Directed by Mark Robson - 1965 Poster
This was a good old-fashioned escapist/adventure film. I am not that keen on 'famous actor led' films (especially American ones); but I was pleasantly surprised with Frank Sinatra's performance as the USAAF pilot, Colonel Joseph Ryan, shot down over Italy and then taken to a PoW camp.
Col. Ryan arrives in the Italian PoW camp
Apparently, Sinatra had read the 1963 novel by David Westheimer and wanted to buy the film rights for himself. When he found out Fox had purchased them, he offered to play the lead role. Sinatra did get the film's ending changed - he is killed running from the Germans - so there would be no sequel. Much of the drama, particularly at the start, stems from Ryan's clash with the British officer Major Eric Fincham (Trevor Howard) - the more easy-going American up against the stiff upper lip Tommy. This could have descended into caricature but, thanks to the two actors, it worked. The camp is run by Major Basilio Battaglia (Adolfo Celi), a Mussolini-style braggart - strutting whilst in charge but cringe-worthy when deposed (Italy has surrendered). The sympathetic second-in-command, Captain Vittorio Oriani (Sergio Fantoni) plays a vital role, especially once he is herded in with the allied troops by the Nazis.
The static, 'house-bound' start in the PoW camp is well contrasted with the rest of the subsequent fast-moving developments - first, being corralled on the train for Germany and, then taking it over and chuffing pell-mell for Switzerland. The Allied German-speaking chaplain's (Captain Costanzo - Edward Mulhare) transformation into a smart German officer was believable and the tense moments at the railway stations, with the Gestapo plain-clothes man wanting to trade Sinatra's watch for nylons, and in the masquerade in the real Germans' office are well done.
The vicar takes over!
Of course, the main excitement builds once the German High Command in Milan realise that Von Ryan's express is by-passing their city station. The chase begins, the Waffen-SS troops in a pursuing train being helped by three Luftwaffe planes straffing the escaping prisoners. After some hasty replacing of a damaged rail and some brave rear-guard action by sharp=shooters, the train sets off for Switzerland and freedom. Not without casualties - above all the loss of Von Ryan on the track at the very end.
Freedom beckons!
'Von' Ryan? The nickname was a pejorative one - given to him by Fincham, angry that Ryan let Battaglia live. Once again, the inclusion of a girl - the Italian paramour of the German officer commanding the train - was unnecessary. At least they both got shot!
Most of the film was shot on location in northern Italy, with other scenes in Florence and Rome. The final railway sequences were, however, filmed in Spain. Critical reception was positive - mainly calling the movie a ripping yarn with good acting. It was the 10th highest grossing movie of 1965 and Sinatra's of the decade. Channel 4 ranked Von Ryan's Express as No. 89 on their list of 100 Greatest War films.
2016 DVD
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