GAUGE THE ISSUE: Left For Titfield!

[@Evaunit98]

I recently watched Titfield for the first time, I haven’t laughed at a film so much in awhile, that scene with the 1400 barrelling through the town is one of the funniest things I’ve seen

[@14xx78]

can't go a day in the paper without reading about Titfield...

[@davidashworth5740]

They're making quite a go of it aren't they?

[@cityjamesman1306]

14XX how long did it take to bring you into your normal shape after the accident with the tree or then you fell into the river

[@46harry]

Theres more than 1 1400 class.

[@josephmarrison4606]

I love The Titfield Thunderbolt. One of my favourite films.

[@samuelfarris1949]

Since Chris made this video, the Wikipedia page for 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' has been updated with authentic critical review quotes of the period taken from official sources, with the British Film Institute's Monthly Film Bulletin review of April 1953 noting it as: 'disconcertingly short on wit and some of its invention feels forced'. I actually added a bit more information to the page myself from authentic sources, such as clarifying the usage of London's Richmond Park for the off-rail engine escapade, and a reference to a genuine quote from Michael Balcon who noted that 'we weren't matching up to the script'. It should be noted the film does indeed not clarify the history of the Titfield railway, which clearly tapped into territory the filmmakers were not too familiar with, but which should have helped to anchor the political commentary and drive forward the plight of the villagers in the face of a new transport system crippling their way of life. Some of the staging of scenes - especially the road-going engine escapade - also comes across as dated by today's standards. Despite those issues the film remarkably holds up as well as its more critically-renowned peers in the Ealing Comedy line-up. Regards, Samuel Farris.

[@cliffleigh7450]

Surely the most significant point of this movie which you hardly touch on is the great color shots of LION in steam running on a branchline! This alone makes the movie a treasure. You won't see it again.

[@KetchumKid]

Not to be what model railway people call a "rivet counter", bur the Strasburg Railway in Pennsylvania did start excursions and steam operations in 1959, right up there with its UK and Australian counterparts. That said, you make wonderful points about the movie. I am curious, though, about thoughts on a 'spiritual remake,' for example same plot but use American/Australian/Insert-Country-Here trains, details, and struggles. I agree that a full-on remake would most likely ruin the memories of a movie, but I feel that a movie inspired by Titfield could at least do modestly well, without soiling the original's reputation.

[@trainman07011]

Not to mention the fact that the US's Class 1 railroads ran steam preservation specials continually throughout the fifties. And, did I mention the Durango and Silverton, which has been a continual steam operation since 1882? The steam preservation at Knott's Berry Farm in Los Angeles established in 1952? Should I go on...

[@trainman07011]

Edaville too, and more. In any case, it's clear that the US and other countries were all on the preservation wagon with the UK from the very beginning. One American railroad, the Union Pacific, has had it's #844 FEF steamer continually on the active locomotive roster since December 1944.

[@ronclark9724]

False, there are state railroad museums in many states running steam engines. The best private steam railroad in the US is the Silverton and Durango railway in southwestern Colorado.

[@capitollimitedproductions211]

Actually Strasburg started steam in 1960.

[@chasespadavecchia6407]

JAM Rail vids Right it was only the Plymouth diesel running the excursions for the first two years.

[@TERRYBARTLETTRAILMAN28]

another job well done Chris

[@karltriebel4262]

You’ll have to do one about Will Hay’s Oh Mr Porter!

[@thevintageenglishman]

Agree another awesome railway based film

[@JRS06]

I can't believe that this film was panned back in the day when it's regarded as a comedy rail fan masterpiece 70 years on. A lot of films go through that same kind of treatment, but The Titfield Thunderbolt has got the biggest amount of love in present day, most likely because it encapsulates the 50s and early railway preservation. I've always loved the film no matter what; it's a staple of my youth and my whole family seems to enjoy it for most of the same reasons I do.

[@rudititanic]

Wonderful, and very fair. Perhaps the fact that it was unwitting in reflecting the era (and the birth of preservation) is what makes it so successful at precisely that. Credit for the Titanic references too!

[@RailPreserver2K]

What's sad is that both of the rail lines you see in the opening of the film are completely gone now

[@Jetthehawk1994]

Just watched the film recently. It's very good.

[@thetrainguy19yt39]

I enjoyed the video, but before I like it.... *wines and spirits first!*

[@Lennon6412]

If you like railways you'll love Titfield. If you like films you'll love the Lavender Hill Mob. Outside of railway enthusiasts, the Titfield Thunderbolt is not seen as a classic although I do love it nonetheless.

[@exveefan]

But the Movie's storyline has been retold, albeit in a TV series. "Come Midnight Monday".

[@thevintageenglishman]

3 top movies involving trains from this era 1, titfield thunderbolt 2, oh mr porter 3, the great st trinians train robbery

[@musicgarryj]

If this iconic film was to be remade today in the current PC media climate, it would be an unrecognisable travesty. 1) In the original, there are NO leading roles for women.... so a modern version would at the very least probably have a female vicar (Dawn French?). 2)The motivation behind saving the railway would not be a simple love of trains, or even the desire to maintain a vital cornerstone of the local community..... the preservationists would have to be eco-warriors with a green agenda focused on saving the planet by keeping people off the roads. 3) The film today would also have to fully embrace diversity and casting quotas. The station staff could all be newly arrived Windrush immigrants .... and possibly the Stanley Holloway character might be revealed to be gay? Leave the classics alone!!!

[@simonholyfield3319]

Love the Italian Job analogy at the end. Hope you enjoyed Morrisons at Cromer! rgds Simon

[@vickielawless]

Nice one Chris. I loved your reference to one of my other fave films, The Italian Job. Both this and Titfield are essentially British, which is perhaps why neither did too well outside the UK. And then there's the link via Doug Slocombe; not a lot of people know that..

[@kineticrail]

maybe younger people who watched this in the 50's had a seed planted which would later go on to be founding members of some of the first preserved line.

[@lord_scrubington]

*THE PHANTOM MENACE IS BAD?* *Impossible, the archives must be incomplete* That film is the father of all memes

[@RatelHBadger]

Bad movies create memes... Or in the case of Mike Stoklasa and Redlettermedia, an entire KZbin career.

[@thevintageenglishman]

Top 3 movies involving trains from this era 1 titfield thunderbolt 2 oh mr. Porter 3 the great st trinians train robbery

[@eliotreader8220]

i first discovered this film when i was around 8 years old and i really like how it ended, since then i discovered that it was based on the restoration of a Welsh narrow gauge railway in Wales. when i was given a copy of the book railway adventure i found that the film was based on two of the events in the book i still like the Titfield Thunderbolt

[@FlyingScott]

I'm The Nostalgia Critic, I re- *S&@#, wrong channel*

[@joetcacciola]

I'm new to following this channel. Has he gauged "It happened to Jane" by chance?

[@connorjohnson7834]

I watched this movie for the first time today ( before watching this or the train now starring review) and I absolutely loved it

[@CorwinB5]

Have you spoken to Simon Castens (who owns 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' bookshop)? He's an authority on the film and has written a book about it.

[@clangerbasher]

It wasn't about a 'preserved railway'. It was commentary on the various shifts in society after WW2. A better comparison would be 'Passport to Pimlico'.

[@MervynPartin]

The public were not on the side of the train robbers, despite your comment. The driver of the mail train never recovered from the injuries caused by those thugs.

[@ChristheXelent]

It's true that the driver didn't recover from his injuries. But on the subject of the public not being on the side of the robbers, a smattering of contemporary interviews seen in this Channel 4 documentary suggest otherwise in some cases: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXzQo2SigK12a7c

[@riklund2206]

My VHS recording off the telly of this film had a prologue interview with T.E.B.Clarke.His quote was along the lines of "Some people thought I was trying to pervey an image of post-war Britain.This, of course, is complete rubbish, we were just out to make light entertainment that would fill the cinemas."Also, personally I feel that the Titfield Thunderbolt was a film about a railway whereas the Lavender Hill Mob was a film which involved the railway but was about a robbery! Both are great films in their own right.Chris Eden Green, these films with railways must put you right in your element(genuine congratulations!) Being both a film maker and a train buff!

[@Viper-CT]

I shall point out that the movie was in fact not made in 1952 but in 53. Fun Fact! the branch line used for this movie was located on the Border of Wales, the line in question was already claimed redundant by BR in 1951, since then the line has been forgotten to the mists of time, and the only evidence left is in fact the movie that depicted it!

[@ThomasFan-en4pd]

1:45 did you know that in the 1950s Wilbert Awdry worked on the Talyllynn Railway and the experiences inspired him to introduce an second railway in bis books called the Skarloey Railway.

[@bradenkilby]

Sadly I haven't watched the tip field Vanderbilt but I plan to do so today I'm going to the couch watch that thing

[@thomashambly3718]

Ks-1 Productions you made a large mistake

[@alistairshaw3206]

Brilliant film, but does anyone remember, The Ghost Train, with Arthur Askey? It even used the now demolished Severn Bridge.

[@thevintageenglishman]

This is one of the best films in my book and the ultimate part is the theft of the locomotive from the mainline shed and it going through the streets......

[@BritishRailProductions]

5:50 actually by the late fifties there were four that I know of those three Railways and The Bluebell Railway

[@ChristheXelent]

Not quite as we know it. The Lewes & East Grinstead Railway Preservation Society DID come into being in 1959, but it wasn't until 1960 that they started running any public trains; which is what I was referring to.

[@TheRailFaningBoy]

I remember the first time I saw this movie I loved it and still to this day.

[@johnjephcote7636]

Same here. I remember aged four watching it and my dad obtaining stills photos. I still love it.

[@uries15]

As a railway enthusiast I can watch The Titfield Thunderbolt until the proverbial bovines return to their residence. It's got Tom Rolt written all over it and is packed with nuance that only 'we' would understand. But it's just too charming. If you want railways, comedy finesse and the grotesque, it's got to be The Ladykillers. I'll keep Thunderbolt for myself, but if I had to demonstrate Ealing Comedy for shared enjoyment I would pick Ladykillers.

[@otakurailfan]

I'm watching it after this movie

[@kupferbergbahn7952]

same

[@BrockwellLanemodelrailway]

Biggest question for me is what paint scheme is 1401 wearing.You can clearly see where G W R has been removed or is that just an art department paint job.I know it looks like black, but I like to think it was in very dirty G W R green. ..More films about Titfield please Chris.

[@TallboyDave]

It looks like BR Black, with the heraldry removed.

[@Sashin-d8t]

I thought everyone hated the phantom menace in 1999, and people love the prequels now

[@jodypitt3629]

It wasn't such a box office success Chris because the movie's very name floored it.

[@JordysRailVideos]

Hello from Australia

[@benjaminreid5982]

Did you know that there is a shop near where the film was made called the tit field shop and it sells a book called thunderbolts last run which is about what happened after the the villagers saved there branch line you should take a look at it and see what you make of it and do a rail reads editorial on it

[@LegoMiester14]

I have the fullest intentions to watch this film.

[@user-do6xh5pq9u]

As someone who finnally was able to watch Titfield for the first time only last week, I must say it truely is an amazing film. Although I'll admit I was a bit underweamed by it in some aspects. I was under the impression it was an absolutely hilarious film where there's tons of jokes. Which it didn't seem to be. But y'know, I'm happy with what I got. It was a joy of a film and that 14xx on the road was so impressive, even if it was fake. :P

[@DiegoLiger]

Reviews of Titfield at the time were ....mixed. An awful lot of reviews when the film premiered thought it wasn't funny, that it was slow, and that it was only the presence of the ancient locomotive which saved it.

[@Tinners1983]

Hi Chris, as a fan of the movie, and of railway posters (an original “Forging Ahead” is hanging around somewhere) do you know the poster you have clipped in at 6:23 with the notice of closure being glued over it? I can’t find it anywhere…

[@chrisbruce5711]

I have a question. What are your thoughts on the T1 trust and there goals

[@99superbot]

anywhere a yank can get his hands on a copy?

[@mihaelalaber2084]

can i get a link to the film please? I can't find it anywhere, and it really wanna watch it!

[@annamcuthbert3993]

i like it

[@boxcarwillies1603]

Too bad I've never seen this, being American. I would love to though.

[@dethfan06]

It's on youtube.

[@boxcarwillies1603]

huh

[@ronclark9724]

Not in the US. I have had to buy a DVD without being limited by a region. Very few Americans have seen this movie, there aren't even any pirated video copies available taped from cable television...

[@edscoble]

Bah, shame it doesn't have subtitles which explain why (and other disabled people) never seen it before.

[@jontydenton1898]

True test for British citizenship....if you get misty eyes when the engines whistle at the end ....and at sound of any passing merlin engine....yer in!

[@alanwaines2085]

It's a bit of both

[@danthetainman4586]

finlly someone mentens the puffing billy railway

[@sudriansignalman9387]

I wonder what happened to the 1401 in titfeilds universe after the crash, of course it was scrapped in real life, but what about in its universe

[@cityjamesman1306]

Gaming blue engine productions well the tree crash had a truck in disguse

[@sudriansignalman9387]

City Jamesman what?

[@JRS06]

I thought the Phantom Menace appreciation cycle went from negative to more positive. The hype was big and many were let down. The prequel trilogy was panned for a while, but these days it's looked on as quite good. I've always liked it at least, Jar Jar doesn't bother me.

[@984francis]

If this was America, we'd have to say "Tidfield". (Tid bit instead of tit bit, ghastly.)

[@theman4816]

She,s on the time table

[@TenShine1productions]

I still haven't seen it 😂

[@TylersTrains]

Good old titfield thunderbolt

[@fullsteamproductions104]

Can you do a sole slip for the talyllyn railway

[@placeholdername4068]

But it's a railway, not a locomotive. But yeah, I'd like to see a video covering it's locomotives.

[@1BCamden]

haha love it

[@josheaton7864]

Wines and spirits first

[@GreatWesternLegacy]

A DUEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@aifrench14]

I think it's a great film for railway fans and probably did more than it's fair share of getting those railway fans into preservation.... However, I don't think it's that funny compared to say The Ladykillers. I'm also sure I've read somewhere it was a massive flop back at the time of it's release....

[@matthewpeter]

lol raise the titanic reference

[@noreasters5950]

is this film in the public domain? just curious

[@ChristheXelent]

Nor easters 59 No. The film is still under copyright of Ealing Studios

[@noreasters5950]

Chris Eden-Green oh ok, thanks anyways 👍

[@bradenkilby]

I'm American

[@bradenkilby]

I am that type of guy with my head stuck in the Canon and all the sudden it blowing my face out

[@AtheistOrphan]

‘Charles Crich-ton’? It’s pronounced Charles CRY-TON!

[@ChristheXelent]

With respect, I've heard it both ways. More often than not, I've been informed it's Crich-ton; including from people who currently work at Ealing Studios.

[@neilmurraybass]

@@ChristheXelent kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ26k318qKmlp9k at 0.30, as Charles Crichton accepts an award.

[@darkchaotix1productions326]

british railways:br,lner,lms,sdjr,gnr,gner,ews,freughtliner and scottrail

[@F40Sean]

Absolutely fantastic film, have to say though that the actor who plays the vicar is a shockingly bad actor who hams it up all the way through the film.

[@aguy17]

1:20 I love Phantom Menace.

[@Steven_Rowe]

The Bishop of Wellchester. lol Funny people film critics. They are just people with opinions like me and you. Opinions are like backsides, we all have one but nobody wants to see mine and this is the same with a critic who is in essense just overly self opinionated shoosh its on the turntable

[@athopi]

Why don't you use UK political figures instead of American? I'm also curious why UK media people feel empowered to make comments about American politics instead of their own? Oh, that's right... because you can be arrested for it! Clean your own house before you try to affect ours, knob!

[@glynwelshkarelian3489]

Twat

[@richardsinger01]

athopi cus You seem to be confusing Britain with North Korea,. You think we can’t lampoon our own politicians? It’s the bedrock of British popular culture!. We are more than happy to make fun of yours too, the current lot (both sides of the pond) are providing excellent material for this on a daily basis.