The First Great Train Robbery Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Sean Connery wants money so bad, he orchestrates an elaborate Victorian heist involving trains, dead cats, and questionable facial hair.

🍿 The First Great Train Robbery: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Plan Takes Shape

In 1855 Victorian England, Edward Pierce, a charismatic and cunning criminal, conceives a daring plan: to rob a train carrying a shipment of gold intended to pay British soldiers fighting in the Crimean War. The gold is secured in two Chubb safes, requiring four separate keys to open them, each held by different individuals.

Gathering the Keys

Pierce assembles a team of skilled accomplices, including the charming Miriam and the nimble Agar, to acquire the four keys. Their plans involve seduction, stealth, and intricate schemes to secure wax impressions of the keys without raising suspicion. Getting the keys proves to be a complex and dangerous operation.

The Robbery

On the day of the robbery, Pierce and Agar execute their plan. However, unforeseen circumstances force them to improvise. With the authorities on alert, Pierce must navigate dangerous obstacles, including crawling across the top of the moving train, while Agar finds an unconventional way to get on board. The tension is high as they attempt to crack the safes and make off with the gold.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Edward Pierce (Sean Connery): A charming and intelligent master criminal who plans an elaborate train robbery in Victorian England.
• Robert Agar (Donald Sutherland): A skilled pickpocket and safecracker recruited by Pierce to assist in the risky train heist.
• Miriam (Lesley-Anne Down): Pierce’s beautiful and resourceful mistress who uses her charms to aid in the theft.
• Clean Willy (Wayne Sleep): A fleet-footed housebreaker who is enlisted to acquire one of the keys.
• Edgar Trent (Alan Webb): The president of the bank entrusted with the gold, whose key becomes a target for the robbers.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Judge: “Now, on the matter of motive, we ask you: Why did you conceive, plan and execute this dastardly and scandalous crime?” – The judge asks Pierce about the reason for his crime during the trial.
• Edward Pierce: “I wanted the money.” – Pierce answers honestly and simply when asked about his motive for the train robbery, which caused a humorous reaction.
• Edward Pierce: “No respectable gentleman is THAT respectable.” – Pierce observes human nature when attempting to discover a weakness in one of the men holding a key.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $13,027,857
• Worldwide Gross: $13,027,857

💥 The First Great Train Robbery Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! Seeing Sean Connery as a Victorian-era mastermind was fantastic. The scene where he’s crawling on top of the train dodging those bridges had me on the edge of my seat. Plus, Lesley-Anne Down is just stunning. It’s a fun, thrilling ride, and I highly recommend it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of heist movies”
  • “Viewers interested in Victorian-era settings”
  • “Sean Connery fans”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful, action-packed stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some violence”
  • “Brief sexual innuendo”
  • “Animal cruelty in a dog fighting scene (UK versions may have edits)”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A stylish and entertaining period crime caper. Connery is at his most charming, and the attention to detail in recreating Victorian England is impressive. The suspense builds gradually, leading to a satisfying climax. A fun ride!
• The New York Times: “Michael Crichton’s direction is competent, if not exceptional, and while it may lack the dramatic tension needed for a top-tier heist movie, Connery and Sutherland make it more than watchable. Down’s performance is a delight!

Audience Reactions

Sean Connery’s death-defying stunts on the train were thrilling and unforgettable.: Viewers appreciated the detailed recreation of Victorian England and the film’s overall charm.

Overall Consensus: A charming and entertaining period heist film with strong performances and impressive set design, although some find the pacing a bit slow.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Michael Crichton based the story loosely on the actual 1855 Great Gold Robbery, but added fictional elements for dramatic effect.”
• “Sean Connery performed many of his own stunts, including the dangerous scene where he crawls on top of the moving train.”
• “Geoffrey Unsworth’s cinematography beautifully captures Victorian England, making this one of his final films.”
• “The film’s title was changed to ‘The First Great Train Robbery’ to differentiate it from the 1963 British train robbery known by the same name.”

🖥️ How to Watch The First Great Train Robbery?

As of October 2024, The First Great Train Robbery is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The First Great Train Robbery, you might like these similar films:

• The Sting (1973): A meticulously planned heist with unexpected twists, focusing on con artists.
• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969): Features charismatic outlaws in the Old West attempting daring robberies.
• Ocean’s Eleven (2001): Modern heist movie with a similar focus on teamwork, planning, and charismatic characters pulling off an impossible job.
• The Lavender Hill Mob (1951): A classic British comedy about a mild-mannered bank clerk who hatches a plan to steal gold bullion.

🛒 The First Great Train Robbery Related Products

• The First Great Train Robbery [Blu-ray]: High-definition transfer of the film for improved viewing quality. A must-have for physical media collectors and fans of the film who want the best visual experience.
• Michael Crichton’s ‘The Great Train Robbery’ Novel: The original novel by Michael Crichton that inspired the film. Offers a deeper dive into the story and characters, providing additional context and details not found in the movie. A great read to compare and contrast with the film adaptation.
• Victorian Era Costume – Gentleman’s Outfit: A meticulously designed outfit that brings the Victorian era to life. Perfect for costume parties, historical reenactments, or themed events, the outfit captures the elegance and sophistication of 1850s England. A perfect compliment to the charm of the film
• The Great Train Robbery – Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster. Perfect for decorating a home theater, office, or any space where fans want to display their love for the film. The poster is a classic piece of movie memorabilia.

🎧 Soundtrack

The First Great Train Robbery features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls” – performed by Michael William Balfe
• “The First Great Train Robbery Theme” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How this scene would NEVER MADE IT PAST THE CENSORS in it’s earliest written form!

Ever wonder how movies got made back in the day? This video dives into a scene from “The Great Train Robbery” that almost didn’t make it past the censors! It’s wild to see how much things have changed, you won’t believe what they had to cut.

The Fascinating Story of 1903’s Biggest Movie

Want to know why “The Great Train Robbery” is considered such a big deal? This video explains its historical importance and even connects it to Goodfellas, believe it or not! This movie practically invented the action genre, you gotta check it out.

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