The Railway Children

1970
G
1h 49m

IMDb RATING

7.3/10

5.8K

YOUR RATING

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.

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Drama Family

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.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.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.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.3/10

5.8K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 3 BAFTA Awards
- 3 nominations total

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

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

Brenda Cowling

Mrs. Viney

Paddy Ward

Cart Man

Erik Chitty

Photographer

Sally James

Maid

Director
- Lionel Jeffries
Writers
- E. Nesbit
- Lionel Jeffries
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Sally Thomsett was twenty when she was cast as eleven-year-old Phyllis. Her contract forbade her to reveal her true age during the making of the film and she was not allowed to be seen smoking, drinking, going out with her boyfriend or driving the sports cars that were her passion. Even the film crew did not know her true age.

Goofs
As the engine approaches Bobbie in the 'landslide sequence' and comes to a halt, drifting steam is seen coming down from the sky and entering its funnel, indicating the shot is actually reversed footage of the train backing away from Bobbie so as to not endanger the actress by attempting a precision stop inches away from her.

Quotes
Mrs. Waterbury: May I borrow your lamp please.
Cart Man: I dare say.
Mrs. Waterbury: If you say 'I dare say' once more I shall have hysterics, I dare say.

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".

Connections
Featured in Comic Relief: The Invasion of the Comic Tomatoes (1993)

Soundtracks
The Man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo
(uncredited)
Written by Fred Gilbert
Performed by Amelia Bayntun (as the cook) and the children

User reviews61

Review

Featured review

Not a dry eye in the house

Back in 1970 at the tender age of 23, I fell hopelessly in love with Jenny Agutter - and remain so to this day. For it is this film for which she will always be associated - and for the very best reasons. It in no way typecast Miss Agutter, but clearly marked her as an actress of outstanding ability.

Nesbit's characters are brought to life by Lionel Jeffries production in what must be one of literature's most heart rending stories. It has everything - pathos, compassion, empathy, humour, loyalty and love, attributes once common in Great Britain, but sadly no longer.

Who can suppress those tears at Bobby's discovery of her Father at the station. "My Daddy... my Daddy...!" as she runs towards him?

This film should be available on prescription - it is indeed a tonic for whatever ails you.

As for my love of Miss Agutter - it remains undiminished, and when I see her today, I still see that porcelain complexion, those bewitching eyes and that come hither smile.