ChuckCobleigh wrote: The story was rather simplistic, of course, as a lot of the RKO pictures were in the thirties, but the railroad 'action' makes the picture stand out as something more than run-of-the-mill. I did like the concept of the engineer and the super's girl going for a moonlight walk on a high steel bridge and having to duck out of the way of a train coming out of the tunnel at the end of the bridge.
The story was rather simplistic, of course, as a lot of the RKO pictures were in the thirties, but the railroad 'action' makes the picture stand out as something more than run-of-the-mill. I did like the concept of the engineer and the super's girl going for a moonlight walk on a high steel bridge and having to duck out of the way of a train coming out of the tunnel at the end of the bridge.
The same bridge and tunnel [MILW Eagle Nest Tunnel] also appeared in A River Runs Through It.
I was able to catch the last 75 minutes or so of the movie. Given its production year (1930) it was an adventuresome project. There was a lot of interesting moving train footage, especially in the "race" to Chicago to save the division super's life. It was interesting, though, how catenary would magically appear and disappear from the ROW during that run. The other thing interesting and unusual for that time was a lot of moving camera (dolly) shots being used, which was quite advanced for the early years of sound.
There was also the stunt of the engineer or fireman climbing out of the cab window and down to deal with a hot box on the trailing truck of the engine during the climactic "race" sequence.
Tharmeni wrote: Well, the print TCM had tonight was a LOT better quality than my videotape of this movie. You know, the train shots are great, but, boy, the rest of the story is B-O-R-I-N-G!
Well, the print TCM had tonight was a LOT better quality than my videotape of this movie. You know, the train shots are great, but, boy, the rest of the story is B-O-R-I-N-G!
Prone as I am to channel surfing even if I am actively watching something, I had to keep reminding myself to go back and see if there was some railroad action happening. As Tharmeni points out, the plot isn't exactly Oscar material, and some of the acting was, well.....
Scenes like the engineer climbing out on the side of the locomotive to deal with a hotbox on the trailing truck I can write off to "Hollywood." On the other hand, a shot of a coupling showed the trainmen moving in between the cars even before everything had come to a stop! Try that today and you'll have some time off to think about it....
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
A viewer's comment (not mine):
I found this film to be very good. The railroad scenes are quite realistic and the continuity surprisingly good (in the yard scene), as well as the sound. Those who have not seen steam engines in action will enjoy this movie. I grew up around the railroad during the age of steam and can enjoy the realistic sights and sounds of that day-and-age that are portrayed in this film. There are a couple of exceptions insofar as the action is concerned where the film was sped up to imply fast action, but they are minor in my opinion. As far as actors are concerned, I've long admired Jean Arthur and this does not disappoint! As a railroad buff, I particularly enjoy the scenes on my favorite road (Milwaukee) and the Trans-Missouri District!
From the guide:
TCM: Tuesday, January 23 7:00 PM CST1930, NR, 01:13, B & W, English, United States, A railroad boss's (Louis Wolheim) girlfriend (Jean Arthur) falls in love with an engineer (Robert Armstrong).
From 1930!! Lots of vintage steam!!
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