Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the gd-system-plugin domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114 THE GOOD COMPANIONS (1957) - British Railway Movie Database
GB 1957 1hr 44mins Dir: John Lee Thompson Starring: Eric Portman and Celia Johnson
Various travellers join a faltering performing troupe in a remake of the 1933 film
The reworking of this classic musical was somewhat disappointing, but the strong cast helps it trundle towards its conclusion nicely enough. The poor reception that the film received centres largely on the fact that, by 1957, stories about provincial theatre acts were looking rather tired and were no longer the staple requirement needed for a ‘good night out’. Attempts at trying to modernise the production with intermittent American-style stage performances did little to help its cause, but it is a worthy enough production overall. Like the 1933 movie, this later version features plenty of railway material, and for this, the film betters that of the original. Much appears to have been shot in Wales, mainly on the Cambrian Coast, though there is a semi-distant shot of a passenger train passing through the countryside behind a former GWR tender loco, plus a similar view of a train passing the power station at Bargoed in the hands of a former GWR 5100-series 2-6-2T. These shots are interspersed with a departure sequence that was filmed at Watford Junction, with a train pulling out behind what appears to be a ‘Black Five’. The later arrival scene uses the same station, as evidenced by the platform canopy details. The short sequences filmed onboard used a studio set with back-projection, and a number of miscellanous wagon types can be viewed through the window. Finally, there are two shots of distant trains crossing the Barmouth Bridge. All pretty decent stuff.
The opening sequence of the film shows a train crossing the Barmouth Bridge. It can be seen here beneath the word “dialogue”.
This lovely shot shows a train passing sedately through a valley, possibly somewhere in the Cambrians and hauled by what might be a former GWR tender locomotive.
The departure scene at Watford Junction begins with this shot. The loco just visible at the far end is off the platform but judging by the size and shape of the tender it could well be a ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0.
In this view from beneath the canopy the train is being readied for departure by the guard
Looking the other way now and the locomotive is seen a little more clearly. I have always found the plain crimson red ‘suburban’ livery of the coaches quite bland.
A close up shot of the loco……if it helps to clarify anything
Turning the other way and from further down the platform, we get to see a little more of the station. These are the curved platforms of the St. Albans Abbey branch, and a couple of wagons are visible in the siding on t’other side of the fence.
This final shot without a train present gives us a good glimpse of the station architecture.
Janette Scott and John Fraser outside Watford Junction
Janette Scott and John Fraser at the station in a later arrival scene. The details of the curving canopy and the Midland red platform 12 sign confirm this to also be Watford Junction. The station had also featured in the original 1933 production of The Good Companions.
This view shows a branch train passing Bargoed Power Station in the Rhymney Valley of South Welsh valley hauled by a GWR ‘Large Prairie’. Eastview Terrace is to the right.
We finish where we started, back at the Barmouth Bridge. This is a filtered shot, and a near identical one to this appeared in The Railway Children (1970) only in reverse.
