The Railway Children
A Masterpiece Theatre remake of the 1970 screen adaptation of E. Nesbit's beloved children's book, The Railway Children follows the fortunes of three resourceful children in turn-of-the-century England. An affluent family, the Waterburys fall upon difficult times when Mr. Waterbury (Michael Kitchen) is hauled away by the police for reasons not readily apparent. Forced to move to a small village, the family is held together by Mrs. Waterbury (Jenny Agutter, who played one of the Waterbury children in the 1970 film version), who ekes out a living by selling her stories to magazines. The three Waterbury siblings -- Bobbie (Jemima Rooper), Peter (Jack Blumenau), and Phyllis (Clare Thomas) -- try to help their mother make ends meet and take to spending time by the railroad, where they meet a host of eccentric acquaintances. Among them are the Station Master (Clive Russell), and a magnanimous railroad maven (Richard Attenborough), both of whom take a shine to the children.
Member Reviews
Good - bbould
I admit that I am prejudiced, having seen the 1970 version first. This remake is good but not great. In my opinion the original is a superior movie. The one bit of inspired casting is that of Jenny Agutter who plays the mother in this version, having played the eldest child, Bobbie, in the original. Unfortunately, the 1970 version seems to be unavailable through Zip at the moment. Too bad. Still, this remake of The Railway Children is a fine example of a good family film.Some good moments... - Nanna
i agree with other reviewers, if you are looking for house on the prairie, then defintely this movie is for you. It is a great family movie and good story.
In a era where three resourceful children in turn-of-the-century England from an affluent family, the Waterburys fall upon difficult times, are separated from their father and move. As the newly poor they learn many life lessons.Excellent Family Title.. - fairweather
Our family enjoyed this title. If you enjoyed a good "Little House On The Praire" episode, this is much like that, same era and the acting is very good, and each of them played well in their parts. The story is told from the perspective of the eldest daughter who carries the story and her role well. The story is about an upper class family which finds itself having to move into straightened circumstances due to some event which also mysteriously takes their father from them (and is only revealed near the end of the movie). Having to cope with their new surroundings, the children's characters are revealed by their acts toward their neighbors (including a Russian immigrant they befriend).
Member Reviews
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Good - bbould
I admit that I am prejudiced, having seen the 1970 version first. This remake is good but not great. In my opinion the original is a superior movie. The one bit of inspired casting is that of Jenny Agutter who plays the mother in this version, having played ...Some good moments... - Nanna
i agree with other reviewers, if you are looking for house on the prairie, then defintely this movie is for you. It is a great family movie and good story.
In a era where three resourceful children in turn-of-the-century England from an affluent family, ...Excellent Family Title.. - fairweather
Our family enjoyed this title. If you enjoyed a good "Little House On The Praire" episode, this is much like that, same era and the acting is very good, and each of them played well in their parts. The story is told from the perspective of the eldest daughter ...