The Iron Maiden

Infobox Film
name = The Iron Maiden


image_size =
caption =
director = Gerald Thomas
producer = Peter Rogers
Frank Bevis
writer = Leslie Bricusse
Vivian Cox
starring = Michael Craig
Anne Helm
Jeff Donnell
Alan Hale Jr.
music = Eric Rogers
cinematography = Alan Hume
editing = Archie Ludski
distributor = Anglo-Amalgamated Film Distributors Ltd.
released = flagicon|UK 1962
flagicon|Germany June 7, 1963
flagicon|US December 31, 1964
runtime = 98 min.
country = UK
language = English
budget =
gross =
amg_id = 1:96748
imdb_id = 0056105

"The Iron Maiden" is a 1962 British comedy film. It was released in the U.S. as "Swinging Maiden". The film was directed by Gerald Thomas, and stars Michael Craig, Anne Helm, Jeff Donnell, and Alan Hale, Jr.. It was widely perceived as an attempt to repeat the success of the film "Genevieve", with traction engines in place of vintage cars.

Plot

The film follows an aircraft designer, Jack Hopkins (played by Michael Craig) who has a passion for traction engines, owning one called "The Iron Maiden". His "boss" at the aircraft manufacturers (played by Cecil Parker) does not share his passion, although is concentrating on winning the contract to supply his new supersonic jet aircraft to an American millionaire (Alan Hale, Jr.). Unfortunately, their first encounter doesn't endear the American millionaire to the brilliant designer, resulting in a difficult situation.

As things progress from bad to worse, the millionaire's daughter (Anne Helm) manages to damage "The Iron Maiden", which renders the machine difficult to manage, unless two people are "at the helm". Alas, in an unfortunate accident, Jack's fireman injures himself, rendering him unable to continue to the rally. Help is at hand, though; the angry Paul Fisher (Alan Hale, Jr), who has come to remonstrate with Jack, decides to "take the helm" and, soon, they become firm friends.

After a few scrapes along the way, they manage to reach Woburn Abbey and enter the rally. At the last minute, Paul injures his back and guess who happens to be on hand, to lend the feminine touch? None other than daughter and sceptic Kathy!

Of course, they win! The English love the "underdog" and, in true style, they come from being last, to winning the day. That is not all, though: not only do they win the race, but Jack wins his girl and they embrace and kiss, all the while The Iron Maiden boils over and explodes! It may not be good news for Jack, but The Iron Maiden lives on as the supersonic jet is given her name!

Watch out for "bit performances" by Jim Dale and Joan Sims - always good to see them, even if not in "Carry On" guise!

An enjoyable, lighthearted and very typically English film, that harks back to the days before motorways, loud music and insurance claims, although it does strike a blow for equality as well as the feminine touch!

A Handley Page Victor subsonic bomber features prominently in the film as the prototype of Jack Hopkins's supersonic jetliner. A number of sequences show the plane in close-up, taxiing, taking off, climbing, flying past and landing with parachute deployed.

"The Iron Maiden" in real life

The traction engine that featured as "The Iron Maiden" was a John Fowler & Co. 7nhp showman's road locomotive (works no. 15657, reg no. FX 6661). She was built in September 1920 as a class R3 road locomotive for heavy haulage work and saw many years service on the Isle of Portland, hauling blocks of stone from the quarries to the harbour. [cite book|title =37th Great Dorset Steam Fair, 2005 – Official Programme|publisher=Ian Allan|month=August | year=2005|pages=p12|authorlink=Great Dorset Steam Fair]

She returned to Fowler's works for conversion into a showman's engine, which entailed the addition of a dynamo bracket in front of the chimney, and a full-length canopy, among other things. Once converted she was based in Alfreton, Derbyshire and undertook fairground work, until bought for preservation in 1952. From new 'she' was named "Kitchener" – until the film was made, whereupon she was promptly renamed "The Iron Maiden". [cite book|title=38th Great Dorset Steam Fair, 2006 – Official Programme|publisher=Ian Allan|month=August | year=2006|pages=p12|authorlink=Great Dorset Steam Fair]

The engine was featured on the cover of the Official Programme for the 38th Great Dorset Steam Fair, in 2006, and continues to make regular appearances at that event.

The current owner of "The Iron Maiden" is Graeme Atkinson and is proudly displayed alongside other fair organs as part of The Scarborough Fair Collection based at his holiday park in Scarborough - Flower of May, Lebberston Cliff.

References

External links

*imdb title|id=0056105|title=The Iron Maiden UK