It’s 82 years since it was committed to film and The Flying Scotsman (1929) finally sees a DVD release! This very early British experiment into sound cinema (it was originally a silent picture, with sound added in March 1930) is an interesting glimpse at the power of both silent and ‘talkie’ productions, combining some fantastic elements from both into one classic picture. A movie that also sees the screen debut of Ray Milland, who would go on to have starring roles in The Lost Weekend (1945), Dial M for Murder (1954) and the television series Meet Mr. McNutley (1953-55).
Along with Alfred Hitchcock’s Blackmail (1929), The Flying Scotsman symbolises a benchmark in British filmmaking and is both a fascinating watch for fans of historical cinema from the UK and those who are interested in the industry’s transition to sound.
Bob White (Moore Marriott) is the driver of the high-speed steam train The Flying Scotsman.
Along with Alfred Hitchcock’s Blackmail (1929), The Flying Scotsman symbolises a benchmark in British filmmaking and is both a fascinating watch for fans of historical cinema from the UK and those who are interested in the industry’s transition to sound.
Bob White (Moore Marriott) is the driver of the high-speed steam train The Flying Scotsman.
- 3/2/2011
- by Stuart Cummins
- Obsessed with Film
Last year, Optimum Releasing's remastered versions of The Railway Children (1970), Breathless (1960) and Peeping Tom (1960) were released as part of their continuing efforts to preserve a vast catalogue of classic titles. Castleton Knight's The Flying Scotsman (1929) is the latest feature to receive extensive digital restoration and is now available to own for the first time on DVD.
The Flying Scotsman tells the story of the imminently retiring Bob White (Moore Marriott), an engine driver of the elite Flying Scotsman express that has run daily between London and Edinburgh since 1862. On the day before his last run, White reports his stoker Crow (Alec Hurley) for drinking on duty, an action that results in Crow's instant dismissal. The film's momentum is built through anticipation of Crow's explicitly declared vengeance against White and replacement stoker Jim Edwards (Ray Milland).
Meanwhile, a chance encounter at a party leads to a blossoming relationship between...
The Flying Scotsman tells the story of the imminently retiring Bob White (Moore Marriott), an engine driver of the elite Flying Scotsman express that has run daily between London and Edinburgh since 1862. On the day before his last run, White reports his stoker Crow (Alec Hurley) for drinking on duty, an action that results in Crow's instant dismissal. The film's momentum is built through anticipation of Crow's explicitly declared vengeance against White and replacement stoker Jim Edwards (Ray Milland).
Meanwhile, a chance encounter at a party leads to a blossoming relationship between...
- 3/1/2011
- by Daniel Green
- CineVue
There’s debate whether Castleton Knight’s picture, The Flying Scotsman, is the first British film to include sound. It vies with Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller Blackmail for the honoured title. The BFI seem adamant it was released in March 1930, giving Hitch the record of achievement.
Nevertheless Knight’s splendid short film – it runs at fifty-six minutes – is notable for featuring Hollywood star Ray Milland in his first screen role. Although not as polished as later performances, Milland possesses star quality.
The Flying Scotsman has been digitally restored by Optimum Releasing and it’s easy to see why they took the trouble to do so. There’s great value in this film as an historical document as well as being a brilliantly put together using the famous Lner Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman. Made with the co-operation of the official railway networks of the time, the crazy stunt work forced an...
Nevertheless Knight’s splendid short film – it runs at fifty-six minutes – is notable for featuring Hollywood star Ray Milland in his first screen role. Although not as polished as later performances, Milland possesses star quality.
The Flying Scotsman has been digitally restored by Optimum Releasing and it’s easy to see why they took the trouble to do so. There’s great value in this film as an historical document as well as being a brilliantly put together using the famous Lner Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman. Made with the co-operation of the official railway networks of the time, the crazy stunt work forced an...
- 2/24/2011
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
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