The Railrodder

The Railrodder

Year: 1965

Runtime: 24 mins

Director: Gerald Potterton

Comedy

After literally swimming across the Atlantic Ocean, an Englishman takes a country trip across Canada on a railcar.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Railrodder (1965)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Railrodder (1965). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

London, England; Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia; Canadian National Railway (CN Railway); West Coast of Canada

The story opens in London, England, then jumps to the east coast of Canada at Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia. From there, the Railrodder travels along the Canadian National Railway across the country, presenting a montage of towns, bridges, and varied scenery. The journey culminates on the West Coast of Canada near the Strait of Georgia, before an unexpected traveler alters the course of the voyage. The backdrop highlights Canada's rail network and diverse geography as the traveler moves coast to coast.

🗺️ Cross-country 🚂 Railways 🏞️ Canadian landscapes

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:55

Main Characters – The Railrodder (1965)

Meet the key characters of The Railrodder (1965), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

The Railrodder (The Man) — Buster Keaton

A resourceful and upbeat traveler whose humor stems from mishap and deadpan resilience. He improvises through each obstacle with a can-do attitude, turning mundane tasks into visual gags. His steady, cheerful demeanour anchors the film's lighthearted take on travel and technology.

🧭 Adventurer 🎭 Comedian

Japanese Gentleman

A mysterious traveler who emerges from the sea and takes possession of the railcar at journey's end. His arrival introduces a final, playful twist to the voyage, underscoring the theme of unexpected encounters on a long travelogue.

🗺️ Stranger

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:55

Major Themes – The Railrodder (1965)

Explore the central themes of The Railrodder (1965), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Comedy

The Railrodder relies on visual gags, physical humor, and deadpan reactions to turn travel into a string of punchlines. The endless misadventures with the speeders and the surprising storage in the vehicle fuel the film's playful critique of modern travel.

🚂 Adventure

The film frames a relentless cross-country rail journey as a lively odyssey rather than a simple trip. Each obstacle becomes an opportunity for improvisation and playful problem-solving on wheels.

🗺️ Exploration

The cross-country route showcases Canadian landscapes, railway culture, and small-town life as a travelogue. The ending twist with a new traveler adds a note of spontaneity and global connectivity to the voyage.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:55

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The Railrodder Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Railrodder, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Railrodder Summary

The Railrodder Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Railrodder with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Railrodder Timeline

More About The Railrodder

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More About The Railrodder

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