Directed by Charles Crichton and written by T. E. B. Clarke, when British Railways announce the closure of the Titfield to Mallingford branch line a group of local residents make a bid to run it themselves, backed by a monied member of the community who is attracted by the complete lack of licensing hours on trains. Unfortunately, the local bus company starts to use methods that can hardly be seen as fair competition. Starring: Stanley Holloway, George Relph, Naunton Wayne, John Gregson, Godfrey Tearle, Hugh Griffith, Gabrielle Brune and Sidney James.

If you were looking for a film to encapsulate the old-school British, roll up your sleeves and get the job done, everyone does their bit, style attitude, you can’t really go wrong with The Titfield Thunderbolt. That’s what this film is too a tee, it portrays that optimism and patriotism of a time gone by. A post-war community that will come together whenever the need arises, and it’s enjoyable to watch. It has the classic silliness of an Ealing Studios comedy, leaning towards the Passport to Pimlico days of touching upon political issues but it keeps things light and simple.

It’s very British to make an entire comedy around the idea of privatisation and reduced funding for public transport. While it was made over sixty years ago, it does hold onto some relevancy in its clear belief that public transport should at its heart exist to serve the community and not be about profit. It’s certainly something that the current state of British Railways has moved far away from. It’s a simple story with plenty of hijinks along the way, it’s light and enjoyable.

Obviously being an Ealing creation, it will come of surprise to no-one that there’s a well put together cast. It’s undoubtedly an ensemble film which nicely reflects that feel of community that it strives to build. Stanley Holloway does of course steal some scenes, but that’s unavoidable. They’re a great bunch of actors who all tick the right boxes with the comedy and timing and manage to not become too farcical which is actually quite impressive. And of course, it wouldn’t be a 1950s British comedy without an appearance from Sidney James.

The Titfield Thunderbolt is a romanticised version of Britain in today’s world, so if you’re pining for the good old days of neighbours who had each other’s backs and would roll their sleeves up whenever your train needed a push (granted, it’s a very niche example), this is the film for you. It’s the ultimate easy entertainment, it’s got some nicely political layers beneath its surface, but it remains focused on creating good time. You can’t really ever go wrong with an Ealing Studios comedy, and the restoration work is fantastic.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10

New 4K Restoration is available now on a 2-Disc Collector’s Edition 4K UHD as part of StudioCanal’s Vintage Classics Collection