The Railway Children

This two-hankie classic of British children's literature follows a mother, two daughters and a young son as they repair to a rural area near a railway station after a false accusation places the father in jail. Subdued sound effects, such as the chugging of a train as it roars by, are featured. As usual with Naxos, the tale is punctuated by bits of classical music, sometimes sad, sometimes sweepingly grand. Cast members are well chosen, particularly the young woman who portrays 12-year-old Roberta (Bobbie). A tear comes to the eye as the father is reunited with her. D.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine