GB 1972 1hr 43mins Dir: Ken Russell Starring: Dorothy Tutin and Scott Anthony
A film of the life of French sculptor Henri Gaudier-Brzeska
This truly magnificent biographical drama is based on the 1931 book of the same title by H.S. Ede and features good scenes filmed at Horsted Keynes station on the Bluebell Railway with not one, but three trains appearing. First, there is a train arriving behind ex-GWR 3200 Class ‘Dukedog’ 4-4-0 No.9017 Earl of Berkeley. In the background to this scene another steam-hauled train is approaching, which is hauled by ex-SECR P Class 0-6-0T No.323 Bluebell with ex-LNWR Observation Car No.1503 at the rear of its train. As if this wasn’t good enough, the railway scenes end with a very exhilarating sequence whereby Scott Anthony is nearly run down by a freight train hauled by ex-SR USA Class 0-6-0T No. 30064. After several takes, the staff foot crossing between the platforms had become slippery under foot with crushed daffodils. In his attempt to climb back up onto the platform to safety in the final take, Scott fell back onto the track and had to be hauled up by the production crew almost from under the wheels of the train!! This unfortunate incident was then chosen for the final cut. Horsted Keynes masquerades in the film as ‘Portland’, Dorothy Tutin, as herself, is truly wonderful.
Dorothy Tutin on a bench marked ‘Portland’ at Horsted Keynes
Dorothy Tutin watches the arrival of her train, whilst in the background another approaches in the hands of a P Class 0-6-0T
Moments later the train arrives in the hands of GWR ‘Dukedog’ 4-4-0 No.9017 Earl of Berkeley. Officially, these locomotives were the 3200 Class (or the ‘Earls’), but they became universally known as ‘Dukedogs’ as they were rebuilds composed of former ‘Duke’ Class boilers on ‘Bulldog’ Class frames. The ‘Dukedog’ name was not universally well received, but it stuck. 9017 was originally No.3217 and comprised the frames of ‘Bulldog’ Class No.3425 and the boiler and cab from ‘Duke’ Class No.3282 Chepstow Castle. The Earl of Berkeley name it carries today was a name allocated to it, but never applied, during its GWR/BR career. The only survivor from a class of 30, the loco is a shy creature that has rarely been captured on film.
Believing her boyfriend has let her down, Dorothy Tutin watches as the train departs. This gives us a good glimpse of the rear of the train complete with red tail lamp.
Most unusually, we get a glimpse of another train through the windows of the departing train. The blue locomotive visible through the left hand window is the P Class 0-6-0T we saw earlier. It’s identity is thus No.323 Bluebell.
Feeling more than a little dejected, Miss Tutin contemplates her next move. In the background is the LNWR Obsevation Car No.1503, seen more clearly in the 1977 soft core film Hardcore.
Having fooled her by being on the wrong train, Scott Anthony crosses several tracks and another platform in order to reach her
Having drooped his ‘bouquet’ of Narcissi, Scott Anthony blunders about on the track oblivious to the impending danger
The railway sequence at Horsted Keynes is rather well worked. The approaching freight that nearly runs down Scott Anthony is hauled by USA 0-6-0 Tank No.30064, whilst in the right hand background is the LNWR Observation Car again.
A sleepers eye view of No.30064
The exhilarating sequence ends with this prolonged shot of the happy couple, and some rather battered Narcissi!! Note the ‘Portland’ station sign behind Scott Anthony top left.
