Night Ferry (1976)

This is quite a jolly children's crime caper that sees two young lads and their pal "Carol" on the trail of some miscreants that have pinched a sarcophagus and are intent on smuggling it out on the night ferry (actually the boat train) to a buyer in Paris. It's a simple enough story well anchored by stalwart Bernard Cribbins and with three engaging performances from the teenagers using their ingenuity and tenaciousness to thwart the crooks. The comedy tends a little to slapstick at times, but director David Eady manages to keep the pace going along well and the kids have their fair share of near misses, red herrings and journeys on smelly, noisy - and draughty - British railways diesel trains. The scripting is fine and the score adds a fun aspect to an enjoyable hour of light-hearted nostalgia. Good fun!