I just watched The Flying Scotsman...

[User]

 

[TheDoctor]

...on Virgin front row (thanks for the tip).

And an entertaining couple of hours it was.

My question is, how much of the story was 'built on' for the movie?

I think it's all pretty much true. I enjoyed the film, although I found some bits a bit harrowing.

 

[Dave5N]

Pretty close to the book. If anything they underplayed the UCI's attitude.

 

[mondobongo]

The film touches on his mental health problems whereas the book goes into far more detail and is dark in places. The Insurance job is also not covered in the film. But overall they did a good job, they could maybe have done more on just what a rider he was and focussed on his achievements.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

i've seen the film and i'm reading the book, just at the bit where the insurance job is. it's a very honest account.

 

[notthebuzzard]

I read the book first then saw the film. Jonny Lee Miller was quite good, but I actually thought the film was pants!

 

[Yellow Fang]

I can't remember there being a priest in the book. I think that was added. Nor can I remember him running into any of his old school bullies in the pub. All the same, the book was probably more harrowing.