The Titfield Thunderbolt

UK 1953
84 minutes
Directed by Charles Crichton
Leading players - Stanley Holloway, George Relph & John Gregson

Synopsis

From the days before Thomas Beeching wielded a merciless axe on the branch lines of the British railway system comes a tale to fill all train enthusiasts with sheer joy. The residents of a sleepy English village rise up in unison when the government decide to shut down the unprofitable, ancient branch railway line between Titfield and Mallingford.

The Reverend Welch (George Relph), is heartbroken at the news and leads his parishioners' campaign to buy and run the railway themselves. However, there are those whose best interests would not be served if the Reverend's plan succeeds. Vernon Crump (Jack MacGowan), and his partner in the Titfield Transport Company, Alex Pearce (Ewan Roberts), have a vested interest in an alternative mode of transport.

When the villagers are granted a provisional licence to operate the line their gleaming new bus proves to be no competition. Business flourishes for the amateur railway workers and as the visit of the official from the Ministry of Transport approaches they are confident of being granted a permit to take over the railway route.

On the eve of the decision day Crump and Pearce sabotage the line with disastrous consequences. However, the villagers will not accept defeat...

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With a sterling British cast 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' was the first Ealing production to be filmed in Techicolour. With this in mind it was vital to find an attractive location. The line between Limpley Stoke and Camerton in the West Country solved that problem.

However, Ealing Studios then had to find an authentic early locomotive to fill the role of 'The Thunderbolt'. The Liverpool Engineering Society had the perfect engine in their museum. 'Lion', built by Todd, Kitson and Lord of Leeds in 1838 was still in working order. Her maroon and dark green livery was repainted nursery red and bright green for the benefit of the Technicolour camera.