The First Great Train Robbery
1979
A master thief meticulously plans and executes the audacious robbery of a speeding Victorian train transporting a fortune in gold, based on a real 1855 heist. Michael Crichton's stylish period caper combines adventure and dark humour, with Sean Connery bringing considerable charm to the lead role.
Director
- Michael Crichton
Cast
- Sean Connery
- Donald Sutherland
- Lesley-Anne Down
- Alan Webb
- Malcolm Terris
- Robert Lang
- Michael Elphick
- Wayne Sleep
Filming Locations
-
Ashford
Although the film is set on the route between London and Folkestone, all railway scenes were shot in Ireland; the Irish town of Moate on the CIE network doubled for Ashford station.
-
Folkestone
The film's climactic train robbery takes place on the line to Folkestone, though the scenes were actually filmed in Ireland on the CIE rail network, with Cork station standing in for Folkestone Harbour.