*Please note that this screening is at The Barony Theatre*

Rare screening of the original, fully silent version of this cracking nail-biter, filmed on board the most iconic train in British railway history.

The Flying Scotsman was just six years old when it starred in Castleton Knight’s runaway train thriller on its journey from London to Edinburgh. When a vengeful stoker attempts to sabotage Old Bob’s final day working on board the mighty steam train, he hadn’t counted on Bob’s daughter (Pauline Johnson) who discovers the plot and boards the train to save the day. Filmed on the Hertford loop line, the action features plenty of footplate close-ups and daredevil shots of Johnson performing her own stunts edging along the narrow running board in heels.

Although superseded by the part-talkie release, the silent version is in many ways even more enjoyable thanks to some delightful moments, bonus shots and more satisfying character development. A touching companion piece to the new-fangled hybrid film that would herald the demise of silent cinema altogether. The ‘part-talkie’ version screens at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway platform on Saturday 23 March.

Dir. Castleton Knight | UK | 1929 | cert PG | 1h 25m approx.

With: Moore Marriott, Pauline Johnson, Ray Milland, Alec Hurley

Performing live: Jane Gardner (piano)

Screening courtesy of Park Circus

Online programme notes by Marc David Jacobs