On G List of Movie Reviews

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)


The Great Train Robbery (1978)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 12/10

GrTrain
12/10: Having read the book that was written by Michael Crichton, The Great Train Robbery is a fairly interesting picture.

However, I like the book better. Easily, the best feature is the Victorian England scenery which is the biggest reason for my sustained interest from start to finish. Sean Connery and Donald Sutherland aren't too bad themselves, and I've enjoyed their presence.

The most amazing scene is when Sean Connery is atop a moving train which looks breathtakingly real because he did it himself. An awesome part is Wayne Sleep, as Clean Willy, performing his own stunts, especially the frightening scaling of the huge vertical wall at Newgate Prison.

What's keen is the demonstration of copying keys which was memorably a big part of the book. Now, thanks to the film, I finally understood what the word "snakeman" meant. But I question the idea of Clean Willy climbing through the hole of the room where the two keys are located and opening the door for the waxman. I think it'll be easier if the latter can teach the former how to make an impression in wax rather than the other way around.

However, The Great Train Robbery is a bit banal because of the need to obtain four keys. Ultimately, Mission: Impossible with Tom Cruise, which is more exciting and fresh, will render it outdated due to both films having the same premise along with the train stunt toward the end.

What I remember the most about the book is the coffin that's fastened with a bell. It's included in the film which must be the first time ever. Many viewers will probably feel puzzled although it's explained very well in the book. During the 18th and 19th century, because of the cholera outbreak, there was a fear of people being buried alive. So, when a dead person was placed inside the coffin, there's a possiblity of him ringing the bell to let anyone know above the ground that he's alive. Of course, the whole thing is impossible to believe because it never happened. So, that's superstition to you.

All in all, The Great Train Robbery brings me good memories from the book.