The Great Train Robbery (1978)

As a movie buff, and a fan of his television and print reviews, I was saddened to hear that legendary film critic Roger Ebert passed away earlier today. RIP.

Sean Connery Historical Fiction (1855) Film Fest Movie #2

Synopsis: Loveable Victorian-era thieves covet gold even more than this guy.

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: "All aboard for runaway action and suspense in this riveting masterpiece from writer/director Michael Crichton! Starring Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland and Lesley-Ane Down, it's a "spine-tingling and suavely performed adventure (The Hollywood Reporter) based on history's first train robbery."

What Did I Learn?: A dead cat smells pretty bad.

You Might Like This Movie If: You know that train robberies were a lot more civilized in 1855.

Really?: 1) Hold on...if Pierce and Agar get Clean Willy to sneak into the Stationmaster’s office to unlock the cabinet anyway, why doesn’t he also do the key engravings? Why does Agar need to risk a breaking-and-entering charge on a ridiculously dangerous 75-second mad dash? 2) Did horny Victorian-era travelling business men really use the term “55 mile per hour club”? 3) I don’t want to give away the ending, but Pierce’s big escape plan seems a bit, um... ad hoc... 4) Wait...are Pierce and Agar holding a flashlight during that scene in the wine cellar? In 1855?!

Rating: The Great Train Robbery is a charming and fun little period comedy-drama featuring impressive production values, and some fine chemistry between Connery and second-banana Sutherland. 8/10 stars.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091605/