"Hear That Train a Comin'" is a highly nostalgic documentary that was made for PBS. However, it appears as if it was a relatively inexpensive production and looks very locally made--the sort of thing that would have been made by a local historical society. Now this is NOT a complaint--it was professional enough looking to merit its being shown on TV. Just understand that the film, naturally, is NOT a Hollywoodized production--and this is certainly because it's not the sort of documentary that would appeal to the masses.
The film follows the occasional trips of the Union Pacific's Challenger--the largest steam engine that STILL carries passengers. In addition, there are TONS of interviews with people who wax nostalgic about the steam trains as well as many interviews with people who work to maintain the train today (these interviews, to me, seemed best). It's interesting that although the film goes on and on talking about the glories of steam, it also seems to (probably unintentionally) paint a very convincing argument for the use of the newer, cleaner and safer diesel trains. Overall, a nice little film that helps you appreciate a bygone era. Well worth seeing--and a nice inducement to get you to take a steam trip yourself! My only gripe? I thought the song about the train was a tad annoying...but maybe it's not my style of music.
The film follows the occasional trips of the Union Pacific's Challenger--the largest steam engine that STILL carries passengers. In addition, there are TONS of interviews with people who wax nostalgic about the steam trains as well as many interviews with people who work to maintain the train today (these interviews, to me, seemed best). It's interesting that although the film goes on and on talking about the glories of steam, it also seems to (probably unintentionally) paint a very convincing argument for the use of the newer, cleaner and safer diesel trains. Overall, a nice little film that helps you appreciate a bygone era. Well worth seeing--and a nice inducement to get you to take a steam trip yourself! My only gripe? I thought the song about the train was a tad annoying...but maybe it's not my style of music.
