Carlton Television Ltd.

For once, I’m going to talk up the ACTORS instead of the trains. Specifically, the three Railway Children (shown above). A group moniker like that, can’t help but lead to trains galore. So without further ado, I present:

Clare Thomas as “Phyllis” (with the big, blue, beseeching eyes).

Jack Blumenau as “Peter” (pronounced Pee-tah) – trainspotter extraordinaire.

Jemima Rooper as “Bobbie” (a classic English beauty and mature beyond her years).

Based on the famous 1905 novel by E. Nesbit, this movie adaption features actress Jenny Agutter as the mother of the three kids. Ms. Agutter also appeared in the 1970 movie, which I previously reviewed, as one of the children. I daresay the 2000 movie is as good, or better than the 1970 version. Quite the tearjerker.

As if THAT isn’t enough to wet my train whistle, pulling up Jenny’s bio on IMDb, revealed yet ANOTHER Railway Children feature entitled, The Railway Children Return 2022! That one looks interesting in the preview video. Might have to check that one out, some day.

As most of you know, I’m not much of an expert on British trains, thus this wiki link (about the 2000 movie) was EXTREMELY helpful identifying the equipment and locations. Let’s get started…

So long! Farewell! Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye! Mom and the kids wave goodbye to “The Old Gentleman” (played by Richard Attenborough). Now, on with the train bits.

Location filming occurred on the Bluebell Railway in Sussex, England. Horsted Keynes was the station primarily used for filming, along with famous landmarks along the line.

Four locomotives (seen above) were used in this film. They are:

A Green loco with a big, shiny, gold dome is #592 “The Green Dragon“
A Maroon tank engine is #473 “Birch Grove“
The train flagged down by Bobbie is pulled by #673 “Maude“.
Wiki claims #96 “Normandy” also appeared. I couldn’t spot this one in the movie, so I substituted a picture from Flickr (unknown photographer).

It’s Christmas morn, and Peter (who’s crazy about trains) has received a blue, live steam locomotive. Alas, the engine conks out in a fog of smoke.

Chunk of movie plot left off HERE.

Nighttime scene of #673, Maude, pulling a train along the curved platform. Love those semaphores!

Now under reduced circumstances, the family (sans father) are deposited on the platform at Mortonhurst station (Horsted Keynes).

Morning finds the kids trackside and getting their first view of #492, The Green Dragon, as it flies under a bridge. Fascinated, they walk the short distance down to the station. Hmmm…could that small engine switching the tracks be the #96, Normandy? I never did get a good visual ID of that one.

Approaching the depot (note the bunker of coal for the locomotives), the gang crosses the tracks and are chatted up by the friendly porter, Mr. Perks (played by Gregor Fischer). Coming up behind them is the no-nonsense Station Master (played by Clive Russell). Final shot is #673, Maude, pulling a short train.

Oh, dear. Mother is ill and Peter has resorted to stealing coal for the fireplace. Caught red-handed, he is given a proper chewing out by the Station Master. Bad, Peter, Bad!

“Let’s all wave at the Green Dragon!” Standard consist appears to be #492, Metropolitan Railway Full Third No. 394 and Brake Third No. 387, with Great Northern Railway Director’s Saloon No. 706 (carrying The Old Gentleman), bringing up the rear.

For the first time, the children get a return wave.

Some MORE plot left off.

Another Green Dragon runby. This time The Old Gentleman waves with BOTH hands.

Afterwards, Perks tells tall tales as Phyllis waves the station’s red and green flags (for stopping/starting trains, perhaps?). Perks is “way out” alright…

Mother’s getting worse and needs help. In desperation, the kids turn to The Old Gentleman for help.

Looks like Sir Richard has a few, minor purchases to make…

Well, it worked. Well done, Sir Richard, well done.

Walking the roadbed, the children witness a landslide which blocks the tracks. Location is the Three-Arch Bridge.

Railfan Peter knows a train is scheduled to arrive shortly. Discretely tearing up the girls’ red petticoats for warning signals, the trio attempt to flag the oncoming express.

It’s the #673 again with Bobbie in the vanguard. The train stops just inches away.

The Railway Children are heroes for preventing a nasty accident and grateful railway officials (including the Old Gentleman) present them each with a gold watch. As Peter gives a brief thank you speech, Bobbie has a chat with Sir Richard.

Trying to get the attention of the engine crew, Bobbie inadvertently hitches a cab ride on #592, including a trip through Sharpthorne Tunnel.

Roberta appeals to driver and fireman to please fix Peter’s broken engine. They do, and Master Peter looks it over with minute care.

There’s still the problem of what happened to father. Once she learns the truth, Bobbie relays a note and newspaper article to her benefactor, the Old Gentleman. That’s #673 pulling his train.

Back at Sharpthorne Tunnel, the kids are watching some platelayers (actual Bluebell employees) working on the track. A paper chase through the tunnel sets up this great shot inside blasting by the railway children.

Time passes

It’s been a while, but the trio decide to watch the 9:15 go by. To their astonishment, the entire train is waving at them, including the Old Gentleman.

Everyone Bobbie meets on her way to the station is jazzed up about something. Even the engine crew on #673.

Nuff said.

This movie was broadcast on Public Television here in the States as an episode of Masterpiece Theatre.

Here’s what IMDb has to say about The Railway Children:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14579102/

If you have ANY information about this movie you’d like to share, please contact me at: Lindsay.Korst@gmail.com, or leave a comment.  Thanks and enjoy the blog!

THE END