The Titfield Thunderbolt

The railroad between Mallingford and Titfield is losing money, and British Rail decides to close it. Clergyman Sam Weech (George Relph) and Squire Gordon (John Gregson) try to save the railroad by buying it and running it themselves. They enlist wealthy publican Valentine (Stanley Holloway), promising him that since the railway will be private, he'll be able to prop up the bar all day. They run into opposition however from the owners of the rival bus line, who would like to remove the competition. Battle lines are drawn--sometimes even across couples: Joan the barmaid (Gabrielle Brune) helps them while her fiance, steamroller driver Hawkins (Sidney James), joins the opposition. Railway enthusiasts Sam and Gordon have a month to show the authorities that they can run the railroad efficiently while coping with their opponent's campaign of sabotage.

Written by Ealing comedy regular T.E.B. Clarke and directed with impeccable timing by Charles Crichton, The Titfield Thunderbolt is a Technicolor celebration of English rural teamwork and determination. It features exuberant performances from Holloway as the publican, James as the disgruntled steamroller driver, Hugh Griffith as a disreputable poacher who happens to be an ex-engine driver, and Godfrey Tearle as the surprisingly hands-on bishop.

First released: Monday 13th November 2006