The Last Journey

I caught this on Talking Pictures TV in the UK and was blown away by how good this low-budget thriller (£27,000 reportedly) turned out to be.

Yes, there's some ham acting typical of the era, and railway buffs quibble that safety devices on trains even then would have stopped the plot in its tracks, but the humour stands up well in the 21st century and I'll watch anything that features Godfrey Tearle.

The crowning glory, though, was the pace of the editing as the denouement approached. I was leaning forward in my seat, totally involved and gripped.

Hats off, then, to editor Lister Laurance. The astonishing thing is that he was only 23 when he cut this film.

Recommended.

A definite must for railway buffs (in fact it would easily figure on the top ten), thanks to the wholehearted co-operation of the Great Western Railway which has produced some absolutely staggering scenes and effects. Aside from a bit of obvious under cranking right at the very beginning of the movie, technical credits are extremely proficient. Direction and camera-work strike even a casual viewer as especially skillful. The script is serviceable enough too, though some of the players, particularly Julien Mitchell as the mad engineer, are inclined to over-do things a little. Olga Lindo is also a bit of a pain as the overly sympathetic wife, but that's the fault of the script. Judy Gunn makes a pleasant heroine, and it's nice to see Eve Gray laying on the charm as a confidence girl.

Despite the decades of subsidised film study in Britain, little is known about their pre-Korda years. Critics and thesis writers have been inhibited by the lack of plagiarisable material and the awfulness of much of what was about.

The neglect of Maurice Elvey's films is the most obvious result but here is a modest English program entertainment which reverses expectations. Script and performance are less than imposing as passengers with problems accumulate but the energy is startling in the staging of the story of the demented engine driver taking the Mulchester (!) local round the curves at lethal speed, filmed air to rail, road to rail and rail to rail as the racing car, plane and goods trains run level with the speeding passenger local, in the best silent serial traditions.Rail freaks will be delighted by the documentary like coverage of procedures and equipment.

Director Vorhaus developed a following when David Lean named him as mentor but most of his output is mediocre or worse. This one suggests Lean may have known something we don't.

In the spring of 1986 I enjoyed the pleasure of sitting in a large audience on London's South Bank thoroughly lapping up this Twickenham quickie dynamically directed by Bernard Vorhaus who was actually there to introduce the film.

Vorhaus singled out for praise the unique Sydney Fairebrother, his one major regret being making a passenger's stutter a source of humour; while Elliot Makeham is cast spectacularly against type as a "dirty little rat" in a bowler.

Step aboard the cinematic journey of a lifetime with 'The Last Journey' (1935), directed by the visionary Bernard Vorhaus. Set against the backdrop of a thrilling train expedition, this forgotten gem of the silver screen takes audiences on a pulse-pounding ride filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists.

As the locomotive hurtles through the picturesque countryside, tensions run high among the eclectic group of passengers onboard. Vorhaus masterfully crafts a narrative that delves into the depths of human nature, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of a rapidly unfolding mystery.

The ensemble cast delivers powerhouse performances, bringing to life a diverse array of characters with their own secrets and motivations. From the enigmatic stranger to the star-crossed lovers, each passenger adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, keeping viewers guessing until the final frame.

What truly sets 'The Last Journey' apart is its ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Vorhaus expertly ratchets up the tension with each passing moment, building to a heart-stopping climax that will leave viewers breathless.

With its timeless themes and captivating storytelling, 'The Last Journey' remains as riveting today as it was upon its release nearly a century ago. So, climb aboard and experience the thrill of the ride - you won't want to miss this unforgettable journey through cinematic history. 👍👍