The Railway Children
The Railway Children

The Railway Children

1970
Movie
109 min
English

At the dawn of the 20th century, following their father's arrest on suspicion of betraying state secrets, the three Waterbury children—Bobbie, Phyllis and Peter—move with their mother to Yorkshire, where they find themselves involved in unexpected dramas along the railway by their new home.

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Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Google Users94%
Director: Lionel JeffriesGenres: Family, Drama

Plot Summary

The story follows the Waterbury family, who are forced to relocate from their comfortable London home to a Yorkshire farmhouse after their father is inexplicably imprisoned. The three children, Roberta (Bobbie), Peter, and Phyllis, adapt to their new surroundings, befriending the local railway community and becoming known as 'The Railway Children'. They embark on adventures, help their mother financially, and strive to uncover the truth behind their father's disappearance.

Critical Reception

The Railway Children was widely praised for its heartwarming story, nostalgic portrayal of Edwardian England, and strong performances, particularly from the young cast. It became a beloved family classic, resonating with audiences for its themes of resilience, love, and the magic of childhood.

What Reviewers Say

  • A charming and nostalgic adaptation of E. Nesbit's classic novel.
  • Praised for its heartfelt performances and evocative depiction of rural life.
  • A timeless family film that appeals to all ages.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praise 'The Railway Children' for its enduring charm, wonderful performances, and delightful story, calling it a perfect family film that holds up beautifully over time.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 2 BAFTA Awards (Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design).

Fun Fact

The iconic railway scenes were filmed on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in West Yorkshire, which was then a preserved line fighting against closure. The film's popularity is credited with helping to save the railway, which still operates today as a heritage attraction.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

A well-to-do suburban family suddenly get a visitor one evening; their father is taken away and their lives turned topsy-turvy. They relocate to "Three Chimneys" a ramshackle house beside a railway line in Yorkshire where they slowly settle...
Peter McGinn

Peter McGinn

A film version of another one of those children's classic novels from the early 20th century. The younger actors from necessity need to carry a movie like this, and I thought they did a grand job. They don’t overact much at all, and are som...
John Chard

John Chard

It's like we're in a besieged castle, the arrows of the foe striking against the battlements. Adapted from E. Nesbit's much adored novel, this filmic version is directed by Lionel Jeffries and stars Dinah Sheridan, Bernard Cribbins, Wil...