The Last Journey

Despite the artistic and financial constraints of working at Twickenham Studios Bernard Vorhaus was determined to make an entertaining little picture out of this albeit with not the most talented bunch of actors. It's not a classic but it's a really fun watch.

Not unlike FRIDAY 13TH made a couple of years earlier, this 'disaster about to happen' story enlivens its drama by focussing on the individual little stories of the unfortunate passengers, making them real people on this train bound for its final destination. That earlier film was however made by a proper studio, had a proper script, proper actors and of course the ultimate dream girl, gorgeous Jessie Matthews. This however, made with a budget that Gaumont-British would probably spend just on Miss Matthews' tea and biscuits has something special - the amazing Bernard Vorhaus. This director with an array of imaginative camerawork and clever editing, which gets faster and faster with some scenes lasting just a few seconds towards the end, creates a real sense of tension and genuine concern for those passengers whom you've quickly come to know and actually care for. It's a remarkable demonstration of talent.

Like those early Warner Brothers films where every millimetre of expensive celluloid had to be used to tell the story rather than any of that background of mood building nonsense! Vorhaus build's the characters and packs the life stories of about five groups of people into this even before the action starts. It's an impressive achievement and although this type of story has subsequently been done dozens of times better, this is still pretty enjoyable.

This film has a no-nonsense approach but somehow it's also a quite whimsical. It shares that subtle subversive dark humour that was common in a lot of English films from the thirties. For example even as the runaway train is hurtling towards disaster, as it rushes past a group of people waiting on a platform, it blows off someone's toupee which lands on the face of a bemused woman. It is full of little endearing moments like this whilst not detracting from the overall building tension.

Unlike the few 'classics' that Twickenham made, this is really of interest only to those of you who want a little taste of what life might have been like in 1936. If that's you, you might enjoy this.

I caught this on Talking Pictures TV in the UK and was blown away by how good this low-budget thriller (£27,000 reportedly) turned out to be.

Yes, there's some ham acting typical of the era, and railway buffs quibble that safety devices on trains even then would have stopped the plot in its tracks, but the humour stands up well in the 21st century and I'll watch anything that features Godfrey Tearle.

The crowning glory, though, was the pace of the editing as the denouement approached. I was leaning forward in my seat, totally involved and gripped.

Hats off, then, to editor Lister Laurance. The astonishing thing is that he was only 23 when he cut this film.

Recommended.

Step aboard the cinematic journey of a lifetime with 'The Last Journey' (1935), directed by the visionary Bernard Vorhaus. Set against the backdrop of a thrilling train expedition, this forgotten gem of the silver screen takes audiences on a pulse-pounding ride filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists.

As the locomotive hurtles through the picturesque countryside, tensions run high among the eclectic group of passengers onboard. Vorhaus masterfully crafts a narrative that delves into the depths of human nature, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of a rapidly unfolding mystery.

The ensemble cast delivers powerhouse performances, bringing to life a diverse array of characters with their own secrets and motivations. From the enigmatic stranger to the star-crossed lovers, each passenger adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, keeping viewers guessing until the final frame.

What truly sets 'The Last Journey' apart is its ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Vorhaus expertly ratchets up the tension with each passing moment, building to a heart-stopping climax that will leave viewers breathless.

With its timeless themes and captivating storytelling, 'The Last Journey' remains as riveting today as it was upon its release nearly a century ago. So, climb aboard and experience the thrill of the ride - you won't want to miss this unforgettable journey through cinematic history. 👍👍

This, had Hitch directed it, would have been considered one of his lesser efforts yet it has many of the elements and one of the stars, (Godfrey Tearle) of his "39 Steps" and lacks nothing in pace or sly humour. Hugh Williams was very much in the Robert Donat mould, albeit a national rather than international star.

www.britishpictures.com warns against the easy dismissal of British films post 1927 as "quota quickies" arguing that "The big budget Things To Come, for example, can't be regarded as a quota-quickie yet producer Alexander Korda came to Britain because of the protection the quota offered." while fully accepting that there were dreadful low budget efforts which came into being because of the quota.

This is all round, not less than a middle-ranking film in terms of stars,ambition, writing, direction and budget. Reminiscent of silent car/train chase films this steams along at a rattling pace but manages to amuse with the semi-comic conman and woman who get caught up in the plot.

Thoroughly entertaining but lacking the brilliance of the Master.

On his last few days employed as an engine driver on an express train before he retires, Bob (Julien Mitchell) is not exactly looking forward to retirement and suspects his wife (Olga Lindo) of having an affair with a friend and colleague and plots his revenge, putting the lives of his passengers and everyone else in danger.

An interesting, if at times questionable action melodrama that leads to an exciting lengthy climax.