The Railway Children

After their father mysteriously disappears, a family is reduced in income and stature. They move to the country near a rail line. There the children learn more of life and people then they would have in their previous pampered environment. Many of their neighbors also learn a few things about sacrifice and friendship. Meantime the children, while worried as to the disappearance of their father, begin waving to passing trains and this leads to many adventures.

Jenny Agutter played Bobbie Waterbury in the 1970 version. In this version, she plays "mother".

Even though the story is transparent, the execution is excellent. The acting is superb and the costumes, even the train, fit the period of the story. I may have been stretch to believe in a philanthropic railroad tycoon.

When dad is carted off to jail, the family is forced to move from the big city of london out to the country. The children have adventures, good and bad, and learn some life lessons. Very family friendly, but good for all ages. Richard attenborough (TWO oscars for ghandi!) plays the kind, old gentleman. An interesting note... jenny agutter, who plays mother in the 2000 version, had played the daughter roberta in the 1970 version AND the miniseries in 1968. And even back in 1968, agutter had already been in the biz for four years! Directed by catherine morshead. It's cute. Novel by edith nesbit, who had so many works made into television and film. Although she died in 1924. Interesting info about her in wikipedia dot org and her bio page.

We watched this right after "I Capture the Castle".

It had similar ingredients - quirky family dynamics - but it didn't take hold of us. About the only thread hanging it together was the railway and it was too slender a thread.

Acting was fine, filming was was fine, but a poor movie.,