The Railway Children (1970)
Directed by Lionel Jeffries

Film Review

E. Nesbit's popular children's novel is faultlessly rendered in this enchanting screen adaptation, which marked the directorial debut of the distinguished character actor Lionel Jeffries.  Widely regarded as one of the all-time classics of British cinema, the film has lost none of its charm and continues to offer an enthralling viewing experience for children and adults alike.  In contrast to so many films of this ilk, The Railway Children manages to be intensely moving without resorting to saccharine sentimentality, and far from presenting a rose-tinted view of childhood it is actually surprisingly brutal and does not shy away from the harsh realities of life.  It is, arguably, the finest coming of age drama to come out of a British film studio, and once seen is never forgotten but remains a cherished memory.

Lionel Jeffries not only directed the film, he also wrote the screenplay, and in both departments he does an excellent job.  Despite the film's episodic structure, it flows as smoothly as a river, and every adventure that the three children experience seems to reveal more about them and is seen to nudge them that bit closer towards adulthood.  The film, like the original story, is fundamentally about the trauma of growing up, and it is the quieter moments, when the children gradually wake up to the injustices and complexities of the adult world, that are the most poignant.  Bobbie's tortured reaction when her attempts to do a good turn fall flat can hardly fail to bring a lump to the throat.  Has cinema ever given us a more authentic and arresting depiction of childhood?

Not only is the film superbly scripted and directed, it is beautifully photographed and exquisitely performed by an exceptionally talented cast.   Playing the oldest of the three children is Jenny Agutter, in a reprise of the role of Bobbie that she had taken on, a few years previously, in the BBC television adaptation.  The part of the younger sister went to 20-year-old Sally Thomsett, who is as delightful as the 11-year-old Phyllis as she would later be as the ditsy dolly bird Jo in the popular 70s British TV sitcom Man About the House.  The third child, Peter, was played by Gary Warren, who would go on to star in the popular children's TV series Catweazle.  As the avuncular station master Albert Perks, Bernard Cribbins turns in one of his most brilliant character performances, a likeable creation of the kind that children can easily engage with, but one that is harrowingly true to life.   And who else but the magnificent Dinah Sheridan could play the children's mother with as much dignity and heart-wrenching sincerity? 

The Railway Children is a film that deserves its classic status and, forty years on, it has lost none of its beguiling charm.  Even though today's youngsters have so many other louder and glitzier things to distract them, there is still a place for this wonderful film - a film that, despite being set in a bygone era, remains relevant and speaks to children of all ages, whether you are seven or seventy.  And the likelihood is that it will continue to delight future generations, long after the Harry Potter films and other such meretricious fare have faded into obscurity.  Steam trains, petticoats and buns for tea - this is the happy retreat we all long for, not some soulless CGI-concocted fantasy.

Film Synopsis

In 1905, the Waterburys are an idyllically happy family, living a contented life in their plush villa in the suburbs of London.  Then, one fateful evening, strangers arrive at their house and take away the father, a Foreign Officer employee.  Reduced to virtual poverty, Waterbury's wife and three children - Bobbie, Phyllis and Peter - are forced to downsize and take up residence in a smaller house on the Yorkshire Moors.  Whilst Mrs Waterbury struggles to make a living by writing stories for magazines, her children take an interest in the railway line which runs near to their new home.   They strike up a friendship with the station master Albert Perks and wave to the morning commuters as the train goes by.  One of the commuters, a distinguished-looking old man, waves back and kindly sends them a hamper of food when their mother falls ill.  When rocks fall onto the railway tracks, the children prevent a catastrophe through their quick thinking and are feted as heroes.  They then shelter a Russian dissident and help to reunite him with his family.  By chance, Bobbie, the eldest of the Waterbury children, discovers the terrible truth about her father.  He has been arrested on a spying charge and is currently serving a term of penal servitude.  Convinced of her father's innocence, Bobbie resolves to clear his name and return him to his beloved family...