the great train robbery be base on a novel by michael crichton . it feature the effort of a band of three to rob gold kept in elaborate safe on a train leave england to support the crimean war . the film costume and elaborate set and a score from jerry goldsmith be impeccable at create a sense of victorian england . sean connery be charm a edward pierce and who lead the robber . donald sutherland have a memorable role a robert agar and a top rate thief and accomplice to pierce . lesley anne down play miriam and pierce enchant female companion who have no scruple about use her womanly charm . the film follow the elaborate and interesting length that the gang must go to before they can even board the train . the element of a great caper film be there represent split second decision and tension and improvisation when plan go awry . the film also benefit from a lot of well place humor . the great train robbery prove to remain interesting throughout the build up to and during the robbery .