The Great Locomotive Chase1956The Great Locomotive Chase
1956
In 1862, Union spy James Andrews and a band of volunteers slip deep into Georgia to steal a locomotive and wreck the railroad behind them. They didn't count on William Fuller, the train's conductor, who chases his stolen engine on foot, by handcar, and by any locomotive he can find. Based on a true story.
The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.
Why it’s here
A true Civil War story told with respect for both sides: Union raiders who risked everything, and a dogged Southern conductor who wouldn't give up his train.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
Civil War gunfire and a prison brawl, and the raiders' execution by hanging is implied, not shown; the gunfire may tense little ones. The Union spies' deception is framed as wartime duty, which is worth discussing.
The Great Locomotive Chase (1956)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- Who did you root for, Andrews or Fuller? Why?
- Why did the raiders volunteer for such a dangerous mission?
- What kept William Fuller chasing?
- Can an enemy be honorable? Who was, in this story?
Content advisory
IMDb parents guide and Disney listing (no CSM review): Civil War action with gunfire, a prison brawl, and train sabotage; executions implied, not shown.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
The Great Locomotive Chase (1956)
DVD · May 4, 2004
Edition link coming soon.
Listing on Blu-ray.com (opens in a new tab)Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.