The Railroad Man (1956)
Pietro Germi’s acclaimed Italian drama about a train operator whose life unravels after witnessing tragedy on the tracks.
The Railroad Man - Movie Information
- Original Title: Il ferroviere
- Release Year: 1956
- Directed by: Pietro Germi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 30, 1956 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: Le Cheminot (FR), Man of Iron (UK), Das rote Signal (DE)
- Production Companies: ENIC, Ponti-De Laurentiis Cinematografica
- Production Countries: Italy
The Railroad Man - Plot
Train operator Andrea Marcocci has to witness the suicide of a desperate man who jumps in front of his train. Under the influence of this shock he starts making mistakes. A check up by a doctor reveals that he’s at the brink of becoming an alcoholic. Due to this evaluation he is degraded and must accept a salary cut.
The Railroad Man - Trailer
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The Railroad Man - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Pietro Germi
Main Cast
- Pietro Germi
- Luisa Della Noce
- Sylva Koscina
- Saro Urzì
- Carlo Giuffrè
- Renato Speziali
- Edoardo Nevola
- Antonio Acqua
- Lilia Landi
- Gustavo Serena
Writers
- Luciano Vincenzoni
- Pietro Germi
- Alfredo Giannetti
- Ennio De Concini
- Carlo Musso
Producers
- Carlo Ponti
The Railroad Man - FAQs
Where can you stream The Railroad Man for free?
The Railroad Man is available to stream for free on Tubi TV (with ads) and Plex, as well as through the Plex Channel at no cost. These platforms make this classic 1956 Italian drama easily accessible without a subscription.
Did Pietro Germi direct and star in The Railroad Man?
Yes, Pietro Germi both directed and starred in The Railroad Man, playing the lead role of train operator Andrea Marcocci. This dual role was a remarkable creative achievement, allowing Germi to shape the film’s emotional tone from both behind and in front of the camera.
What is The Railroad Man about?
The Railroad Man follows Andrea Marcocci, a proud Italian train operator whose life begins to collapse after he witnesses a man jump to his death in front of his locomotive. The trauma triggers a downward spiral into alcoholism, professional demotion, and family conflict, painting a poignant portrait of working-class dignity under pressure.
Who are the main actors in The Railroad Man?
The Railroad Man stars Pietro Germi as Andrea Marcocci, Luisa Della Noce as his wife Sara, and Sylva Koscina as daughter Giulia. The supporting cast includes Saro Urzì, Carlo Giuffrè, Renato Speziali, and Edoardo Nevola, among others.
Is The Railroad Man based on a true story?
The Railroad Man is not based on a specific true story, but it draws deeply from the lived realities of Italian working-class life in the postwar era. Pietro Germi and his co-writers crafted a fictional narrative that resonates with the authentic social and economic struggles of the period.
When was The Railroad Man released?
The Railroad Man was released on November 30, 1956, in Italy, where it was originally titled Il ferroviere. The film went on to receive international distribution under various titles, including Man of Iron in the UK and Le Cheminot in France.
How was The Railroad Man received by critics?
The Railroad Man was widely praised by critics for its emotional depth and neorealist sensibility. Pietro Germi’s dual performance as director and lead actor earned particular admiration. The film is regarded as one of the finest examples of Italian postwar cinema, celebrated for its honest portrayal of working-class family life.
What are some films similar to The Railroad Man?
Viewers who enjoy The Railroad Man may also appreciate Divorce Italian Style (1961), another Pietro Germi classic, as well as The Path of Hope (1950) and Man of Straw (1958). These films share a similar focus on Italian social realism, working-class struggles, and richly drawn human characters.
More About The Railroad Man
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