Top 10 Films About Railway Workers Based on True Stories

Description: This silent epic film recounts the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad in the United States, focusing on the workers' struggles and the monumental achievement of connecting the East and West coasts.

Fact: It was one of the first films to use real locations for shooting, including the actual railroad tracks.

Description: Based on E. Nesbit's novel, this film captures the lives of children whose father is imprisoned for espionage, and their adventures around the railway station where they live, reflecting the era's railway culture.

Fact: The film was shot at Oakworth railway station in Yorkshire, which has since become a popular tourist spot due to its association with the movie.

Description: While not exclusively about railway workers, this film features a detailed portrayal of New York City's subway system and the workers who manage it during a hostage crisis, based on the novel by John Godey.

Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta, but the original is often praised for its gritty realism.

Description: Set during the construction of the Uganda-Mombasa Railway, this film focuses on the real-life events where workers were terrorized by man-eating lions, highlighting the perilous conditions of railway construction in Africa.

Fact: The lions, known as the Tsavo maneaters, are now on display in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

Description: This film tells the story of Graeme Obree, a Scottish cyclist who built his own bike from scrap parts, including parts from a washing machine, and broke the world hour record, with scenes involving railway workers and enthusiasts.

Fact: The film features real locations from the Flying Scotsman route, adding authenticity to the setting.

Description: A modern sequel to the classic, this film follows a new generation of children during World War II, highlighting the role of railways in wartime Britain and the community spirit among railway workers.

Fact: It was filmed at the same location as the original, maintaining the continuity of the setting.

Description: This film tells the true story of Eric Lomax, a British Army officer who was captured by the Japanese during World War II and forced to work on the Thailand-Burma Railway. His journey of forgiveness and reconciliation is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

Fact: The film was adapted from Lomax's autobiography, and Colin Firth's performance earned him a nomination for a Golden Globe.

Description: Adapted from Charles Dickens' ghost story, this film explores the psychological horror experienced by a signalman who is haunted by a ghostly figure, reflecting the isolation and stress of railway workers.

Fact: It was part of the BBC's "A Ghost Story for Christmas" series, showcasing the eerie side of railway life.

Description: This film dramatizes the infamous 1963 train robbery in England, focusing on the meticulous planning and execution by the robbers, with railway workers playing a crucial role in the plot.

Fact: The film was directed by Michael Crichton, known for his work in science fiction, but this was one of his few forays into historical crime drama.

Description: Set during the Spanish Civil War, this film captures the desperate attempts of civilians to escape Madrid via train, showcasing the role of railway workers in wartime evacuations.

Fact: The film was released during the war, providing a contemporary view of the conflict.