the train

The Train is an old black and white film classic. It stars Burt Lancaster and Paul Scofield. During the Nazi exit from Paris a German General decides to transport the French master paintings to Germany. Burt Lancaster and others try to divert and stop the train transporting such masterpieces. The film is rivetting, it is full of suspense.
It may not have got the same status as Casablanca as a war film, but I recommend it next to Casablanca.

The Train Burt Lancaster

An excellent story concerning the French Underground railway work force fight against Nazi occupation at the close of WW2. Director John Frankenheimer and his director of photography captured the realizm of the period in this B/W classic using intriguing camera angles and authentic French railroad equipment on location. Burt Lancaster's performance as the mastermind and leader of a small group of underground sabatoures is unsurpassed and exemplifies how life or death is decided in a matter of seconds. No small detail is overlooked and lends a powerful edge to this exciting tale of Good against Evil. The DVD version of this movie offers a commentary by the Director and other extra features, but whether you find it on DVD or VHS, it is a story that you will never forget and enjoy again and again. Railroad and train buffs will be delighted by the accuracy and attention to detail in the operation and timing of every steam valve and track turnout operated throughout the picture. A must have film!

The Train

This movie highlights the sacrifices that the French people made to help the Allies liberate their country. All over France there are small plaques to the memory of murdered Resistance fighters...The German Occupation was a time of daily humiliations but also of bravery where small bands risked their lives to uphold the principals of a free and liberty loving French..This mixed American/French production is an excellent portrait of an incident. Burt Lancaster is fantastic...The black and white photography and scale are perfect.
The reality of what Germany would have imposed upon the world if they had succeeded in their conquest is clear. Not every German was a Nazi and not every Frenchman was a patriot. But the choice is as clear as the the Black and White of the film...John Frankenheimer was a great movie maker...Try Ronin for a similar tight and fast moving example of his work...

The Train

Burt Lancaster at his best, with equally fine performances by Jeanne Moreau and Paul Scofield, and a superb supporting cast. Typical John Frankenheimer direction: almost documentary in nature.

Exciting and believable story line, with precise attention to detail regarding the Societe Nationale Chemin de Fer (French National Railroad).

Very highly recommended.

The Train

This movie has Burt Lancaster in a role where he performed many stunts himself. I love the story of the French underground resistance doing their best to prevent the Nazis from stealing their national treasures...the priceless artifacts from their art museums. I decided to buy this movie since it now is preseved in DVD format. Well worth the money in my opinion.