The Train Man
Jim Clark is Hollywood's go-to man when it comes to trains.
By: Mark Boardman 02/01/2007
CLARK’S TOP TRAINS
Rides for the Fun of It
Jim Clark loves to ride the rails. His particular favorites are lines that go through mountains with beautiful scenery (and frequent snow). Among the railroads that he recommends:
Denver & Rio Grande: Okay, so this is now called the Union Pacific, going between Denver, Colorado, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Clark refuses to acknowledge that, preferring to live the history of this great line.
Virginia & Truckee: This classic doesn’t really exist any more—at least for right now. But it’s the subject of a $40 million project to rebuild the V&T between Carson City and Virginia City, Nevada. Clark can’t wait to take a ride.
Durango & Silverton: This one has been used for several movies—including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid—so it’s a natural for Clark’s list. He’s ridden this one many times, and he can’t get enough of the sweeping vistas and natural surroundings.
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Jim’s Picks for the Best Train Movies
5. Union Pacific (Joel McCrea, 1939, 135 minutes): An action-packed film with Virginia & Truckee locomotives portraying Union Pacific & Central Pacific equipment in an epic about building the Transcontinental Railroad. Pure heaven and steel.
4. Emperor of the North (Ernest Borgnine, 1973, 118 minutes): The railfan’s most perfect film for accuracy, even if it is set in the 1930s.
3. Breakheart Pass (Charles Bronson, 1976, 95 minutes): Winter and a steam locomotive are art in motion—it’s the scenery in this one.
2. The General (Buster Keaton, 1927, 74 minutes): This magnificent silent film set against the backdrop of the Civil War depicts the true story of The Great Locomotive Chase. One of history’s best films ever.
1. The Great Train Robbery (Edison, 1903, 12 minutes): The film that started it all—crime, pursuit and retribution, all on the rails and trails of Orange, New Jersey. Plus the most innovative and technically advanced film to that time—with techniques still in use today.
Comments (1)
Jim Clark is not only the trainman,but a true gentleman,Cowboy at heart and one of a kind! He would give you the shirt off his back.Great guy.Hollywood will never see another like him.He worked with all the greats but was always himself.Humble,loyal and a man who you can trust. A rare quality today.I consider it an honor to call him my friend.
Dennis Keogh(Sean Connery Double)
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