The participation of Jenny Agutter, now a fully-fledged national treasure familiar to millions as Sister Julienne in Call The Midwife, was key to the new film. There’s also a warming callback to Bernard Cribbins’s stationmaster Perks, a towering presence in the original, here represented by a grandson, Richard, played by Game of Thrones’ John Bradley. Most of all, though, there are the very same rolling green fields, picturesque stone villages and classic locomotives, all finely tuned to represent the passing of 29 years.
The Railway Children ReturnJaap Buitendijk
For Agutter, it was a happy experience: “I have, from the first time I went to Oakworth Station, loved steam trains,” she says. “Being back there, filming, was very touching. One of the engine drivers had driven the trains for Lionel’s film. He was there with his 41-year-old daughter, who was the first woman to drive those steam trains. I love all those connections.”
Here's our guide to the locations used in both the original and its sequel.
The Railway Children ReturnJaap Buitendijk
Oakworth Station
A key location in both films is Oakworth Station, a few miles south-west of Keighley in West Yorkshire. It’s on the platform here that the original’s classic reunion scene takes place, as Bobbie cries “Daddy, my Daddy!” into the smoke, leaving entire families in tears over the decades.
The station is part of the Keighley & Worth Valley heritage rail network, renamed the “Great Northern and Southern Railway” for The Railway Children – though the KWVR persuaded the filmmakers to keep the name Oakworth. The original line closed in 1962 but was reopened by enthusiasts six years later, just in time for filming. In between the two films, it’s been on screen regularly in everything from Yanks (1979) to the BBC’s Peaky Blinders.
Drawing on my extensive knowledge and passion for cinema, particularly in the realm of classic films and their modern adaptations, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the article you provided. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's rooted in a profound understanding of the subject matter.
The article revolves around the film "The Railway Children Return," a sequel that pays homage to its predecessor and features notable actors like Jenny Agutter and John Bradley. The narrative seamlessly weaves together the old and the new, incorporating familiar faces and iconic locations to evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Jenny Agutter's role as Sister Julienne in "Call The Midwife" adds a layer of depth to her involvement in the film. This, combined with her personal connection to steam trains, as evidenced by her statement, "I have, from the first time I went to Oakworth Station, loved steam trains," showcases not only her acting prowess but also her genuine enthusiasm for the subject matter.
The mention of Bernard Cribbins's stationmaster Perks and the introduction of his grandson, Richard, played by John Bradley from "Game of Thrones," highlights the film's dedication to preserving the essence of the original while introducing new elements.
The article also emphasizes the importance of specific locations in both films, with Oakworth Station being a key setting. The station's significance is not only cinematic but also historical, being part of the Keighley & Worth Valley heritage rail network. The decision to rename it the "Great Northern and Southern Railway" for the film, while retaining the name Oakworth, reflects the delicate balance between cinematic creativity and historical authenticity.
The intricate details about the station's history, closure in 1962, and subsequent reopening by enthusiasts for filming six years later, further underline the film's commitment to authenticity. The mention of Oakworth Station's appearances in other productions like "Yanks" (1979) and the BBC's "Peaky Blinders" reinforces its iconic status in the realm of cinema.
In essence, "The Railway Children Return" is not just a film; it's a carefully crafted tapestry of nostalgia, talent, and dedication to preserving the cinematic and historical legacy of its predecessor. The blending of old and new, both in terms of characters and locations, serves as a testament to the enduring charm of classic storytelling in the world of cinema.
