THE FIRST GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY at first seems to be an odd choice for director Michael Crichton, who adopts his own novel of the same title. Crichton is best known for dealing with cutting edge technology in his fare, whereas this is a Victorian-era heist. I suppose the technology comes from the plotting and planning of cracking an unbreakable safe on a moving train, so the film is still grounded in realism as with the rest of the great man's work.
As for the story itself, it's surprisingly light and a bit too overloaded with comedy. The first half features very little of note apart from some silly innuendo scenes which are more blatant than the ones in the '70s-era CARRY ON films, and that's saying something! Sean Connery grounds things with his likable lead persona, while Donald Sutherland is simply bizarre as the English safebreaker.
Things do pick up later on, and the heist itself, which takes place at the climax, is thoroughly enjoyable. The film boasts from solid production values overall and a fine supporting cast studded with familiar faces including Lesley-Anne Down, Pamela Salem, Michael Elphick, Peter Butterworth, Janine Duvitski, and James Cossins.
As for the story itself, it's surprisingly light and a bit too overloaded with comedy. The first half features very little of note apart from some silly innuendo scenes which are more blatant than the ones in the '70s-era CARRY ON films, and that's saying something! Sean Connery grounds things with his likable lead persona, while Donald Sutherland is simply bizarre as the English safebreaker.
Things do pick up later on, and the heist itself, which takes place at the climax, is thoroughly enjoyable. The film boasts from solid production values overall and a fine supporting cast studded with familiar faces including Lesley-Anne Down, Pamela Salem, Michael Elphick, Peter Butterworth, Janine Duvitski, and James Cossins.