I was nine years old when this televised remake of the E. Nesbit's 1970 picture 'The Railway Children' went out. Believe it or not, I actually saw this version before I saw the original ( in fact, I had not even heard of the original at that time ). The main reason I tuned in was, of course, because my favourite actor Gregor Fisher ( not that any of you ever would have guessed he was my favourite! ) was involved in the project.
Like many classics, I feel there would be no point saying what 'The Railway Children' is all about. I will say that this remake does the original story justice, more than justice in fact. Jenny Agutter, in role reversal, now plays Mrs. Waterbury as opposed to daughter Bobbie. The roie of young Bobbie is taken on here by the lovely Jemima Rooper, and the younger siblings, Phyllis and Peter, are played by Clare Thomas and Jack Bleumenau. Gregor Fisher plays the chirpy station porter Perks, whom takes the children under his wing.
I realise I will be in a minority but this version I think is the better of the two. Casting Fisher in the role of Perks was a wise move. Bernard Cribbins' Perks was dull and grumpy. Fisher was cheerier and funnier. Despite the obvious comic interplay between Perks and the characters, there are some wonderfully touching moments too, particularly in the scene where the children, as well as other residents of the village present Perks with gifts as a gesture of esteem for his helpful and kindly nature. Clive Russell is also impressive as the stern stationmaster.
A true classic worth watching over and over again.
Like many classics, I feel there would be no point saying what 'The Railway Children' is all about. I will say that this remake does the original story justice, more than justice in fact. Jenny Agutter, in role reversal, now plays Mrs. Waterbury as opposed to daughter Bobbie. The roie of young Bobbie is taken on here by the lovely Jemima Rooper, and the younger siblings, Phyllis and Peter, are played by Clare Thomas and Jack Bleumenau. Gregor Fisher plays the chirpy station porter Perks, whom takes the children under his wing.
I realise I will be in a minority but this version I think is the better of the two. Casting Fisher in the role of Perks was a wise move. Bernard Cribbins' Perks was dull and grumpy. Fisher was cheerier and funnier. Despite the obvious comic interplay between Perks and the characters, there are some wonderfully touching moments too, particularly in the scene where the children, as well as other residents of the village present Perks with gifts as a gesture of esteem for his helpful and kindly nature. Clive Russell is also impressive as the stern stationmaster.
A true classic worth watching over and over again.