges to meet them in Mexico where he thinks they can begin again, but finds that he must choose between his family and freedom.

---

Plot Keywords:

great train robbery | heist | robber | train robbery | year 1963 | 

---

Taglines:

The greatest train robber of all time.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Romance

---

Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Steven Berkoff was offered a major supporting role.

---

Goofs

In the opening scenes, when Buster walks off wearing a new suit he has just stolen, a Vespa P range motor scooter is visible. That model was introduced in 1977.

---

Quotes

[last lines]
Buster Edwards: [addressing the audience. He is now a florist near Waterloo Bridge, several years after his release in 1980] You know, I've still got that dream...
June Edwards: [overhearing him, with a cup of hot chocolate] Buster, don't start that again!
Buster Edwards: No, dear
Buster Edwards: Well, I know it's still there.
[Buster and June walk off chatting about seeing their daughter Nikki who is now adult, and Buster looks at the camera, and his face is framed onto an envelope, when the credits start]

---

Crazy Credits

Buster Edwards never got the deal he hoped for. On the 9th December 1966 he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for conspiring to rob Her Majesty's Royal Mail Train.

---

Alternate Versions

The initial U.S. release of this film had its running time cut from 102 minutes to 94 minutes by its U.S. distributor, Hemdale Films. The subsequent video release by HBO Home Video was based on this edited version, however, a more recent release by MGM Home Video includes the complete film uncut.

---

Connections

Referenced in The Last Resort: Episode #3.13 (1988)

---

Soundtracks

Just One Look
Performed by The Hollies
Written by Doris Troy (as Payne) and Gregory Carroll (as Carroll)
Arranged by John Scott
Courtesy of EMI Records UK
published by Premier Music Publishing Co. (Leosong)

User Reviews

Extremely likable film about actual people and events

Buster (Phil Collins) is a petty thief with some skill. If he wants a new suit, he just breaks a store window and makes off with a mannequin. If the baby needs supplies, Buster sneaks into the chemist's at night and picks out what is needed. His wife June is getting a bit tired of this and would love to have a place of their own, not a rental. Therefore, Buster arranges a major train robbery (THE Great Train Robbery in the early sixties). The plot is almost successful but Buster does not remain anonymous and is a hunted man, post robbery. Will he ever see his family again? This is a very likable movie about an unlikely charmer. Buster does not want an honest job to support his family but one just can not help liking the guy. Collins is quite good as this amusing thief. Julie Walters, as his wife, is also sweet and attractive. The plot is amazing when one realizes these events actually took place. Part love story, part cat and mouse game, this film is a fun view. Anyone who sits down to Buster will be laughing in short order, leaving the sometimes somber world behind.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

23 November 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Buster

Filming Locations:

West Norwood Cemetery, West Norwood, London, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$265,038, 27 November 1988

Gross USA:

$540,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$540,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Movie Group, NFH Productions, Buster Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1