She’s been gracing our screens for over 50 years, from waving bloomers at trains in The Railway Children to delivering babies in Call the Midwife. Yep, we’re talking about the amazing Jenny Agutter!
This iconic actress has charmed us through the decades, and she’s back with a brand new Railway Children film! We’re diving deep into her incredible career, from those early days as a child star to her thoughts on aging in Hollywood and everything in between. All aboard for a nostalgic trip down memory lane!
#1. Jenny Agutter Reflects at Oakworth Station
Jenny Agutter made a heartwarming return to her iconic role as Bobbie in The Railway Children Return. This World War II-set sequel follows Bobbie as a grandmother who welcomes young evacuees into her home, echoing the timeless values of hope and connection.
Reflecting on stepping back into the beloved role, Agutter shared, “I was 14 when I first played Bobbie on television. Then, at 17, I filmed Walkabout. I wasn’t sure if I had moved beyond that period. But Lionel Jeffries, who directed The Railway Children, simply assumed I would reprise the role.”
Agutter also mused on the timelessness of The Railway Children and how her life has changed: “At 17, you’re not thinking about the future. The 1970s was a different era, with pop music, pop art, and miniskirts. The Edwardian world of The Railway Children felt like a separate universe.”
#2. Returning to The Railway Children
Jenny Agutter, captured on a train at the iconic Oakworth Station—a key filming location for both The Railway Children and its sequel—reflected on the enduring impact of the film and its stark contrast to her teenage world in the 1970s.
“When you’re 17, you’re not thinking of the future. I was in the seventies. There was pop music and pop art and miniskirts. It was a different time. The Edwardian world was a separate world,” she said, highlighting the film’s timeless charm.
#3. A New Perspective on The Railway Children
The Railway Children Return extends beyond nostalgia, addressing themes of racism and prejudice through the lens of a young African-American GI and his interactions with British children. Agutter praised the film for its honest exploration of history and its potential impact on young audiences.
“It’s wonderful to see, from a child’s point of view, what adults go through. And the children are outraged by it. I think it’s very important to look at our history and to look at things we’ve ignored for years,” she said, emphasizing the film’s social commentary.
#4. Navigating Hollywood’s Challenges
In the late 1970s and 1980s, Jenny moved to Los Angeles, appearing in hits like Logan’s Run and An American Werewolf in London. While she enjoyed the experience, she quickly learned to sidestep the trappings of Hollywood stardom.
“It’s very hard to explain what that city is about. But I loved it. I actually really enjoyed it. I saw very quickly that there are lots of traps. A lot of people can believe in the dream,” she said, reflecting on staying grounded amidst Hollywood glamour.
#5. “Walkabout” And Her Stance on Nudity
Jenny also revisited her breakthrough role in the 1971 film Walkabout, renowned for its stunning cinematography and iconic nude swimming scene. While proud of the film, she expressed sadness about how modern technology can exploit such imagery.
“Years later, there is the internet. There are mobile phones. There are all these strange websites. I have no regrets about doing it. What I am sad about is the misuse and the fact that people pull that out of context,” she said, reflecting on the cultural shift in attitudes toward nudity.
#6. Evolving Roles for Older Actresses
She continues to thrive with roles in Call the Midwife and even the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She acknowledges the increased opportunities for older actresses and credits the rise of women writers for creating more complex and interesting roles.
“No, you’re absolutely right. I also feel really lucky to have been part of the generation that has women writers there. And also belonging to a society that has started to recognize women in different kinds of roles,” Jenny said, reflecting on the positive changes in roles for older actresses.
