This is a fictionalized account of something that did occur towards the end of WWII. When it appeared that the Germans would lose the war, some of their leaders ordered the systematic looting of occupied territories--particularly of the great art museums of Paris. This film is about one of these shipments--a shipment that the French Underground wants to prevent from going into Germany BUT also want to be sure not to destroy.

Burt Lancaster plays the lead as the French train engineer forced to transport this shipment. Why did they choose an American for this role? Probably to increase the marketability and box office for the film. While Lancaster was wonderful for the role for his physicality, it was odd that a Frenchman or at least a man who could approximate the proper accent was not used. In addition, a Canadian (Paul Scofield) was hired to play the leading German in the film--though he also didn't sound the least bit German. While a fine actor, he was not the best choice for the role, either. As for the rest of the cast, they were all more suited for the role. It was also nice to see the Swiss actor, Michel Simon, in the film--as he'd starred in some wonderful films since the 1930s--where he also looked like an old man! Here, at age 70, he finally looked his age!

This is a film that left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, you need to hand it to the director (the great John Frankenheimer) for being so meticulous and getting the look of the film just right (with amazing stunts and attention to detail) as well as great cinematography. But, on the other, despite this being a very well-respected film, its pace was way too slow--and could have benefited from a slight trimming. Now I am NOT against longer films--provided the pacing and story is sufficient to support it. Here, 20 minutes lopped off might have made the film flow better--and made it a great film (despite the odd casting). As it was, it did drag a bit. I liked the film but did not love it. Though, as a history teacher, I really did appreciate the film's historical accuracy.

The premise truly fascinated me, a premise or at least subject that sounded like the film would be a powerful one. John Frankenheimer was responsible for some great work, 'The Manchurian Candidate' instantly coming to my mind as being one of his best. The cast would be reason enough on its own, so imagine having the subject and Frankenheimer as director also being big main reasons, to see it, having admired a good deal of work from both Burt Lancaster and Paul Scofield.

Seeing 'The Train' two days ago, what instantly came to my mind after watching was "wow!" Like most people here, to me this was a pretty exceptional film that really packs a punch in a way that not many films of its year, decade or even genre at this point of film history did. Truly powerful work that took risks and pulls no punches in a way that still has the ability to shock, no trivialising or sugar-coating here. Quite the opposite. As far as WWII films go, it is one of the best and despite being highly praised deservedly more people should know about it, it is really quite something and unlike a lot of films personally seen.

Maybe 'The Train' runs a little too long by about 15 minutes or so, which occasionally (emphasis on that word) affects the pace.

On occasions too early on, for my tastes Maurice Jarre's music score jarred a bit and like it belonged more in a comedy.

Conversely, there are so many strengths (which is actually pretty much everything else) and everything else is executed flawlessly. 'The Train' is quite masterful visually, the photography is full of atmosphere and played a huge part in making the train itself like its own character. Have never seen a train so cleverly, intimately and powerfully used. The French locations are incredibly well utilised, some of the best use of French locations for any film seen in a long time from personal view. On a technical level, the action with the train is enough to make the jaw drop today. Frankenheimer's direction is hugely accomplished and not since 'The Big Parade' as far as recent film viewings go has there been direction for any film that was this visually flawless. Most of Jarre's score works very well, when it becomes more subtle and more harmonious with the atmosphere it is quite hauntingly unsettling.

Script is very intelligent and thought-provoking, taut enough while allowing breathing space yet not rambling. The story is hugely compelling, is very intense especially the exciting action with the train and is emotionally powerful. Found myself quite moved and shocked at how much the more uncompromising moments (and there are many) wrenched the gut, haven't seen an ending this poetic in a while either. The characters are well defined and interesting. There are great performances from all, with Lancaster superb in one of his best performances. He tells so much with his face and eyes and could tell he meant every word with his line delivery, he is especially good in the last twenty minutes where words are few but one intensely feels his hurt and anger. Scofield has seldom been nastier or at times even frightening. Jeanne Moreau's role isn't huge but she is sympathetic in it and an atypically cast Michel Simon is very telling in his.

In summary, exceptional and one of the best WWII films. 9/10

German Army Colonel Paul Scofield has come up with an idea that no doubt tickled the fancy of Herman Goering, Nazi Germany's most noted collector of art. As Von Rundstedt's army is retreating and Paris is about to be liberated, Scofield decides to liberate a whole collection of the finest of French painters. The works of Matisse, Gauguin, Renoir, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec are taken from museums and loaded on a train bound for Germany. They will possibly be used as a trading tool for the Germans of whom many believe the war is lost.

The manager of the train marshaling yard in Paris is Burt Lancaster and he's a Resistance fighter. Suzanne Flon a museum curator tells the Resistance about the train and can they stop it. It's containing a lot of the heritage of France. The Resistance takes on the job.

The Train rapidly becomes a personal test of wills between Lancaster and Scofield. And they're pretty evenly matched as adversaries. Scofield represents the occupying army, Lancaster the people of France.

The Train was based on a true incident in which the Nazis did try to steal a lot of valuable art work and the Resistance did delay them until the Allied Armed Forces got to Paris and beyond. You have to remember this was an American production, in fact one that Burt Lancaster's own production company made with John Frankenheimer directing. Had it been a French production, I could easily have seen Jean Gabin in Lancaster's role.

Most of the rest of the cast was made up of German and French players. Jeanne Moreau has a nice part of an innkeeper who is not involved at all in the Resistance, but offers some timely aid to Lancaster when he needs first an alibi and a hideout in separate incidents. A favorite of mine is Michel Simon as the old train engineer who does his own little bit of resisting and pays with his own life for it.

Lancaster is in the lead and it's his film, but for my money Paul Scofield is best in The Train. An idea with him becomes a positive obsession that he can't let go of even when it's blatantly apparent to all others things are kaput. Scofield is really one frightening human being. He actually got the idea because he really is an art connoisseur and knows what their value is both commercially and to the culture of France.

As for Lancaster, he's not an educated man, he's a working stiff who worked his way up in the railroad trade to become a manager. He knows the value also of what he's being asked to save, but he seriously questions whether the human sacrifice is necessary.

The Train has a lot of action, but even more it has suspense. You're wondering right up to the end whether the Germans will pull it off. The Train was shot on location in and around Paris and the scenes at the marshaling yards are quite authentic and photographed well.

The Train is a good World War II movie and I even think the French would like this one also although they probably would and did complain that one of there own cinema stars didn't do this.