Directed by: Lionel Jeffries

The classic Edwardian story by E. Nesbit is now a classic children's film by Lionel Jeffries. After their father is imprisoned as a spy, three children go to live in a Yorkshire country cottage with a railway line at the bottom of the garden. The many new friends they meet, and the exciting and dangerous adventures they have on the tracks, help to prove their father's innocence.


viewer's comments:

Summary: Perfect.

An extremely powerful film that certainly isn't appreciated enough. It's impossible to describe the experience of watching it. The recent UK television adaptation was shameful - too ordinary and bland. This original manages to imprint itself in your memory.

Summary: A personal favorite

I have watched this movie countless times, and never failed to be charmed by it's homely simplicity, sincerity and goodness. Great characterizations by all of the cast, and the lovely little steam trains that play a such an important supporting role.I confess I fell in love with Roberta in 1970, and she still touches me today. Shown on TV in New Zealand on Christmas day, the nicest present I could have had.

Summary: Pure enchantment

I must have seen this beautiful film several hundred times, and yet, even though I know every scene, almost every line, this film never ceases to enchant - it is as fresh for me today as when I first saw it thirty years ago. What is the secret of its magic for an adult-viewer? The desire to return to a gentler age than today? Childhood adventures evoking our own fond memories of childhood? A loving family surviving through thick and thin? Or the simple glories of the countryside? Perhaps all of the above - and more. A fairy-tale for adults, to return to again and again.

Dinah Sheridan .... Mrs. Waterbury
Bernard Cribbins .... Albert Perks
William Mervyn .... Old Gentleman
Iain Cuthbertson .... Charles Waterbury
Jenny Agutter .... Bobbie Waterbury
Sally Thomsett .... Phyllis Waterbury
Gary F. Warren .... Peter Waterbury (as Gary Warren)
Peter Bromilow .... Doctor
Gordon Whiting .... Russian
Ann Lancaster .... Ruth
Beatrix Mackey .... Aunt Emma
Deddie Davies .... Mrs. Perks
Christopher Witty .... Jim
David Lodge (I) .... Bandmaster
Brenda Cowling .... Mrs. Viney

Runtime: USA:109 min
Country: UK
Language: English
Color: Color (Technicolor)