This indispensable box set combines two timeless literary adaptations the railway children starring jenny agutter and bernard cribbins and based on the book by e nesbit five children and it and swallows amazons starring virginia mckenna and based on the book by arthur ransome.the railway children tells the story of the waterburys, whose happy middle class existence is shattered one night when their father leaves the family home without explanation, in the company of two mysterious strangers. Falling on hard times, mother moves them to a cottage in the country where the children become fascinated with the nearby railroad. Waving faithfully to the passengers everyday, their vigilance and courage helps prevent an accident and their kind heartedness soon wins them many friends not least of all the old gentleman who may be able to help them solve the mystery of their father's disappearance. An instant classic on its release, the film made a star out of jenny agutter and has proved to be enchanting to children and adults alike. The railway children is based on the novel by e nesbit, author of five children and it.swallows amazons was the first novel in arthur ransome's much loved series following the adventures of four children and their sailing boat swallow. In this film of the first installment, roger, titty, susan and john are taken on holiday by their mother to the norfolk broads, where they are allowed to sail their boat to a nearby island and set up camp. However they soon discover another boat the amazon, manned by potential rivals for dominion of the island. Evoking an england and way of life long forgotten, swallows amazons turns an enduring model of idyllic and innocent childhood into a lyrical and beautifully realized film. Running time 190 minutes region region 2 this dvd may not be viewable outside europe. Read more about dvd formats. Release date 21 aug. 2006