At The Movies….On The Rails By Cinematic Expert Stephanie Mardesich
A good friend recently facing a big health challenge and on “train ride to recovery” inspired me to create a list of movies (@24 and growing) that take place on a train, have scenes in a station, and memorable “rail” moments. From humorous to intensely dramatic or mysterious the metaphor of a train resonates in film since the art form was born. Some of the highlights for me personally of more classic status here (alphabetical order) for consideration and viewing pleasure. If readers would like copy of the big list, happy to forward. Send query to email to link at end of article. Enjoy the movies and start popping the corn!
Brief Encounter (UK, Cineguild, 1945, 96 min., dir. David Lean)
Filmed near end of WWII in Britain this film is a “gem”for all time. Sentimental, romantic, evocative; acting perfection for its restrained sincerity. By chance housewife Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson) meets Dr. Alec Harvey (Trevor Howard) in a railway café as they await their departures. Though they are married, they gradually fall in love and continue to meet every Thursday at the café, knowing their future will not be realized. Screenwriters include Ronald Neame, from story by Noel Coward, one of many superb collaborations with director Lean. Three Academy Award® nominations including Best Director, Actress, Script. A true “classic”.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037558/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
Bad Day At Black Rock (USA, MGM, 1955, 81 min., dir. John Sturges)
This movie is not one I care for much, however it has merit not only because of three Oscarâ nods. The post WWII story is austere and complex rare combination of film noir and western genres and everyone seems to have something to hide. Take a look to know what that is and how the train them fits in. Though Tracy is silver haired and clearly aging, he made @12 more films and in the acme of his long career. Stellar cast includes: Robert Ryan, Ann Francis, Ernest Borgnine, Dean Jagger and Lee Martin to name a few.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047849/awards/?ref_=tt_awd
Closely Watched Trains
(Czechoslovakia, Filmove Studio Barrandov (subtitles), 1966, 92 min., dir. Jiri Menzel)
Incongruous coming-of-age story of Vaclav Neckar (Miloš Hrma) who works as dispatcher in train station during WWII German occupation. With pathos and humor he’s looking for love while aiding colleagues in Resistance against the Nazis. Represents the “new wave” of post war iron curtain Czechoslovakia lead by talented screenwriter/director Menzel. Oscarâ for Best Foreign Film 1968 with popular box office profile.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060802/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
Harvey Girls (USA, MGM, 1949, 102 min. dir. George Sidney)
It’s near the turn of the (19th) century when bold and brave Susan Bradley (Judy Garland) decides to go west as a “mail order bride”, however that plan changes when on the train she meets other young ladies bound for Santa Fe to become part of the young ladies who serve in the depot Harvey House restaurants in the burgeoning restaurants along the rail way line. The standards are high and the hi-jinks as well, including rivalry with the saloon gals across from the restaurant lead by the flamboyant Em (Angela Lansbury). Susan and Em vie for love interest Ned Trent (John Hodiak). Great cast includes seasoned Preston Foster, Ray Bolger, Chill Wills and Marjorie Main; and early role for lovely Cyd Charisse. Oscarâ nods, one win best song “On The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe” that’s still being performed and enjoyed by contemporary crooners. The film was Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute program at the 4th annual LA Harbor International Film Festival in 2007 with the Harvey Girls Fan Club marching to the Oscar tune! Great time at the movies!
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038589/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
The Lady Vanishes (UK, Gainsborough Pictures, 1938, 96 min., dir. Alfred Hitchcock)
The frivolous mood of Europe pre WWII is backdrop for more serious consequences if the curious elderly nanny Miss Froy (Dame May Witty) exiting Switzerland returning home vial rail to England is not rescued culprits who appear to be Nazis. Frivolous heiress Matilda Henderson (Margaret Lockwood) is on the train returning to London fiancé she’s marrying under duress. Prior to departure in the quaint in she’s stopping in she meets the curious writer cum musician Gilbert Redman (Michael Redgrave), adversary turned romantic interest, also on the train to UK. They pursue the mystery and save the day from the suspicious Dr. Egon Hartz (Paul Lukas) and his suspicious culprits. (Re-made several times for film and TV; this is best).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030341/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
North by Northwest (USA, 1959, 136 min., dir. Alfred Hitchcock)
One of my personal favorite Hitchcock films: sophisticated, suave Cary Grant as Roger Thornhill, advertising exec in NYC, caught up in mistaken identify, espionage, romance and a lot of scenes on a train. Escaping the culprits, working for elegant sinister Phillip Vandamm (James Mason) who nabbed him from the Oak Bar in Plaza Hotel. Eluding authorities after U.N. assassination he’s blamed for Thornhill meets icy blond beauty Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint) who’s working for Vandamm and also his “mistress.” They eventually realize they’re on same side though treachery and danger threaten. Professor (Leo G. Carroll – Hitchcock “regular”), who’s probably “CIA”, is on the sideline trying to save the day, though it’s Thornhill who prevails. Famous scene with him being hunted by crop-duster plane still scares with out CGI effects; and incredible climactic chase over Mt. Rushmore the denouement. Elegant haberdashery for the gents, and exquisite gowns for “Eve” by Edith Head. Deserving to win many, though only three Oscarâ nods including “Best Screenplay” by champion Ernest Lehman.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053125/awards/?ref_=tt_awd
Note: See the revealing The Man On Lincoln’s Nose (2000), nominated for Best Short Documentary, about art director Robert Boyle who created the phenomenal chase sequence on Mt. Rushmore, link here:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0271628/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_2
Strangers On A Train (USA, Warner Bros., 1951, 101 min., dir. Alfred Hitchcock)
When ace tennis pro Guy Haines (Farley Granger) meets the Bruno Antony (Robert Walker) on a train as he heads to a match the odd rather weird Bruno makes a startling proposition that Guy and he exchange “murders”. Bruno angles to be rid of his domineering father and perceives Guy wants to be rid of his estranged spouse Miriam (Kasey Rogers, who had subsequent TV roles unpopular series) so he’s free to wed the girl he loves Anne Morton (Ruth Roman), daughter of U.S. Senator Morton (Leo G. Carroll). The convoluted mind set of psychopath cum sociopath Bruno is one of cinema’s most haunting. He’s simply “creepy”. Brief yet sweetly convincing performance by director Hitchcock’s daughter Patricia as Anne’s younger sister Barbara.
Adapted from novel by famed mystery writer Patricia Highsmith. Oscar nod for Best Cinematography.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044079/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
Sullivan’s Travels (1941, Paramount Pictures, 90 min., dir. Preston Sturges)
There’s something about this movie that has intrigued me since first viewing as a child. Perhaps it’s the down to earth charm of John L. Sullivan (Joel McCrea) and the subtle coquette and the “it girl” of her day “The Girl” (Veronica Lake) as the former throws off the mantle of success as a top Hollywood comedy film director to pursue the path of more serious story of “every man.” He takes to the rails incognito and with minimal funds to experience what life is like for those less fortunate, and putting his own life and ensuing love at risk as prelude to directing his next “epic” movie. A testament to real life and lessons learned. Cast includes many of director Sturges frequent ensemble, including William Demerest.
In the canon of films by the esteemed bit of a renegade director Preston Sturges. He’s in my favorite filmmaker and movie list. No award nods for the movie, however chosen by AFI as one of 100 funniest movies, and named to National Film Registry (1990).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034240/?ref_=ttawd_ov
Terror By Night
(USA, Universal Pictures, 1946, 60 min., dir. Roy William Neill) (Sherlock Holmes story w/ Basil Rathbone)
Being a great fan of the acclaimed detective Sherlock Holmes I’ve read all the stories, seen many film and television renditions. Though not so true to the source there are none better than the series, spanning Victorian era to WWII scenarios, starring Basil Rathbone as the famous sleuth Holmes and Nigel Bruce as his loyal sidekick Dr. Watcon, that began with first two made at 20th Century Fox, then Universal Pictures picked up the rights for a total of 14 films.
“At The Movies….On The Rails” (Vol. VI, No. 4 – April 2025) Palos Verdes Pulse
Page 3 of 3
On the London to Edinburgh, Scotland train Lady Margaret Carstairs (Mary Forbes) accompanied by her son Roland (Geoffrey Steele) is robbed of her valuable Star of Rhodesia diamond and her son is killed. Holmes and Watson were tacitly on guard and take responsibility to assist authorities, including Inspector Lestrade (Dennis Hooey) seeking the culprit. Among the passengers is Major Duncan-Bleek (Alan Mobray)
seemingly not a suspect, though who is he really? A co-hort or alter ego of Holmes nemeses Professor Moriarty? Much excitement, bit of humor and mayhem in the only 60 minute movie.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039017/?ref_=nmbio_mbio
The Thin Man Goes Home (USA, MGM, 1944, 100 min., dir. Richard Thorpe)
Can’t resist including at least one from my favorite detective series with charming sleuth Nick Charles(William Powell) and heiress wife Nora (Myrna Loy) who return to his home town to visit parents and celebrate his birthday. Amusing scenes in Grand Central Station and on the train. Of course where Nick goes, murder follows and he’s caught up in the small town antics that verge on wartime espionage, and proves his padre proud. Always charming entertainment with just enough “edge.”
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037365/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
Throw Momma From The Train (USA, 1987. 88 min., dir. Danny DiVito)
Take a look at “spoof” of Strangers On A Train stars Billy Crystal and Denny DeVito. Academy Award® nod for veteran Anne Ramsey for “Best Supporting” – SM knew her from her work in Los Angeles legit theatre).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094142/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
For the “on the rails” train film themes titles list contact: stephaniemardesich@yahoo.com – choo, choo!
Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020