The Flying Scotsman (1929 film)
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Garnett Weston
Freeman Crofts (advisor)
Pauline Johnson
Ray Milland
Alec Hurley
| The Flying Scotsman | |
|---|---|
 Pauline Johnson walks along the edge of the locomotive, a genuine stunt in the climax of the film. | |
| Directed by | Castleton Knight |
| Written by | Victor Kendall Garnett Weston Freeman Crofts (advisor) |
| Starring | Moore Marriott Pauline Johnson Ray Milland Alec Hurley |
| Cinematography | Theodor Sparkuhl |
| Music by | Idris Lewis (uncredited) |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Pathescope Film |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 50 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Languages | Sound (Part-Talkie) English Intertitles |
The Flying Scotsman is a 1929 British black and white part-talkie film set on the Flying Scotsman train from London to Edinburgh, also featuring the famous locomotive LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman. In addition to sequences with audible dialogue or talking sequences, the film features a synchronized musical score and sound effects along with English intertitles. Directed by Castleton Knight, the thriller is chiefly remembered for being the first leading acting role of Ray Milland, as well as for its daring stunts performed aboard the moving train.[1]
Engine driver Bob is due to retire from his job after years of distinguished service. On Bob's last day working aboard the famous Flying Scotsman, a disgruntled fireman, dismissed after being reported for drinking at work, decides to get his revenge on Bob (who reported him to the company) by causing an accident. Meanwhile, the fireman's amorous young replacement has fallen in love with a beautiful girl, whose father, unbeknown to him, happens to be Bob (and who has also boarded the train in an attempt to stop the villain).[2]
Cast
- Moore Marriott – Old Bob White
- Pauline Johnson – Joan White, his daughter
- Ray Milland (as Raymond Milland) – Jim Edwards
- Alec Hurley – Crow (the villain)
Background
The film is notable for being the first lead role of Welsh actor Ray Milland, who went on to stardom in Hollywood during the 1940s.[1] Milland, then appearing under his birth name of Alfred Jones, was spotted by director Castleton Knight while he was working as an extra on The Informer which was being shot on a neighbouring stage.
Milland, in his autobiography, recalls that it was on this film that it was suggested he adopt his stage name; and chose Milland from the Mill lands area of his Welsh home town of Neath.[3] Milland starred in two further Knight-directed films, The Lady from the Sea and The Plaything.[4]
Pauline Johnson was a leading British silent actress of her age, although appeared in few films after 1930. Moore Marriott was only 43 when he appeared in the film, but is already portrayed playing a retiring engine driver.
