Railroad Town

About This Movie

Railroad Town (1956) is a fascinating slice of life that immerses you in the railway culture of Melville, Saskatchewan. Directed by Don Haldane, this documentary captures a time when trains were the lifeblood of small communities. Fred Davis, the long-time CBC host, chats with local railway workers, offering insights into the daily operations of the Canadian National Railway. The pacing feels relaxed, almost like a leisurely ride through history. You get a real sense of the camaraderie among the workers and the pride they take in their jobs. The practical effects, if we can call them that, come from the real trains and towns, lending an authenticity that’s hard to replicate. A distinctive look at a once-thriving railroad town, well worth a view for anyone interested in railway history.

Features interviews with railway workersAuthentic portrayal of 1950s railroad lifeCaptures the essence of a railroad town's community