The Railway Children (1970) - A Classic Frozen In Time!

With it's sequel outing now showing in cinemas across the country, there is still the overarching question as to whether The Railway Children even needs a continuation. Usually a new retelling is more desired, whether it be on television or stage, but a direct sequel to an adaptation from the 70s, what gain is there from a continuation? Normally you can put this down to potential profit being found through nostalgic audiences, but considering a recent screening of the original film I attended had maybe 6-8 people in attendance, that is highly debatable. But there is one thing for certain, that showing I attended recemented what a gem this 70's classic is.

Now does this film have the most complex story?... No! But it doesn't need to. This film reflects the charm and fairy tale-esq pacing of the original book by E. Nesbitt, building up the world around our young protagonists, and selling the audience on how they view the world. Just watch the scene where they first see the engine they affectionatly call "The Green Dragon" exit the tunnel. It really sells the scale of the machine, but also reflects the children's point of view. There’s no big villain or an explosive climax, it’s simply a collection of stories and adventures that culminate with an emotional reunion for Bobby and the safe return of her father. It emotionally hits you where many dramas fail to succeed. No matter how many times I watch this film, the ending will always make me tear up.

Each mini story featured in the film never feels out of place, keeping the outline of the original book, which in itself was structured perfectly. The definition of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". The way each of the children are written is also done to a high standard. They are not naughty or rebellious, but they still have characteristics that shows that they are kids, and not self entitled, screaming brats like most modern kid characters. They never set out to cause trouble, it’s just unfortunate that their ideas don’t always lead to complete success. In particular when it comes to their mother falling ill, and Perks’ birthday. Bobby (Jenny Agutter) in particular, is one of the most well developed child characters of all time. She has so much maturity on her shoulders, leading Phyllis (Sally Thomsett) and Peter (Gary Warren) throughout each narrative beat. However, they still make sure to also present her having traits of a child. She tries to do the right thing, but doesn't always consider how others might react. It makes the finale have much more emotional weight after all she’s gone through.

Agutter gives a world-class performance as Bobbie. Having also portrayed her in a televised version a few years prior, Agutter lives and breathes the character of Bobbie, selling this leading role with ease. Watching her perform Bobby's reunion at the end is always a stand out performance, and only Agutter could do it so well. She’s the quintessential casting for Bobby, and nobody could ever replicate what she achieved. Having her return to the role for this upcoming sequel must have been a no-brainer to the production team. The rest of the cast are equally superb, Sally Thomsett was so convincing as 11 year old, Phyllis, that discovering her real age at the time of filming is a shock to many people when they find out. Bernard Cribbins is another stand out with his effortless charm. He can convey comical antics or stern authority with the same level of professionalism. The cast doesn't treat this as another dumb film for kids. They appreciate it's charm and maturity, and how easily it can entertain and engage with audiences regardless of age or background.

This is one of the most beautifully shot films to come out of the UK. Each shot is brimming with vibrancy, detail and charm. From a still shot of the house, to a low dutch angle of a steam engine roaring out of a tunnel. Every shot has a purpose, and does a fantastic job of it. They pull off some incredible tension too, as director, Lionel Jeffries and editor, Teddy Darvas pull off a superb job of making railways a thrilling location full of excitement and cinematic beauty. The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is a wonderful choice for a location, in particular, Oakworth Station, which is frozen in time. It truly makes you feel like you’ve travelled back in time. It doesn't matter where you are when you watch this film, or what time of year it is, this film manages to put you into the story’s location and time frame with ease. Additionally, Jeffries and Darvas also manage to reinforce the danger that railways present. The sequences in the tunnel and the landslide show that while steam engines are a majestic machine to behold, it can also be a terrifying sight in moments of life threatening danger.

To conclude, The Railway Children is a perfect film, an untouchable classic which has entertained families for generations, and will continue to go on doing so. There's a reason why so many people, myself included, turn our noses up at this impending sequel. A classic film so perfectly put together shouldn't need a sequel, especially as it's not a huge draw for the nostalgia crowd. But only time will tell whether this new outing at Oakworth station will be worth the time and money invested into it. But one thing will always be certain, and that's that the original Railway Children film will always be around, and nothing can tarnish what it did so right all those years ago!

SCORES

Story - 5/5

Characters - 5/5

Production - 5/5

Acting - 5/5

Music - 5/5

TOTAL - 10/10!