THE RAILWAY CHILDREN [1970 / 2010] [40th Anniversary Edition] [Blu-ray] [UK Release]
An Absolute Gem! One of The Best Children's Films Ever Made!
Starring Jenny Agutter and Bernard Cribbins. Lionel Jeffries' adaption of Edith Nesbit’s much-loved bestseller "The Railway Children" is a timeless and enduring affair. After their father is mysteriously taken away, three Edwardian children move to the country where the local railway becomes a source of hope and adventure. Sensitive without being sentimental, the film perfectly captures a magical moment in childhood, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest children's film of all time.
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 1971 BAFTA Awards: Nominated: Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music for Johnny Douglas. Nominated: BAFTA Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles for Sally Thomsett. Nominated: BAFTA Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Bernard Cribbins.
FILM FACT No.2: The film rights were bought by Lionel Jeffries. It was his directorial debut, and he was also responsible for writing the screenplay for the film. ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ turned out to be a critical success, both at the time of its release, and in later years. The entire cast break the fourth wall and perform a curtain call as the credits roll. The camera moves slowly along a railway track towards a train which is decked in flags, in front of which all of the cast are assembled, waving and cheering to the camera. At the start of the credit sequence, a voice can be heard shouting "Thank you, Mr Forbes" to acknowledge producer Bryan Forbes. At the end, Roberta "Bobbie" Waterbury [Jenny Agutter] holds up a small slate on which "The End" is written in chalk.
Cast: Dinah Sheridan, Bernard Cribbins, William Mervyn, Iain Cuthbertson, Jenny Agutter, Sally Thomsett, Gary Warren, Peter Bromilow, Ann Lancaster, Gordon Whiting, Beatrix Mackey, Deddie Davies, David Lodge, Christopher Witty, Brenda Cowling, Paddy Ward, Erik Chitty, Sally James, Dominic Allan, Lionel Jeffries (voice), Richard Leech (voice), Amelia Bayntun (uncredited), Ann Cryer (uncredited), Bob Cryer (uncredited), Paul Luty (uncredited), Graham Mitchell (uncredited) and Peter Russell (uncredited)
Director: Lionel Jeffries
Producer: Robert Lynn
Screenplay: Edith Nesbit (celebrated novel) and Lionel Jeffries (screenplay)
Composer: Johnny Douglas
Cinematography: Arthur Ibbetson, B.S.C. (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Audio: English: 2.0 LPCM Stereo Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH
Running Time: 104 minutes
Region: Region B/2
Number of discs: 1
Studio: STUDIOCANAL / OPTIMUM CLASSIC
Andrew's Blu-ray Review: In the film ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ [1970] we find the well to-do Waterbury family is turned upside down when their father is taken from their home under mysterious circumstances. Mother, Mrs. Waterbury [Dinah Sheridan] explains nothing except that father has had to go away, and with her children moves to a humble house in the country. The three Waterbury children occupy their time by waving to trains, which leads to a number of adventures. Young Peter Waterbury [Gary Warren] learns that stealing coal is wrong, even if mother is cold. Phyllis Waterbury [Sally Thomsett] is a tag-along without much imagination of her own, but the oldest daughter Roberta “Bobbie” Waterbury [Jenny Agutter] learns more about the disappearance of her Father, Charles Waterbury [Iain Cuthbertson], and handles every problem as if it might help get him back.
The popular novel "The Railway Children" is one of those stories about plucky kids in Edwardian England, the kind of tale one expects to see handled in a more frivolous manner. If done by Disney, it would be a musical with adults who act like children and children who act like idiots. The leads would be big star personalities that would warp the original story all out of proportion.
Actor Lionel Jeffries was a familiar second-string buffoon in Peter Sellers films before he became better known in larger roles in ‘First Men In the Moon’ and ‘Camelot. ‘THE RAILWAYS CHILDREN’ was Lionel Jeffries's first film as a director, and his good taste in hewing closely to the modest lines of the book is matched only by his direction of actors. The performances here are all good, in a way that shows a delicate director's control. Every character is a surprise. Dinah Sheridan is the virtuous mother who tries to keep the tragedy from her children, and only becomes upset when she thinks they're out begging for charity. Bernard Cribbins plays Albert Perks and is the proud railway porter with a house-full of kids, but he's never mindful for being a quaint character actor, or to make easy statements about class. William Mervyn plays the Old Gentleman and is the rail tycoon who takes an interest in the children; and Lionel Jeffries handles this part of the story so well, we never resent the fact that our children are heroes and have a millionaire on their side.
Nobody reaches for tears or easy emotional effects, so the story never becomes mawkish. The Mother, Mrs. Waterbury is caught crying once by herself, and is left to her privacy. Potential emotional scenes are subverted, as when the Russian refugee's family is found. We cut to a long shot of his happy exit by train, and the feeling of goodwill is sublimated back into the story, instead of being squandered in a tearful release.
At the centre of ‘THE RAILWAYS CHILDREN’ there is Jenny Agutter, who is simply a marvel to watch and the real star of the show, even with 5th place billing. The quiet intelligence and positive attitude on her sensitive face make her the perfect heroine. Jenny Agutter wears no makeup to suppress her beauty, and seems all the more beautiful for it. Most of the adventures are really hers, as her younger siblings are only helpers and cheerleaders. The enforced move to the cold countryside is a catalyst that forces her to think and act as an adult.
Jenny Agutter is marvellous, whether flagging down a train headed for trouble or carefully mending misunderstandings with the neighbours. Jenny Agutter interactions with the rich Old Gentleman on the train bring back the nostalgic notion that perhaps there once was a time when people communicated with such direct sincerity. ‘THE RAILWAYS CHILDREN’ has no outrageously exaggerated story points, and the children remain children and not superheroes. But in the bright and hopeful 1905 world presented by Lionel Jeffries, all things seem possible. The scene I remembered all these years is a simple birthday party for Roberta “Bobbie” Waterbury, the only time Lionel Jeffries uses camera tricks to get an effect. Roberta “Bobbie” Waterbury opens the door to find her family and friends greeting her with a cake and gifts, and a flush of barely contained delight comes across her face. Roberta 'Bobbie' Waterbury glides from one guest to another, speechless and grateful, and the camera helps express her boundless happiness. It's one of the most beautiful scenes of its kind, ever.
The underplaying of the obvious also gives power to a late episode where the Waterburys nurse a prep school boy with a broken leg. No special attention is given to romantic sparks between him and Roberta “Bobbie” Waterbury, but the beginnings are there in their farewell. That, and in the gleam in Bobbie's eye at the end of the hilariously feeble puppet show they put on for their guest. Helping enormously are Arthur Ibbetson's camera and Johnny Douglas's musical score. Both are pretty but never precious. Douglas' tunes only become predictable when they try to hype the light comedy moments – his adventure and dramatic themes are terrific. The whole film has the slightly rosy feel of old events softened and sweetened by memory. It's even better than I remembered it, something that doesn't often happen when rediscovering old pictures.
Still considered a national treasure in England, ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ is on the British Film Institute's list of 100 Best British films. The warmth and good will Lionel Jeffries creates is so strong, he can afford to have a Valentine-like last shot, with his cast breaking character to say farewell to the film audience. As family films go, ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ is just about as good as you get. The casting is pitch perfect from the three children, Jenny Agutter, Sally Thomsett and Gary Warren, to Bernard Cribbins as Mr Perks and the kindly, well-educated mother, Dinah Sheridan. The child actors are utterly convincing in their roles and the quality of their acting is, for me, epitomised by Jenny Agutter who was two years younger than Sally Thomsett (who played her younger sister) and is really the focus of the film is the story is a coming-of-age tale for Roberta “Bobbie” Waterbury. This is one of those films that works for viewers of all ages and the ending is one of those that, like ‘It's a Wonderful Life,’ really brings a lump to the throat.
As I have not seen the ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ film for well over two decades, I suspected that it would have lost its effect or charm over the years and I wouldn't appreciate it as I did as a child. But instead I was glad to find that it was probably more effective now as I'm now in a position to see the quality of the filmmaking, writing and acting. The period setting, in the early Edwardian era, is important as it means ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ doesn't age or becomes in anyway dated.
To sum up this wonderful film, again it is remarkably gentle and old-fashioned, but with several wonderfully unexpected touches. Adapted and directed by Lionel Jeffries, ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ is perhaps better known in England than it is in the USA. Both the British Film Institute and Time Out London chose it as one of the 100 greatest British films of all time.
Despite class and representational issues coming to the fore through adult eyes, there remains a joy in ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN.’ There are moments of innocence, joy and wonderful happiness that is remarkably accurate to the child’s experience, and especially when Roberta “Bobbie” Waterbury is standing on the platform and a train from London halts and, as the steam clears, Bobbie sees a tall figure on the platform and the family is reunited once again, and is likely to bring a tear to your eye and a fitting finale to a wonderful charming evocative film that will never run out of steam!
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN MUSIC TRACK LIST
THE MAN WHO BROKE THE BANK AT MONTE CARLO (uncredited) (Written by Fred Gilbert) [Performed by Amelia Bayntun (as the cook) and the children]
PRETTY POLLY PERKINS OF PADDINGTON GREEN (uncredited) (Written by Harry Clifton) [Performed by Bernard Cribbins as Albert Perks at the birthday party]
* * * * *
Blu-ray Image Quality – As to mark the 40th anniversary of the film’s release, not only was the film digitally restored. The picture is absolutely stunning and shows what can be done when time and effort is put into restoring a film to its former glory. Detail level is high and the contrast and tone are exceptional. The colours are vibrant and showcase the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales from the bright blue sky to the rolling fields where almost every buttercup can be picked out. Please Note: Playback Region B/2: This will not play on most Blu-ray players sold in North America, Central America, South America, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Learn more about Blu-ray region specifications.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – It's not only the picture that has been wonderfully restored for ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN,’ but the sound has undergone restoration treatment and is presented here in a beautifully clear 2.0 LPCM Stereo Audio soundtrack. The dialogue and small ambient sounds are crisp, with the trains giving a reassuringly loud noise as they steam past, whistle and break. So all in all a great effort on the part of STUDIOCANAL and OPTIMUM CLASSIC.
* * * * *
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Now and Then: A Retrospective Documentary on ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ [2010] [1080p] [1.78:1] [20:11] This special feature is a Retrospective Documentary on the film ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ and in 1970, Lionel Jefferies made his classic adaption of Edith Nesbit’s much loved children’s book “The Railway Children.” Much of the film was filmed on location, in Oakworth and Hamworth, and on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in Yorkshire, which remains a preserved railway running steam and diesel trains to this day. The filming of ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ was a defining time in the history of the railway and the area, safeguarding its place in the hearts and minds of fans of ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN.’ Now, every year, thousands flock to the area to visit the place where the perennial classic was made. This is the story of ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ and its railway. With this special feature we get also get a retrospective interviews with many of the locals who were involved as extras such as Ann Cryer MP and they all talk about the locations, what it was like having a feature film come to their small town and how they reacted when they saw themselves on screen. You don't often hear about the people who live in and around an area where a film was made so this gives a nice insight into how the film was made, the locations used and what the locals thought, and still think, about the film. Contributors include: Ann Cryer [Member of Parliament 1997 – 2010 + Extra in ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’], David Pearson [Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Volunteer + Extra in ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’], Graham Mitchell [Train Guard in ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’], Bill Black [Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Volunteer], Betty Black [Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Volunteer], Howard Mais [Paperchase runner in ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’], Brian Cleaver, Malcolm Whitaker, Frank Morris and Vernon Cuff [Retired The Haworth Band Members who played themselves in ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’], Ken Roberts [Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Volunteer], Jim Shipley [Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Volunteer/Part time employee], Nick Helliwell [Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Volunteer + Extra in ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’], Michael Cope [Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Volunteer], Chris Lawson [Owner of The Old Gentleman’s Saloon] and David Petyt [Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Volunteer]
Special Feature: Interviews: Here we get to view four separate interviews and they are as follows:
Jacqueline Wilson [Acclaimed Children's Author] [2010] [1080p] [1.78:1] [10:43] Author Jacqueline Wilson gives her perspective on the Edith Nesbit book and the film as a children's writer. Author Jacqueline Wilson also provides us with her views on ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ film which she admires greatly. With this in-depth interview, it is broken up into different headings the interviewer asked her and they are as follows: When Did You First Read The Railway Children; Are You A Fan Of Edith Nesbit Books?; What makes The Railway Children One Of Your Favourite Children’s Books?; What Are Your Favourite Sequences From The Book and Film?; How Much Of Edith Nesbit’s Life Was Reflected In The Railway Children?; The Story In The Film Is Very Much Told From The Point Of View Of The Children, Would You Say The Same About The Book?; Do You Think It Is Rare To Find Such Strong Female Characters, Such As Bobbie And Mother, For A Book Of Its Time?; What makes Edith Nesbit Such A Good Writer Of Children’s Stories? and How Has ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ Inspired You As An Author?.
Jenny Agutter [Roberta “Bobbie” Waterbury] [2010] [1080p] [1.78:1] [17:09] With this second interview we have reminiscences from Jenny Agutter and talks about how they became involved, what it was like working with the other cast members and what they got up to when they were not filming? Once again, it is broken up into different headings, relating to questions from the interviewer that is put towards Jenny Agutter and they are as follows: Did You Know Of Edith Nesbit As An Author Before You Were Involved In The BBC Series?; How Did You Become Involved In “The Railway Children” Television Series And Then The Film?; What Do You Think It Is About The Story That Makes It So Popular?; What Do You Recall From You’re your First Meeting With Gary F. Warren And Sally Thomsett?; How Long Were You On Location In Yorkshire?; Did You Know Much About Steam Engines and The Enthusiasts Before Making The Film?; What Was It Like Working With Dinah Sherridan And Bernard Cribbins?; Did You Find It Interesting To Play Roberta?; What Effect Did ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ Have On Your Life? and Do You Have Any Memories Or Anecdotes You Would Like To Share?
Bernard Cribbins [Albert Perks] [2010] [1080p] [1.78:1] [8:15] With this third interview with Bernard Cribbins informs us how he became involved in this classic children's magical film. Bernard Cribbins also talks about how he got on with the rest of the cast and also how Lionel Jeffries was an old friend and had worked with him on different British comedy films, but the experience of working with Lionel Jeffries as a director was a totally different experience and found him a very nice and professional director. It's quite amusing to hear Bernard Cribbins talking about his night-time fishing and is also very fascinating hearing all of his anecdotes on working on the film. Once again, it is broken up into different headings, relating to specific questions the interviewer puts towards Bernard Cribbins and they are as follows: Have You Read The Book “The Railway Children” Before Acting In The Film; What Was It Like To Work With Lionel Jeffries?; What Was It Like Meeting The Children For The First Time?; How Long Were You On Location?; What Are Your Main Memories Of The Shoot?; Is It True You Ad Libbed?; What Was Your Favourite Scene In The Film?; Was ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ Different From The Types Of Films You Have Previously Worked On? and What Is The Secret Of ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ Success.
Sally Thomsett [Phyllis Waterbury] [2010] [1080p] [1.78:1] [9:26] With this final interview with Sally Thomsett, the actress gives a very informative interview and talks on all aspect of her involvement with the film. There is also a very funny anecdote that Sally Thomsett informs us about Jenny Agutter and Sally Thomsett was caught out by Lionel Jeffries when they snuck out for a night on the town! Once again, for the final time, this interview is broken up into different headings, especially relating to questions the interviewer puts towards Sally Thomsett and they are as follows: How Did You First Become Involved In ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’?; What Do You Recall From Your First Meeting With jenny Agutter and Gary F. Warren? How Long Were You On Location?; What Are Your Memories Of The Shoot?; What Was It Like Working With Bernard Cribbins And Dinah Sheridan?; What Do You Remember About Lionel Jefferies As A Director?; Was It True The Director Was Concerned You Would Be Seen Drinking And Smoking, As He Wanted You To Be Perceived As A Child Even Though You Were Of Age?; Have You Been Back To The Railway Since Filming? and What Do You Think Made The Film So Successful?
Finally, ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ is one of the finest family films ever made in Britain and sits alongside films like ‘Mary Poppins’ as examples of what you can do with a great cast, great subject material and great settings, especially in Yorkshire. It really doesn't matter how old you are ‘THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’ is a film to be loved and cherished and this Blu-ray is the perfect way to do this and wonderful nostalgia. It is a splendid 40th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray release and, although there is no Audio Commentary track, it is still a wonderful release for all the family. Very Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller –Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
