Re-released to mark its 40th anniversary but doubling as a fitting tribute to the talents of director Lionel Jeffries, this adaptation of E. Nesbit’s tale is a cinematic rite of passage for all British children. The plot is simple — three kids are sent to live with their mother in the country after their father is arrested for treason — and is essentially a set-up for some wizard pranks (averting a train wreck, a tunnel rescue) along with some more grown-up concerns. It is dated — it’s a film that advocates playing on railway lines — but Jeffries mounts the whole thing with charm, humour and subtle smarts. And, let’s face it, our obsession with Jenny Agutter, 11 years before American Werewolf, started here
The Railway Children Review
E. Nesbits beloved tale of three children shipped off to live in the country beside a railway line with their mother after their father is arrested on mysterious spying charges and they are left penniless. Yet, it proves the making of them, as they disco
Release Date:
02 Apr 2010
Running Time:
109 minutes
Certificate:
U
Original Title:
Railway Children, The
A cinematic rite of passage that's a little frayed around the edges but still charming.
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