THE TRAIN (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 1964)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Train—good Burt Lancaster movie—tells a simple, yet intriguing story with a great backing of cinematic effects. Very entertaining. It creates a desire to see more of Burt Lancaster’s films as well as movies directed by Director John Frankenheimer and Arthur Penn. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

During wartime, Germany attempts to move valuable art on display in France across German borders.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors John Frankenheimer and Arthur Penn for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Jules Bricken for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Paul Labiche (Burt Lancaster), Colonel Franz Von Waldheim (Paul Scofield), Christine (Jeanne Moreau), Mlle. Villard (Suzanne Flon), Papa Boule (Michel Simon), Major Herren (Wolfgang Preiss), Didont (Albert Rémy), Pesquet (Charles Millot), General Von Lubitz (Richard Münch), Jacques (Jacques Marin), Spinet (Paul Bonifas), Captain Schmidt (Jean Bouchaud), Sergeant Schwartz (Donald O’Brien), Octave (Jean-Pierre Zola), and Pilzer (Arthur Brauss). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has no message to hone, no bone to pick. It just tells its story. That’s refreshing. The cinematography is really well-done. It’s a ‘sit back and enjoy’ movie. Refreshingly, it leaves one with no obligation to change one’s worldview. It does what a movie is supposed to do…entertains with no guilt trip attached.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers