The Railway Children (1970) stars Jenny Agutter as Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Waterbury, Sally Thomsett as Phyllis Waterbury, and Gary Warren as Peter Waterbury, in this classic family film based on E. Nesbit’s novel.
Main cast
- Roberta ‘Bobbie’ WaterburyJenny AgutterMain
- Phyllis WaterburySally ThomsettMain
- Peter WaterburyGary WarrenMain
Supporting cast
- Mother (Mrs. Waterbury)Dinah SheridanSupp
- Father (Charles Waterbury)Iain CuthbertsonSupp
- Old GentlemanWilliam MervynSupp
- Perks (the Porter)Bernard CribbinsSupp
- Mrs. PerksAnn LancasterSupp
- Dr. ForrestPeter BromilowSupp
- Ruth (the Maid)Diana KingSupp
Guest & voice
- Station MasterGordon WhitingGuest
- Mr. Szczepansky (Russian refugee)David LodgeGuest
- Jim (the injured boy)Christopher WittyGuest
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About this cast
The Railway Children is a beloved 1970 British family film directed by Lionel Jeffries, adapted from E. Nesbit’s 1906 novel. It follows the Waterbury children who move to a Yorkshire cottage after their father is wrongly imprisoned, and their adventures with the local railway. The film is renowned for its heartfelt performances and iconic steam-train setting.
FAQs
Who plays Bobbie in Railway Children?
Jenny Agutter plays Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Waterbury, the eldest daughter, in the 1970 film.
Who plays Perks in Railway Children?
Bernard Cribbins plays Perks, the friendly railway porter, in the 1970 film.
Is Railway Children a TV series or a film?
The 1970 version is a standalone film, though there have been later TV adaptations and a 2022 sequel, ‘The Railway Children Return’.
Where was Railway Children filmed?
The film was shot on location in Yorkshire, primarily at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, and at Oakworth Station.
Who directed the 1970 Railway Children?
The film was directed by Lionel Jeffries, his directorial debut.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026