Over half a century after the release of the original film, a sequel to The Railway Children is coming to cinemas very soon and here’s all you need to know about it.
52 years since people flocked to see E. Nesbit’s book brought to life on screen, its sequel is finally hitting cinemas on July 15.
The Railway Children 1970 movie
The popular children’s film, based on the books by E. Nesbit, told the story of Bobbie (Jenny Agutter) and her siblings when they move from a wealthy life in London to a run-down cottage in Yorkshire when their father is sent to prison. The original film was set in 1905, and the sequel is set in 1944.
The original film was directed and written by Lionel Jeffries, who also directed Wombling Free about the much-loved characters The Wombles in 1977.
Released in 1970, the movie became a family favourite and a children’s classic – and was the role that shot Jenny Agutter to fame.
She went on to star in films such as Equus (1977) and An American Werewolf in London (1981). Many of the locations have been reused in the film, including the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway which acted as the backdrop for many of the scenes.
The Railway Children Return
In preserving the railway over the past 50 years, they have ensured that a sequel could be filmed on location and retain the magic of the steam railway history of Britain.
In the sequel, titled The Railway Children Return, Bobbie- now a grandmother- takes in children evacuated from Salford during World War Two. St
arring alongside Call the Midwife star Agutter is Sheridan Smith as her daughter and Game of Thrones actor John Bradley as the grandson of stationmaster Mr Perks, played in the original film by Bernard Cribbins.
The new cast of children is headed by 15-year-old Beau Gadsdon, who starred as young Princess Margaret in the Netflix series The Crown.
Speaking at the premiere at Oakworth train station in West Yorkshire, Beau noted that even though she was not born when the 1970 film came out, she has seen it, ‘read all the books’, and saw the stage play featuring real steam engine. She also noted that it ‘is a British classic’, highlighting how the legacy of the much-loved children has passed on through the generations.
The Railway Children Return’s real inspiration
As the film moves from 1905 to 1944, there are new issues and topics within the storylines. One such storyline includes black US soldiers stationed in Yorkshire being attacked by US military police officers.
This is based on a real incident in Lancashire in 1943, which left one soldier dead. In Bamber Bridge, white officers tried to enforce segregation in the village, which the villagers fought back against, putting up signs noting ‘only black troops and locals allowed’.
This story will be explored as the children come across a character who is being targeted by military police. Pose actor KJ Aikens will play this role. Morgan Matthews directs.
The film is released in cinemas on July 15.