This film is part of Free
Railways Today
Is nationalisation the answer to Britain's post-war railway problems? The Labour government thinks so.
Overview
It's full steam ahead for the Transport Act of 1947. Wartime restrictions, cuts and damage left the railways of Britain with little chance of an immediate return to their pre-war golden age. The Labour government thinks nationalisation is the answer, but not everybody is in agreement. Here, the March of Time cinemagazine investigates if there's anything to learn from railways on the other side of the pond.
Related
Solutions? Solutions?
Documentary 1972 8 mins
A musical illustration of life where road traffic chaos breeds anger and frustration, but the rail network is fast, smooth and relaxing
Farewell to Steam Farewell to Steam
Amateur film 1966 3 mins Silent Location: Hampshire
A film maker's attempt to record the last steam-hauled passenger and freight trains running along the West of England mainline from Waterloo
Track Testing Track Testing
1976 8 mins Silent
Testing times as we make a journey on board British Rail's High Speed Track Recording Coach.
Training Diesel Drivers Training Diesel Drivers
News 1962 6 mins Location: Derby
Farewell to the faithful steam war-horse as modernisation brings diesel power to the railways of Britain.
Inter-city Magic Inter-city Magic
Documentary 1977 1 mins Silent
Not-so-special special effects add the magic touch to this kitsch British Rail commercial.
The George Bennie Railplane System of Transport The George Bennie Railplane System of Transport
1930 23 mins Silent
High-speed luxury travel up to 150mph: the future of rail travel is in the air and it's going to be great for British steel
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.