Copyright © 2006-10 by
Jenny Agutter
All Rights reserved
Updated: 24/08/2010
Jenny Agutter
All Rights reserved
Updated: 24/08/2010
Lionel Jeffries, the much-loved character actor and director, died on Friday, 19 February. He directed the classic Children's film The Railway Children. His filmography may be found here.:
It is 40 years since making The Railway Children and a new digitalized print is being made by Optimum which will be screened at The BFI in London and at The National Media Museum in Bradford next month. There is also a new DVD which will be released later in the year.
It was a privilege to work with Lionel, I was fortunate to play Roberta in his wonderful film of E. Nesbit's classic story. He was an excellent director, understanding the problems the actor faces and giving great support and encouragement. He was also a brilliant actor, not always comic; his Marquis of Queensberry in The Trials of Oscar Wilde was very memorable and quite different from his eccentric Dr Cavor in First Men in the Moon. I remember its premiere, as the first film I ever made was released with it.
Of Course Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a favourite, and he was magnificent in Royal Flash. So many films, so many different characters.
I can see him in my minds eye on Oakworth Station looking entirely like an Edwardian Gentleman with his red scarf around his neck, and as the mist machines fill the platform with smoke he disappears, only his deep authoritative voice can heard as he shouts, "Action".
It is 40 years since making The Railway Children and a new digitalized print is being made by Optimum which will be screened at The BFI in London and at The National Media Museum in Bradford next month. There is also a new DVD which will be released later in the year.
It was a privilege to work with Lionel, I was fortunate to play Roberta in his wonderful film of E. Nesbit's classic story. He was an excellent director, understanding the problems the actor faces and giving great support and encouragement. He was also a brilliant actor, not always comic; his Marquis of Queensberry in The Trials of Oscar Wilde was very memorable and quite different from his eccentric Dr Cavor in First Men in the Moon. I remember its premiere, as the first film I ever made was released with it.
Of Course Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a favourite, and he was magnificent in Royal Flash. So many films, so many different characters.
I can see him in my minds eye on Oakworth Station looking entirely like an Edwardian Gentleman with his red scarf around his neck, and as the mist machines fill the platform with smoke he disappears, only his deep authoritative voice can heard as he shouts, "Action".
Lionel Jeffries
10 June 1926 - 19 February 2010
10 June 1926 - 19 February 2010
Lionel Jeffries on location at Oakworth Station for the filming of The Railway Children, 1970