Robbie 1979
Robbie (1979) is a brief yet impactful short film directed by Ronald Dunkley that blends childhood curiosity with a cautionary tale about railway safety.
Director: Ronald Dunkley
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Robbie (1979) about?
The film tells the story of Robbie, a young football fan who sneaks onto railway tracks and suffers a life-altering accident after his shoelace gets caught. It's a hard-hitting lesson on the dangers of trespassing on railway lines.
Who directed Robbie?
Robbie was directed by Ronald Dunkley, a filmmaker known for creating educational content aimed at young audiences.
Who stars in Robbie?
The short film features Peter Purves, Robin Crane, Deborah Norton, Peter Bolt, and Gary Forbes in key roles.
Is Robbie (1979) worth watching?
As a 13-minute horror-tinged cautionary tale, Robbie serves an important purpose—especially for children and parents. While not a cinematic masterpiece, its message is delivered with enough tension to leave a lasting impression.
How long is Robbie?
The film has a runtime of 13 minutes.
About Robbie (1979) — A Powerful Railway Safety Short Film
Robbie (1979) is a brief yet impactful short film directed by Ronald Dunkley that blends childhood curiosity with a cautionary tale about railway safety. The story follows Robbie, a passionate young footballer and trainspotter, who sneaks through a gap in a railway fence at his older brother's urging. His excitement turns to tragedy when his shoelace gets caught on the tracks, leaving him permanently injured and ending his dreams of playing the sport he loves.
As part of the BFI's educational collection *The*, Robbie serves as a stark warning to children aged 8–11 and their families about the dangers of trespassing on railway lines. The film's atmosphere is tense and sobering, balancing its youthful protagonist's innocence with the harsh realities of negligence. With a focus on immediate peril rather than gore, Dunkley crafts a memorable lesson on responsibility and the consequences of ignoring safety rules.