Masterpiece Theatre: Railway Children

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Starring: Jack Blumenau; Clare Thomas; Jemima Rooper; Jenny Agutter; Michael Kitchen; Valerie Minifie; Melanie Clark Pullen; Georgie Glen; Gregor Fisher; Amanda Walker; Clive Russell; Richard Attenborough; David Bamber; Jane Wood (II); Ian Gain; Bobby Windebank; Velibor Topic; Geoffrey Beevers; Michael Gunn; Paul Trussell
Rated: Unrated
Type: DVD
Directed By: Catherine Morshead
Studio: WGBH BOSTON
Release Date: 2002-10-01
Running Time: 105 minutes
Set at the turn of the 20th century, three Edwardian children and their mother move to a country house in Yorkshire after their father is mysteriously taken away by the police. However, their mother refuses to inform the children of the circumstances surrounding their father's disappearance.

The children become fascinated by a nearby railroad, and they faithfully wave to passengers daily. Their kindness helps them make friends with some important travelers, one old gentleman in particular. Can he help solve the mystery of their missing father?

Special DVD features include: Cast list; Masterpiece Theatre poster gallery; access to The Railway Children Web site featuring essays, an interview with leading actress Jenny Agutter, biographies and photos of Golden Age authors, and more; scene selection; English audiotrack; and closed captions.

On one DVD5 disc. Region coding: All regions. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: Widescreen (Anamorphic)

A 13-year-old's perspective
This movie by the BCC is based on the book The Railway Children by E. Nesbit. It hardly omits anything. The actors depict the simplicity and good-heartedness of the children, and none of the side-plots are skipped. For example, the children bring the broken-down Russian into their house without thinking twice. Even though they realize that they are poor, they see his distress and want to help him, even if it means a little sacrifice on their part. And when the teenager student, Jim, breaks his leg they bring him to their house and adopt him as a brother.

As far as I can see, the single flaw in the in the video is when the dad comes home. The reunion seems more sad than glad. The dad acts tired and even his smile seems uncertain. His family all hesitate to come to him, and though their actions are joyous, they all seem close to tears. Family reunions just aren't that way.

All in all, this is an extremely good movie. It just has a couple of minor flaws. It is taken from the book afore mentioned, and isn't slap-dash or wild. The video is very well done.

- Elena (I'm 13.)

Very nice family movie
From reading not very favorible reviews here about 2000's THE RAILWAY CHILDREN I got myself this film to see for myself. And I think it is in my opinion a very well made production. Jemima Rooper as the oldest girl Bobbie is very good acting. Little girl Phillis (Clare Thompson) took a bit to get used to because they are all so darn british. Yes, sometimes they are hard to understand, especially the luggage carrier. Nonetheless I got used to all of these characters and loved them by the end of the movie. Maybe I learned also a little british accent on the side. Then I read that the mother, actress Jenny Agutter, played the child Bobbie in the 1970's version of this film. And since that film is supposed to be superior to this one I got to see that also now although its out of print and a bit expensive at the time. But I suppose its Christmas time and I WILL get it. It might be out of print forever.

The menu indicates that there are subtitles which I tried to get into when I did not understand every single spoken word. But the subtitles option was closed. Instead I learned now that I have to use the TV's remote control to access the subtitles on the DVD.

I still give it 5 stars since its one of my favorite family movies of all time now. {The others are ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, THE ROAD TO AVONLEA, THE WALTONS, SUMMER'S END, ALAN & NAOMI, BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA (the original from 1985), WHALE RIDER (australian), NESTHAEKCHEN (german), A LITTLE PRINCESS (with Amelia Shankley, british), THE MIRACLE WORKER (with Eisenberg and also the first version with Patty Duke), A PIECE OF SKY (german), TINKE - LITTLE STRONG GIRL (danish), MADITA (swedish), WHEN I WAS SEVEN (french), and THE BUTTERFLY (french}.}

Just so that you know where I am coming from.

Masterpiece Victorian Railway Story
Years ago we use to see Masterpiece Theater movies and they were excellent dramatic movies. This is one such movie. A little more lighthearted than some, but still the somberness of well off children becoming poor, a father mysteriously is gone one night not to return, and moving to a large but dusty and possibly rat infested house, is not exactly light. Their adventures around the railroad and interesting people they meet make it a treat.

This has a good story, is very well acted, with superb sets and costumes, and decent music. Agutter and Attenborough definitely are pluses. Very interesting intro and summary of the story and even some background on the author at the end. One of the reasons I enjoyed Masterpiece Theater movies. Good quality productions and the DVD is great. I recommend it for the whole family

What a wonderful family movie!
This movie, Railway Children, is based on the book by E. Nesbit. It is reasonably faithful to the book. The characters are delightful. The scenery is gorgeous. It is a trip back to the time when manners (and morals) were as natural as breathing. My daughters adore it.

A Wonderful Family Film
This a very charming movie set in the turn of 20th the Century.
I have seen both versions and in my option they are both very fine movies that the whole family can watch.
I have to agree with one of the reviews, the brief commentary at the beginning and the end of the movie
is in my view detrimental to the production. I really dont understand why the writers did that.
Other then then the commentary the movie is very fine.
The acting is wonderful, the settings and costumes are beautiful.
This movie is worth while adding to your DVD library.
Especially if you are looking for family movies.