The plotline of the holiday comedy Holiday Affair (1949), featuring Robert Mitchum in an uncharacteristic role, largely centers around a postwar Lionel Super Chief set. The film is available to stream on Hulu.
The opening sequence is great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kT4W6bi1Mo
Ah, the Red Rocket Express. Too bad it wasn't filmed in color in all it's red and silver war bonnet glory!
Same me, different spelling!
Well, back in those days only the really BIG budget productions got Technicolor, that was expensive stuff!
On the other hand, I was very impressed with the scenic modeling the train ran through during the credit roll!
So it looks like they modified two ATSF F units and combined them with three Pullman cars, correct?
Shock Control So it looks like they modified two ATSF F units and combined them with three Pullman cars, correct?
Yes, "CTT" had an article about the "Red Rocket Express" about a year ago, I forget if it was in a special issue or a regular one, and one of the questions was "Why did they remark the train?" The concensus was "Nobody knows."
The train still exists in a private collection. Still runs too!
There are two versions of this movie on streaming services. One is an abridged 50 minute version and then the full 87 minute version. TvTime has the longer version on their Comedy channel as well as their Romance channel with limited commercial interruptions. You could probably see them ad-free if you can find a link to watch them on a computer with AdBlocker.
Rob
ADCX RobThere are two versions of this movie on streaming services. One is an abridged 50 minute version and then the full 77 minute version. TvTime has the longer version on their Comedy channel as well as their Romance channel with limited commercial interruptions. You could probably see them ad-free if you can find a link to watch them on a computer with AdBlocker.
The version on Hulu was the longer version, although the film stock changed a few times. It looked like they were working with two prints and editing them to make the complete film.
Flintlock76CTT" had an article about the "Red Rocket Express"
I think there were 2, one was in the SIP "Christmas and Toy Trains" about the resurfaced train but that was preceded by an article in a regular issue about the train and movie in general.
pennytrains Flintlock76 CTT" had an article about the "Red Rocket Express" I think there were 2, one was in the SIP "Christmas and Toy Trains" about the resurfaced train but that was preceded by an article in a regular issue about the train and movie in general.
Flintlock76 CTT" had an article about the "Red Rocket Express"
You may be right. I might have the "Christmas and Toy Trains" SIP floating around the house, I'll have to look for it, the regular "CTT" issue would have gone to the magazine giveaway table at the gym a while back.
I drop my "CTT's" off at the gym for two reasons, to generate interest in the hobby and to generate interest my local hobby shop who's an advertiser in the same.
Does it work? I don't know, but those mags are gone within 24 hours of my leaving them!
HI Everyone and happy holidays.
The first article about "Holiday Affair" appeared in the December 2016 issue of CTT. I followed that up after learning of the survival of the original train with an article in our special-interest publication, Christmas and Electric Trains, which came out in 2018. Both issues can be purchased by going to www.KalmbachHobbyStore.com
All the best to Forum members in the new year,
Roger Carp
Senior editor
Classic Toy Trains
Happy New Year Roger!
I found my copy of "Christmas And Electric Trains," actually it wasn't too hard, it was in the "Don't Throw Out!" pile o' mags.
Anyway, according to Rogers article, and briefly, the locomotives and cars were purchased "over the counter" by the studio and remarked by studio personnel. Apparently they were concerned about annoying Lionel by pairing a modern streamlined diesel with "antique" heavyweight cars. Personally I doubt Lionel would have cared, Josh Cowan was never averse to any free publicity, not that I'm aware of.
Chances are filmgoers assumed they were Lionels anyway.
A great special issue, by the way!
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