Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Reviews
Product Description
Made-for-television film adaptation of Edith Nesbit' s classic novel. When their father (Michael Kitchen) is imprisoned after being falsely accused of spying, young Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis are forced to move to Yorkshire with their mother (Jenny Agutter, who played Bobbie in the 1971 film version). The local railway provides a useful focus for them, and they strike up a friendship with an elderly gentleman (Richard Attenborough) who vows to help them prove their father's innocence.
Synopsis
In The Railway Children [2000], Jenny Agutter (who played Bobbie in a 1970 film version) stars as Mother alongside Sir Richard Attenborough in a Masterpiece Theater television presentation of Edith Nesbit's popular novel. Set in Yorkshire at the dawn of the 20th century, The Railway Children is the story of three children whose father has been wrongfully imprisoned for espionage, though they know nothing of this; their mother refuses to tell them why the police took away their father. The children spend their free time exploring the mystery of their father's disappearance and gazing at the nearby railroad, in the hope that it will somehow bring them an answer. After they help prevent an accident on the railroad, the children are befriended by a mysterious old gentleman (Attenborough), who may be able to provide some answers.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
When I was a child, I loved E.Nesbit's novel and read it over and over. I loved the film too, so I was prepared to be disappointed with this new version. I loved it from the very beginning and cried for ages after it was finished. It is a brilliant adaptation of the book - Gregor Fisher totally stole the show, but all the actors were excellent in their parts. I could, and probably will watch this again and again.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By bernie
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
... a family is reduced in income and stature. They move to the country near a rail line. There the children learn more of life and people then they would have in their previous pampered environment. Many of their neighbors also learn a few things about sacrifice and friendship. Meantime the children, while worried as to the disappearance of their father, they begin waving to passing trains and this leads to many adventures.
Jenny Agutter played Bobbie Waterbury in the 1970 version. In this version she plays "mother".
Even though the story is transparent, the execution is excellent. The acting is superb and the consumes, even the train fit period of the story. I may have been stretch to believe in a philanthropic railroad tycoon.
Jenny Agutter played Bobbie Waterbury in the 1970 version. In this version she plays "mother".
Even though the story is transparent, the execution is excellent. The acting is superb and the consumes, even the train fit period of the story. I may have been stretch to believe in a philanthropic railroad tycoon.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By richievee
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Acting upon positive reviews about the original (1970) production, I watched that version with great expectations. I liked it all right but thought its direction was a bit dated, particularly the 1960s-style "cartoon" music for the antics of Albert Perks. Jenny Agutter was so lovely as Roberta that, for me, she stole every scene she was in, which was most of the movie! In short, the film was enjoyable enough but not exactly my cup of tea.
Then I began watching the 2000 remake, and it more than corrected any flaws that plagued the earlier effort. What a perfectly conceived realisation it is! The cast is superior to the original actors, from top to bottom, and the direction is innovative, sensitive, and memorably touching throughout. Rarely have I seen child actors who were so believable. Some of Phyl's lines were delivered so wittily by the lisping Clare Thomas that I found myself laughing aloud time and time again. Jenny Agutter is even better as the mother than she was as Bobbie -- and that is saying quite a lot.
The photography is marvelous, and the nascent romance between Bobbie and Jim is utterly convincing. I was so pleased that they did not kiss, only exchanged mailing addresses. That was MUCH more authentic for the time period than most of today's directors would have handled it. I loved this presentation of The Railway Children from beginning to end, as there is not a false step to be seen!
Then I began watching the 2000 remake, and it more than corrected any flaws that plagued the earlier effort. What a perfectly conceived realisation it is! The cast is superior to the original actors, from top to bottom, and the direction is innovative, sensitive, and memorably touching throughout. Rarely have I seen child actors who were so believable. Some of Phyl's lines were delivered so wittily by the lisping Clare Thomas that I found myself laughing aloud time and time again. Jenny Agutter is even better as the mother than she was as Bobbie -- and that is saying quite a lot.
The photography is marvelous, and the nascent romance between Bobbie and Jim is utterly convincing. I was so pleased that they did not kiss, only exchanged mailing addresses. That was MUCH more authentic for the time period than most of today's directors would have handled it. I loved this presentation of The Railway Children from beginning to end, as there is not a false step to be seen!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By kittiwake
Format:DVD
I have seen both versions - the first many times, this one twice. Jenny Agutter was superb as Bobbie, and her siblings were well-played, too. Bobbie in the 2nd film is equally as good, as are Perks and the Old Gentleman, but that's it. They weren't better.
In the second version: Jenny Agutter is not nearly as good as Mother, she just didn't ring true for me or have the same gentleness and sensitivity. I thought Phyllis was good but with the lad playing Peter, I was aware he was acting, he didn't seem natural. It's all the same - the same train, etc. so I really don't see the necessity to do it again.
It is a period piece anyway and the 1st version has completely stood the test of time. And those famous words of Bobbies (I won't spoil it if you haven't seen it) uttered in such a heart-wrenching way at the end by Jenny Agutter's Bobbie are definitive. Like Dame Edith Evans' "A haaaaaaandbag".
If you haven't seen the first one, this is fine, though.
In the second version: Jenny Agutter is not nearly as good as Mother, she just didn't ring true for me or have the same gentleness and sensitivity. I thought Phyllis was good but with the lad playing Peter, I was aware he was acting, he didn't seem natural. It's all the same - the same train, etc. so I really don't see the necessity to do it again.
It is a period piece anyway and the 1st version has completely stood the test of time. And those famous words of Bobbies (I won't spoil it if you haven't seen it) uttered in such a heart-wrenching way at the end by Jenny Agutter's Bobbie are definitive. Like Dame Edith Evans' "A haaaaaaandbag".
If you haven't seen the first one, this is fine, though.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Paul Bond
Format:DVD
The Plot
Three children, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis have an amazing life living in a big house in London, until their precious father gets taken away leaving the three children and their mother poor. They then move to the countryside close to a railway where they have many adventures.
Best Bits
Everything in the Railway Children is amazing, I can't pick out any particular bit because the whole film is good from start to finish.
Favourite Characters
My favourite character is Phyllis, she is just so funny and is the youngest in the family.
Hit or Miss
A definite hit, this film could not be any better, it is dramatic but still extremely real with no weak bits, definitely a film no one should miss.
I enjoyed reviewing this film with my wonderful teacher Mrs Miller.
By Annabel Bond aged 10
Three children, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis have an amazing life living in a big house in London, until their precious father gets taken away leaving the three children and their mother poor. They then move to the countryside close to a railway where they have many adventures.
Best Bits
Everything in the Railway Children is amazing, I can't pick out any particular bit because the whole film is good from start to finish.
Favourite Characters
My favourite character is Phyllis, she is just so funny and is the youngest in the family.
Hit or Miss
A definite hit, this film could not be any better, it is dramatic but still extremely real with no weak bits, definitely a film no one should miss.
I enjoyed reviewing this film with my wonderful teacher Mrs Miller.
By Annabel Bond aged 10
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By lazybones
Format:DVD
The best part for me was when a landslide occurs and the children need to act fast to stop the train from crashing so Phyllis and Roberta took of their red petticoats and got some sticks and made them into flags,when the train came round the corner Phyllis,Peter and Roberta waved there flags like mad,but the man in the train didn't see them so Roberta runs onto the train track When the man see's her he suddenly puts the train's brakes on and just stops in time and then Roberta faints.
I would give it 5 stars!!!
Made by Charlie Thompson,age 10
I would give it 5 stars!!!
Made by Charlie Thompson,age 10
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By C. L. Foster
Format:DVD
The Railway Children is the story of three wealthy Victorian children, Bobbie, Phyllis and Peter, who are forced to move with their mother from London to rural Yorkshire, after their father is accused of treason. With little money, it is the railways that provide them with adventure and new friends.
I was sceptical as to whether this adaptation could compete with the original, but I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. Jemima Rooper is a very charismatic Bobbie and both actors portraying Phyllis and Peter are full of personality and humour. The supporting cast, I would say, are not quite as good as the original. Gregor Fisher is pretty good as Perks, providing nice comic touches, but Richard Attenborough is a little sentimental as The Old Gentleman and Jenny Agutter is very wooden as the mother.
There aren't as many "classic moments" in this adaptation as there were in the original either, but it does include other enjoyable storylines from the book, such as Bobbie having Peter's train mended and looks a bit more at Bobbie's romance. Whatever weaknesses may appear in comparison to original, the three leads still sweep you along with wonderful performances. It is lovely family entertainment and definitely worth a viewing.
I was sceptical as to whether this adaptation could compete with the original, but I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. Jemima Rooper is a very charismatic Bobbie and both actors portraying Phyllis and Peter are full of personality and humour. The supporting cast, I would say, are not quite as good as the original. Gregor Fisher is pretty good as Perks, providing nice comic touches, but Richard Attenborough is a little sentimental as The Old Gentleman and Jenny Agutter is very wooden as the mother.
There aren't as many "classic moments" in this adaptation as there were in the original either, but it does include other enjoyable storylines from the book, such as Bobbie having Peter's train mended and looks a bit more at Bobbie's romance. Whatever weaknesses may appear in comparison to original, the three leads still sweep you along with wonderful performances. It is lovely family entertainment and definitely worth a viewing.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 43 reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Railway Children
Fabulous story with an historical edge and a wonderful view of a childhood spent in the countryside at a time when freedom to roam safely was a given for children. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Favourite children's film
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Railway Childre
I have chosen 4 stars because the way it is very interesting they way the old man helped the children when they needed it. And it is suitable for all ages.
Published 2 months ago by Charlotte
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it
Great story, very traditional but a very lovely family film. Love the costumes and the scenery. The child actors are very believable.
Published 4 months ago by Rebecca Yates
5.0 out of 5 stars
To enjoy
For the younger generation who have been following the Midwives - it will come as a revelation to see Jenny Agutter at the start of her career. Read more
Published 5 months ago by alison monks-plackett
5.0 out of 5 stars
Famous.
Famous book and film ,got this for grandaughter and watched it with her ,it was very good reminded me of when I was young.Thanks.
Published 5 months ago by Mrs. Freda Jane Ritchie
2.0 out of 5 stars
Why a remake?
The 1970 version of The Railway Children was perfect so why a remake? I never understand why, when something is a classic, that it has to be remade in the hope (not expectation)... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mr. P. Amiel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Much desired
Wanted this for ages and decided
to buy for myself. Was not disappointed. Great family film and will watch again
to buy for myself. Was not disappointed. Great family film and will watch again
Published 5 months ago by jane
5.0 out of 5 stars
A superb film
This revue is slightly redundant, since there are already reviews saying what a marvellous film it is.
I read the novel some years ago and had very fond memories of it. Read more
I read the novel some years ago and had very fond memories of it. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Edwinsson
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Railway Children Film Review
INTRODUCTION
The railway children is about three children who moved to the countryside and its a hard life to be poor. Read more
The railway children is about three children who moved to the countryside and its a hard life to be poor. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Olivia 5DM
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Railway Children
Review by Joshua Stubbs 5DM
Release Date - 2000 cert U
The Stars
Jenny Agutter as Mother, Jack Blumemeua as Peter, Jemina Booper as Bobbie, Care Thomas... Read more
Release Date - 2000 cert U
The Stars
Jenny Agutter as Mother, Jack Blumemeua as Peter, Jemina Booper as Bobbie, Care Thomas... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Mrs Angela Stubbs
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192198663_.gif){kind=small}
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
