The Railrodder

Watch The Railrodder

  • NR
  • 1965
  • 7.0  (1,708)

The Railrodder is a 1965 comedy film that stars the legendary silent film star Buster Keaton, who was in his seventies at the time of the movie's release. The film was a Canadian-British production that was directed by Gerald Potterton and was financed by the Canadian National Railways. The movie follows the adventures of a railrodder, played by Keaton, as he travels across Canada on a railway handcart. Although the film is only about 25 minutes long, it is filled with Keaton's trademark physical comedy and visual gags that are sure to delight fans of his work.

The Railrodder begins with Keaton crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a small boat. He arrives in Canada and begins his journey on the railway handcart, which he affectionately calls his "iron horse." Along the way, he encounters a variety of colorful characters, including a group of fishermen, a Mountie, and even a group of hockey players.

As Keaton travels across Canada, he passes by a variety of landmarks, including Niagara Falls, Ottawa's Parliament Hill, and the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. The film was shot on location across Canada, and the stunning scenery serves as a beautiful backdrop for Keaton's comedic antics.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie involves Keaton trying to cross a railway trestle bridge that spans a deep ravine. Keaton's character is typically unfazed by the danger, as he calmly crosses the bridge while the handcart wobbles precariously. The scene is a testament to Keaton's incredible physical abilities and his willingness to put his body on the line for the sake of a good joke.

Throughout the film, Keaton's character is also constantly pursued by a locomotive that seems determined to run him down. The locomotive is an impressive sight, with its massive wheels and plumes of steam filling the screen. The scenes of Keaton outsmarting the train are some of the most thrilling in the movie, as Keaton performs a variety of stunts that seem to defy the laws of physics.

The Railrodder ends with Keaton arriving in Vancouver, where he meets a beautiful woman and shares a dance with her. The final shot of Keaton walking off into the sunset is a fitting end to a movie that celebrates the beauty and majesty of the Canadian landscape.

Overall, The Railrodder is a delightful film that showcases Keaton's incredible talent and his enduring appeal as a silent film star. Although the movie is short, it is filled with memorable moments and stunning visuals that make it a true classic. Fans of physical comedy and visual gags will love this film, as will anyone who appreciates the beauty of Canada's natural wonders. The Railrodder is a must-see for cinephiles and Keaton fans alike.

The Railrodder is a 1965 comedy. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.

The Railrodder
Description
Where to Watch The Railrodder
The Railrodder is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download on demand at Amazon Prime. Some platforms allow you to rent The Railrodder for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1965
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.0  (1,708)