Buster (1988)

51% of users liked it
(5,099 ratings)

On August 8, 1963, the Royal Mail train, on its nighttime run from London to Glasgow, was robbed by 15 men who got away with 2.6 million pounds (today the equivalent of $35 million). Buster tells the story of one of the junior robbers, Buster Edwards (played by pop singer Phil Collins), in a crime… More On August 8, 1963, the Royal Mail train, on its nighttime run from London to Glasgow, was robbed by 15 men who got away with 2.6 million pounds (today the equivalent of $35 million). Buster tells the story of one of the junior robbers, Buster Edwards (played by pop singer Phil Collins), in a crime that came to be known as the Great Train Robbery. The film details the planning of the famous heist, but its main concern is Buster's relationship with his family and his devotion to his wife June (Julie Walters). The Edwards are like a British Kramden family, trying to make ends meet from day-to-day in their rental apartment, but instead of a bus driver, Buster is a two-bit thief who has the fine luck of hardly ever getting caught. After the Royal mail train robbery, the heat intensifies, since the Conservative Government, already smarting from the Profumo scandal, latches onto the train robbery as a means to deflect attention from the scandal by bringing the train robbers quickly to justice. Buster and June go into hiding and have a series of close calls before finally escaping to Mexico. Finally in paradise, the Edwards find their money quickly being eaten up and discover that they cannot adapt to the Mexico milieu. June, for her part, is homesick, and Buster, always ready to keep her happy, makes the grand gesture -- to return to England and turn himself in to the police. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: David Green, David Greene
Genres: Documentary, Drama, Action & Adventure, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1988 Wide
On DVD: Dec 2, 2003
Studio: HBO Video

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Featured Audience Ratings

Film C

its not my sort of movie, it felt like a very long movie and i found it dragged in the middle which made the movie even more boring! its an okay drama but doesnt give enough for it to be an enjoyable movie!
Anthony L

Good ole Buster eh! Good film but shame about the soundtrack!
Ross C

The Phil Collins movie where he both supplies the soundtrack and fills the lead role. A cheesy but loveable British 80s classic about the Great Train Robbery, set in my home locality.
Lady D

Phil Collins as Buster Edwards, one of the Great Train Robbers, shows the whole thing before, during and after through Buster's eyes and his wife played by the talented Julie Walters. Filled with various other known British actors to tell a pretty interesting story of true… More
Phil Collins as Buster Edwards, one of the Great Train Robbers, shows the whole thing before, during and after through Buster's eyes and his wife played by the talented Julie Walters. Filled with various other known British actors to tell a pretty interesting story of true crime. VERDICT: Worth a watch, a true story of a London villain
David S

One of a series of period crime films that came out of Britain in the late 80's (see also 'Scandal' and 'The Krays') this doesn't quite work, probably because it's not sure if it's a crime film or family drama. The film splits awkwardly into 2… More
One of a series of period crime films that came out of Britain in the late 80's (see also 'Scandal' and 'The Krays') this doesn't quite work, probably because it's not sure if it's a crime film or family drama. The film splits awkwardly into 2 halves (in England and then Acapulco) which really jars and it never really feels if enough time is spent on either. The acting is fine, although Collins can only really do 'cheeky chappie' and has problems showing genuine emotion. It's ok but it feels wrong that the whole thing is presented so lightly when someone actually died during the real robbery (this isn't touched on in the film). One of those films that seemed fun at the time but isn't as good as you remember. Great soundtrack though.
Brett W

Amazingly Genesis' "Illegal Alien", when played repeatedly, syncs up perfectly with the second half of this film. It's quite the mind blowing experience. Look on in increasing disinterest as Phil Collins and family recreate nearly everyone's extended vacations… More
Amazingly Genesis' "Illegal Alien", when played repeatedly, syncs up perfectly with the second half of this film. It's quite the mind blowing experience. Look on in increasing disinterest as Phil Collins and family recreate nearly everyone's extended vacations in Mexico. If nothing else this film is worth it just to see Phil Collins slap his wife. Oh, and there's that weird part where the daughter starts screaming for her housekeeper in jibberish spanish as she's hurried onto a plane.

Read all 6 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Phil Collins as Buster Edwards

            Julie Walters as June Edwards

            Larry Lamb as Bruce Reynolds

            Stephanie Lawrence as Franny Reynolds

            Ellen Beaven as Nicky Edwards

            Michael Attwell as Harry

            Ralph Brown as Ronny Biggs

            Christopher Ellison as George

            Sheila Hancock as Mrs. Rothery

            Martin Jarvis as Inspector Jack Mitchell

            Clive Wood as Sgt. Chalmers

            Anthony Quayle as Sir James McDowell

            John Benfield as Jimmy

            Michael Byrne as Poyser

            Sergio Calderón as Fruit Seller

            Álvaro Carcaño as Boat Captain

            Rodolfo de Alexandra as Market Stallholder

            Stewart Harwood as Chip Shop Owner

            Harold Innocent as Justice Parry

            Martin LaSalle as Mexican Waiter

            Graham Lines as Vicar

            Jean Ainslie as Post Office Lady

            John Barrard as Walter

            Carole Collins as Linda

            Tony Collins as Taxi Driver

            Alan Cowan as Fireman

            Timothy Davies as Gang Member

            Jessica Green as Mandy

            Pauline Little as Sally

            Ian Lowe
            
            Francisco Morales as Mexican Doctor

            Amy Shindler as Susan

            David Shindler as David

            Evangelina Sosa as Maria

            Rupert Vansittart as Fairclough

            Vitelbo Vazquez as Hospital Receptionist

            Roger McKern
            
            Vincenzo Nicoli
            
            James Donnelly as Rent Man

            Frank Ellis
            
            John Patrick as Seaman

            Stephanie Laurence
            
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