couldn't possibly live up to the epic scope of the book. watch the movie but be sure to read the book.
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Period crime drama has oodles of charm
Added 10/10/2009
THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY
[The First Great Train Robbery]
(UK - 1978)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Theatrical soundtrack: Dolby Stereo
Three Victorian thieves (Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland and Lesley-Anne Down) plot to steal gold bullion from a moving train.
Enjoyable, fast-paced crime caper (loosely based on a true story), highlighted by strong performances and oodles of period charm. Despite showing a flair for light comedy, Down is relegated to wallpaper status for the most part, but Connery and Sutherland are a study in contrasts as (respectively) the cool-headed criminal mastermind and his excitable assistant, and the supporting cast includes a wealth of familiar faces from Brit theatre and TV. Aside from a couple of minor plot holes and a disgusting scene in which a terrier dog savages a number of rats (for real), this is A-class entertainment all the way. Directed by Michael Crichton.
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state of the art crime drama in 1851 England
Added 6/22/2009
What I liked most about this was the historical reconstruction of
the middle 19th century England that was necessary for the movie.
That banks in 1851 sent gold as bars for large cash transfers
made possible such a large robbery for that time.
An British Empire war in a foreign country where light brigades were charging into canon
fire is the back drop of this movie.
The weight of the resulting gold and the "keys" involved in the older safes
made this a difficult kind of plan to carry out.
There is a lot of humor involved that isn't just about
the thrill of the crime drama, but also about the upper class English system.
I liked the film and think there should be more reconstructions of historical events that were major news in their times
to give people an idea of what life was like at the time.
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The Great Train Robbery DVD
Added 5/11/2009
Three things make this movie/DVD exceptional for me. First, the story was written by medical doctor and great sci/fi writer Michael Crichton, based on a true story. Second, the star trio of Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland and Leslie Anne Down have great rapport and deliver a terrific blend of suspense and humor. Third, as in Connery's "Entrapment," no matter how many times you watch, you are caught up in the tension and eager to see what comes next. The preparations for the heist are ingenious. The actual 1855 heist was a first, and was only solved months later when one thief confessed, and only because a fellow perpetrator failed to keep a promise.
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Nice Period Piece For A Heist Flick; Needs A Blu-Ray Transfer
Added 2/12/2009
Wow, this is a wonderfully-filmed movie that especially looked good since it was one of the first DVDs I purchased over a decade ago. Rich colors and good period detail of 19th century England made it visually attractive. However, compared to most DVDs, the transfer here was too grainy. I hope MGM re-issues this on Bllu-Ray and gives it the sharp transfer it deserves.
Story-wise, beware that it takes quite awhile before the actual holdup takes place. This is almost a two-hour film and they build up slowly to famous heist. However, I didn't find any of it boring. This is rated PG but there are quite of bit of sexual innuendos early on by Connery as he woos Lesley-Ane Down. Other than that, it's a pretty tame film. Donald Sutherland adds a touch a touch of humor here and there as he and Connery pull off the suspenseful heist....and it is suspenseful.
Connery trying to maneuver on top of the train was a highlight, as was the "whooshing" sound of the train each time it passed under a bridge. The stereo in here is very good for a film almost 30 years old.
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