Where Was The First Great Train Robbery Filmed? A Hysterical Drama From 1978!!

Have you seen the hysterical drama film, The First Great Train Robbery? If not then you read this article to know all about this classic movie and also find out where was The First Great Train Robbery filmed.

The British crime drama film, The First Great Train Robbery was released almost 45 years ago. This hysterical film was adapted from Michael Crichton’s best-selling novel, published three years prior to this movie. After witnessing the initial success of his novel, Michael decided to make this unique film based on the same narrative.

The basic premise of The First Great Train Robbery revolves around the character of Pierce, a sharp British criminal who forms a notorious gang of thieves. The story gets interesting when the antagonist decides to rob a train, transporting the crown jewels of the Empire.

The First Great Train Robbery was pretty successful at the box office. Action comedy movie fans thoroughly enjoyed the brilliant on-screen performance of Sean Connery. Besides that, the overall storyline of the movie was widely appreciated as well. The First Great Train Robbery also won a major award in 1980.

So, are you interested to know more about this award-winning movie? Then let’s find out where was The First Great Train Robbery filmed.

Where Was The First Great Train Robbery Filmed? Let’s Know This Crime Drama Film Closely! 

The story of The First Great Train Robbery is set in England. But Michael thought of shooting the majority of the sequences for his film, elsewhere. Mainly because the shooting locations in London were quite expensive. Plus, the overall look of the backdrop didn’t match the setting which Michael wanted.

So in order to match the backdrop which the director wanted, the production members scouted for ideal filming locations around different countries of the United Kingdom. As per reports, a special team consisting of 7 members was also sent to the highland region of Scotland, to find suitable shooting sites.

But eventually, the production members who were sent to Ireland returned back and submitted the list to the director. Michael was pretty satisfied with the overall look of the sites and then decided to shoot his film there.

The principal photography The First Great Train Robbery began in the third week of April 1978, and continued the second week of July, of the same year. Important to mention that the majority of the outdoor sequences of this movie, were actually filmed in and around the County of Dublin.

Although some minor sequences of the movie were later captured around different locations in Ireland. Then finally the production members came back to the village of Iver Heath and filmed the interior sequences of the movie inside a famous studio.

Now, if you want to know more about this brilliant film, then let’s discuss where was The First Great Train Robbery filmed in detail.

Ireland

The opening sequence of the movie, where we see the character of Pierce for the first time, boarding the special train in London, was actually filmed in Ireland. The production members acquired special shooting permission from the station master of Heuston Station located in Dublin.

The exterior sequence of the train shown in the first half of the movie was then filmed at the same station in Ireland. The production members also filmed some additional scenes near St. John’s Road West and then moved to County Cork.

Other pivotal outdoor sequences, such as the scene showcasing the station Brighton in the movie, were actually shot inside Cork Kent Station, located near Glanmire Road. While shooting this particular sequence inside a busy railway station, the production members ran into minor issues with the crowd.

However, the same issue was later dealt with, when the makers decided to ask for permission to film the outdoor scene of the Brighton station on a separate platform, away from the crowd.

The final sequence of the film, where Pierce escapes from the courtroom, with the help of his friend, was filmed inside the premise of The University of Dublin. 

England

After filming the majority of the outdoor scenes in parts of Ireland, the production members returned to England. The remaining interior sequences of the film were then shot inside Pinewood Studios, located in the village of Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire.

And now, let’s take a closer look at the plot of The First Great Train Robbery. In the meantime, you can also read The Pilgrim, The Siege, and A Snowy Day In Oakland.

Plot Of The First Great Train Robbery | What’s It About

The basic premise of The First Great Train Robbery revolves around the character of Pierce, a skilled criminal who forms a notorious gang of armed robbers. At the very beginning of the film, the antagonist comes to find out about a special train that was transporting jewels from London.

As the story progresses further, Pierce devises a plan to rob the train, with the help of a few henchmen, which he gathered. Subsequently, the antagonist boards the same train, with complete faith in his bulletproof plan. But what happens next, leaves him completely startled.

Watch The First Great Train Robbery to find out the complete story of an epic heist!

Final Words

Ok, friends! So I have listed all the filming locations of this incredible adventure movie, above. I’m sure you have noted the locations down. But, if you think we should add anything else, then feel free to drop a comment below, we’d be happy to make the necessary changes.

However, if you’re interested in reading similar pieces like, where was The First Great Train Robbery filmed, then browse through other articles on Viebly.