Shooting on location, in the devastated ruins of an actual bombed-out city, makes this production as visually intriguing as any drama could possibly wish to achieve (as also effectively used in 'The Third Man'). Here we see the ultimate devastation that war brings to a nation that won't stop forcing its will on the world (as also seen with Japan).
Well regarded writers, Harold Medford and Curt Siodmak have created a non-stop rollercoaster ride filled with an international mix of assorted characters - all traveling on a US military train from post-war Paris to Frankfurt. They become embroiled in a plot to stop a German post-war diplomatic peacemaker from reaching his destination. This scenario is about as hard to fathom as a jigsaw puzzle and needs to be followed closely to keep up with the continual build-up of foreign intrigue.
Stark use of war ravaged locations where people have hidden themselves is fully effective in creating a menacing atmosphere for this convoluted story of violence and espionage.
A cast of excellent international performers bring the involved story graphically to life - headed by the always reliable Robert Ryan (pleasingly likable for a change) he's well cast alongside Merle Oberon as the peacemaker's secretary, also effective is the casting of the much re-invented former cowboy star Kevin Keene, here named Richard Powers (Crossfire'47) playing the military Lieutenant leading the investigation and hunt for the murderous underground regime. The uncredited narration by Paul Stewart, adds an overall effective documentary feel.
Highly respected French born, American based director Jacques Tourneur works perfectly with creative (part native Cherokee) director of photography Lucien Ballard - making this a stylized and excitingly paced post-war drama. Some have noted a leaning towards an American anti-Nazi propaganda theme but what might they expect...here it is, just three years following the defeat of one of the most destructive regimes in modern world history, with justice still being metered out for hideous crimes against humanity remaining fresh in the world's soul. The final scene is also quite haunting.
At 1hr 29min this one doesn't outstay its welcome, so it may take a second visit to piece together all the complex situations and fast-moving developments, but it's worth the time, and a re-mastered DVD is available to complete the ride in atmospheric b/w.
Well regarded writers, Harold Medford and Curt Siodmak have created a non-stop rollercoaster ride filled with an international mix of assorted characters - all traveling on a US military train from post-war Paris to Frankfurt. They become embroiled in a plot to stop a German post-war diplomatic peacemaker from reaching his destination. This scenario is about as hard to fathom as a jigsaw puzzle and needs to be followed closely to keep up with the continual build-up of foreign intrigue.
Stark use of war ravaged locations where people have hidden themselves is fully effective in creating a menacing atmosphere for this convoluted story of violence and espionage.
A cast of excellent international performers bring the involved story graphically to life - headed by the always reliable Robert Ryan (pleasingly likable for a change) he's well cast alongside Merle Oberon as the peacemaker's secretary, also effective is the casting of the much re-invented former cowboy star Kevin Keene, here named Richard Powers (Crossfire'47) playing the military Lieutenant leading the investigation and hunt for the murderous underground regime. The uncredited narration by Paul Stewart, adds an overall effective documentary feel.
Highly respected French born, American based director Jacques Tourneur works perfectly with creative (part native Cherokee) director of photography Lucien Ballard - making this a stylized and excitingly paced post-war drama. Some have noted a leaning towards an American anti-Nazi propaganda theme but what might they expect...here it is, just three years following the defeat of one of the most destructive regimes in modern world history, with justice still being metered out for hideous crimes against humanity remaining fresh in the world's soul. The final scene is also quite haunting.
At 1hr 29min this one doesn't outstay its welcome, so it may take a second visit to piece together all the complex situations and fast-moving developments, but it's worth the time, and a re-mastered DVD is available to complete the ride in atmospheric b/w.