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 – The Railrodder (1965)

Trace every key event in The Railrodder (1965) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

London Beginnings and the Atlantic Jump

In London, the Railrodder reads a newspaper and spots a full-page ad shouting 'SEE CANADA NOW!'. He discards the paper and, in a comic turn, throws himself into the Thames. Moments later he reappears on the east coast of Canada in Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia, greeted by a sign pointing toward the rest of Canada, 3,982½ miles away.

London, England
2

A New Quest Begins: Lawrencetown and the Start of a Trek

From Lawrencetown, the Railrodder begins a long hike along the Canadian landscape toward the West. Along the way he spots a one-man open-top rail maintenance vehicle—a speeder—sitting idle on the track, tempting him to explore. He sets his mind on a grand cross-country ride rather than a simple stroll.

Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia
3

The Speeder Takes Off

The Railrodder climbs into the speeder’s seat intending to nap, but accidentally shifts it into gear. Suddenly the vehicle lurches forward, sliding along the rails in an unstoppable burst. He finds himself aboard a machine with seemingly inexhaustible fuel, chasing the open road across Canada.

Canadian National Railway line, starting near Lawrencetown
4

Breakfast on the Move

As the speeder rolls along, the Railrodder improvises a breakfast, turning the cabin into a tiny kitchen. He whips up simple fare and eats while the landscape blurs past, a comical contrast to his perilous ride.

On the speeder traveling across Canada
5

Acting as a Maid on Wheels

The improvised voyage becomes a one-man household itinerary as the Railrodder takes on maid duties aboard the speeder. He tidies the cabin and keeps up appearances even as the machine rockets along the railway. The cheeky routine adds a homey touch to the road movie feel.

On the speeder
6

Doing Laundry in Mid-Flight

Throughout the journey he even does laundry on the go, wringing shirts and sheets while the tracks rumble beneath. The absurdity of a moving wash-day heightens the film’s playful tone. He treats each chore like a tiny victory amid the cross-country odyssey.

On the speeder along the CN line
7

Camouflage and a Swiveling Bridge

The Railrodder demonstrates ingenuity by camouflaging his motor and performing maintenance on a swiveling bridge. He stabilizes the vehicle as the bridge tilts, turning a potential hazard into a comic stage. The stunt underscores the ongoing, improvised nature of his journey.

On a swiveling bridge along the CN line
8

The Endless Storage: Pillows, Coat, Tea Service

A seemingly infinite storage compartment in the speeder yields a parade of props—from pillows and a bison fur coat to a full tea service. He pulls items out at will, each discovery adding another layer to the running joke of cargo without end. The gag keeps pace with the roaming machine across Canada's landscape.

On the speeder across Canada
9

Close Calls with Trains and Speeders

The Railrodder has a number of near-misses with locomotives and other speeders as he careens along the railway. Each close call ends with him emerging unharmed, calmly continuing his cross-country ride. The sequence heightens both suspense and comedy as the journey continues.

Canadian National Railway network
10

West Coast Arrival and a Scenic Pause

At last the speeder reaches the West Coast where he briefly drinks in the sweeping view of the coast. He stands on the track to savor the moment before turning back, contemplating the journey's end. The landscape provides a quiet, reflective interlude after the long ride.

West Coast of Canada
11

The Speeder Is Stolen by a Japanese Traveler

Just as he readies to begin the return trip, his rail car is claimed by a Japanese gentleman who has just emerged from the ocean (Strait of Georgia). The unexpected takeover leaves the Railrodder with the long walk ahead, shrugging and continuing along the track. The encounter abruptly shifts the adventure from motion to endurance.

West Coast, near the Strait of Georgia
12

A Walk Along the Rails

With his speeder gone, the Railrodder starts walking down the long track toward wherever the road—or rails—will lead him. The film ends on a note of open-ended adventure as the cross-country expedition continues on foot. The journey remains a playful tribute to wandering and curiosity.

Along the Canadian rail lines on the West Coast

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:17

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Railrodder

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