The Flying Scotsman (1929) DVD, 1929

Arguably the first full length British feature film to use sound (though most likely this was added later, in 1930 and the film is predominantly silent), The Flying Scotsman features daredevil stunts performed on the real eponymous locomotive that serviced the London to Edinburgh route, and the screen debut of Ray Milland.

The day before he is due to retire an old engine-driver (Moore Marriott) reports his stoker, Crow (Alec Hurley), for drunkenness. The man is discharged and threatens to make trouble. As the train is leaving on the driver's last run, Crow boards it, followed by the driver's daughter Joan (Pauline Johnson) who, when the locomotive is separated from the carriages, plunging the train into mortal danger, is left alone to face the awesome task of bringing the great train safely to a standstill.

If the romance is standard fare, the real thrill of the film is watching both Hurley, and then Pauline Johnson - in heels!, walk the outside of the train without any safety guards at all as it speeds along the rails and through bridges. It's jaw-dropping even now.

Newly restored, here is a chance to see what is arguably the first full-length British feature film to use sound (most likely this was added later, in 1930). The Flyin... more >

Newly restored, here is a chance to see what is arguably the first full-length British feature film to use sound (most likely this was added later, in 1930). The Flying Scotsman showcases daredevil stunts performed on the eponymous locomotive (which traveled the London to Edinburgh route), and features the screen debut of Ray Milland (later to go on to Hollywood success in such films as Wilder's The Lost Weekend and Hitchcock's Dial M For Murder). The new digital restoration looks splendid. < less

View all 513 of Barry Forshaw’s reviews