Producer: Pentrex
Locations: Durango, Silverton line
Timeframe: 1952
Length: 30 minutes
Denver and Rio Grande Western narrow gauge in 1952.
Denver and Rio Grande Western – Silverton Branch narrow gauge in 1952. This short feature covers some of the filming of the Paramount movie titled Denver and Rio Grande. Starring Edmund O’Brien. DRGW engine 268 is the steam engine used in that movie. This was not the newer Durango and Silverton tourist railroad. All original D&RGW Narrow Gauge.
The organ sounds like something from Grandma’s vintage soap operas or local Carnival.
A single DVD. Standard 4×3 aspect ratio. All color film.
Press play to begin this brief show. The Narrator/ Organist is shown but uncredited. Films are silent reels except for him.
The original producer of this show is Sonocrome Picture of Denver, Colorado. Paramount for the Hollywood movie.
To the Trains…
Starts at the Durango Station in Colorado. Departs with engine 472 and the train travels along the Animas River along this world famous route. Notice this is a local mixed train. Some freight cars are dropped off and a few stops to load more passengers.
The little train hugs the mountainside yielding spectacular views for the people.
The train stops at this camp Locomotive 268 is on the siding. A film crew and the cast are shooting the movie here.
A part of the movie includes construction of the railroad through the Rockies.
Star Edmund O’Brien and the Generals Secretary are outside the General’s tent. Interesting footage to see how some movie magic is made!
Rio Grande #268 plays two roles. The Rio Grande locomotive and it is redecorated as Canyon City and San Juan Railway #116. The rival lines power in the role of a Santa Fe subsidiary.
Paul Fix is seen working at Janes Diner. Fans of The Rifleman will know him as Sheriff Mica Torrence from that old Television series. Ed O’Brien wears the black hat.
The bad guys steal and run away with this train at Durango.
They had 5 camera crews film the climax. Wooden shelters were built to protect them from flying debris.
These locomotives race at full throttle to their mutual destruction. Sorry, the big train collision is not included here.
Journey to Yesterday
This rare release contains an original 1952 produced film It is about the filming of the feature film titled, Denver and Rio Grande. While the narrow gauge equipment was used in the movie. The emphasis is on the movie making. A collection of silent reels with a narrative and background organ.
The organ provides a dated background for the soundtrack. Constant narration is the other half of the audio.
This is an entertaining period piece, considering it was made circa 1952. A rare release of steam era railroad movie making. Perhaps, some crossover value for those could be Railfans, as well.
Rating: 4 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 