Closely Watched Trains (1966): Cast, Plot & Where to Watch

Name: Closely Watched Trains
Genre: Comedy, Drama, War
Released: 1966
Duration: 93 min
Cast: Václav Neckář, Jitka Scoffin, Vladimír Valenta, Libuše Havelková, Josef Somr

What Closely Watched Trains Is About

A young man starts work at a small railway station in occupied Czechoslovakia, and his real trouble is not the war but his own incompetence. Jiri Menzel spends most of the film on station idleness, flirtation and paperwork, keeping the war at a distance like a noise from elsewhere. Then the noise comes indoors. Its strength is that it never raises its voice while moving from comedy into tragedy. The protagonist's sexual embarrassment begins as a joke and arrives somewhere else entirely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Closely Watched Trains about?

A young man starts work at a small railway station in occupied Czechoslovakia, and his real trouble is not the war but his own incompetence. Jiri Menzel spends most of the film on station idleness, flirtation and paperwork, keeping the war at a distance like a noise from elsewhere.

Where can I watch Closely Watched Trains?

Closely Watched Trains is available to watch on digital platforms such as Criterion Channel, Klassiki, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.

How long is Closely Watched Trains?

Closely Watched Trains runs for 93 minutes (1h 33m).

When did Closely Watched Trains come out?

Closely Watched Trains was released in 1966.

Who directed Closely Watched Trains?

Closely Watched Trains was directed by Jiří Menzel.

Who stars in Closely Watched Trains?

Closely Watched Trains stars Václav Neckář, Jitka Scoffin, Vladimír Valenta, Libuše Havelková.

What is Closely Watched Trains's rating?

Closely Watched Trains holds 7.6/10 on IMDb and 7.2/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 75 out of 100.