The Railway Children was a huge hit upon its release in 1970 and today, it’s widely regarded as one of the best British films of its decade.

The film, directed by Lionel Jeffries, followed three siblings as they relocated to Yorkshire to live with their mother and uncover the reason for their father’s disappearance.

With the beloved movie approaching its 55th anniversary, here’s an insight into the lives of its stars and where they are today.

Jenny Agutter led the cast as the oldest sibling, Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Waterbury in the 1968 TV version of the novel, before returning for its 1970 movie adaptation.

The following year, aged 16, Jenny starred in Walkabout and she became a fully-fledged movie star and relocated to Hollywood.

During her time in America, she was cast in films such as The Eagle Has Landed, The Man in the Iron Mask, Equus, Logan’s Run and An American Werewolf in London

However, in more recent years, she is been best known for her role as Sister Julienne in the BBC’s hit Call the Midwife series

Jenny was the only star to return from the original film in The Railway Children Return, which was released in 2022 with Sheridan Smith playing her daughter.

In her personal life, Jenny married famed hotelier Johan Tham in 1990, and they have a son, Jonathan Tham, who was born the same year.

Garry Warren played Peter Waterbury.

Garry was 16 years old when he starred in The Railway Children as Peter Waterbury and went on to enjoy success after landing roles in Catweazle, The Shadow of the Tower and Whack-O!

However, his acting career came to an end in 1973 when he was still a teenager and instead opted for a quiet life in Oxfordshire, where he remains today aged 70.

Sally Thomsett played Phyllis Waterbury

Although she was 20 years old in the film and older than Jenny, Sally played 11-year-old Phyllis and won a BAFTA for her portrayal.

She also starred in 1971’s Straw Dogs alongside Dustin Hoffman and landed the role of Jo in the TV comedy Man About the House.

During a break from acting, Sally went travelling and married Danish film producer Claus Hede Nielsen. Some years later, while estranged from her husband, she met Paul Agnew and got pregnant at the age of 46 with daughter Charlotte.

Christopher Witty played Jim

Christopher’s character Jim is often dubbed as “the fourth Railway Child,” who breaks his ankle and is taken in by the Railway children to recover.

Jim is the grandson of the Old Gentleman, who visits Jim at the children’s home and thanks them for their care.

Now aged 74, Christopher has moved away from acting, but he’s still fond of his time in the film.

According to his LinkedIn page, Chris “chose to give up the [acting] business in order to pursue a career in motor sport journalism”.