The Railrodder

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.