MovieChat Forums > Von Ryan's Express (1965) Discussion > Wouldn't VRE + The Train make a great do...

Wouldn't VRE + The Train make a great double feature?

posted 18 years ago by Wayner50
10 replies | jump to latest

These two great WWII train movies would have (or still could be) a terrific double feature (remember them?). They came out about a year apart, but the contrasts are pretty interesting. "The Train" in B&W, VRE in living color, women are basically relegated to the background, but still are key to the plot, Burt Lancaster and Frank Sinatra are sort of reluctant heroes. One thing both pictures have in common is Wolfgang Preiss as a German major.

[–] JohnnyWeissmuller 18 years ago

Two of my favourite films - both of which I'd like to see on better DVDs - both of which I'd love to see on a double-bill on the big screen.

[–] juanmonge69 17 years ago

I got that movie on netflix a few months ago and I was suprised that I had not heard about it. Burt Lancaster is awesome the scenes where he runs down the side of the mountain. He was older than me when he did that and I could'nt do that. Apparently he was contractually obligated to do this movie but I think he was awesome.

[–] JohnnyWeissmuller 17 years ago

Lancaster was in superb shape when making The Train and was perfectly cast in a thrilling movie.

[–] eThink 17 years ago

Is Arthur Brauss.

He was Lt. Gertel in Von Ryan's Express and Lt. Pilzner in The Train.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0105973/

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Florida2 16 years ago

This was more Hollywood than TT, which was more sober in every aspect - and, more realistic...

[–] surround_sound 16 years ago

Great idea. I have both on DVD.. next time I have a free night I might just do this.

Here are some other war double features you might do:
Guns of Navarone + Bridge on the River Kwai (or Operation Crossbow)
Lawrence of Arabia + Patton
The Thin Red Line + Kokoda
Schindler's List + The Pianist
Saving Private Ryan + Enemy at the Gates
Patton + Downfall

[–] lostinaction 14 years ago

Of course The Train and Von Ryans Express would make a great double feature. IMO The Train is the better Movie cause it has some Anti-War messages in it too. Another great Movie would be The Great Escape.

"Well, nobody's perfect."

[–] nelson95 8 years ago

When they initially came to my area in 1965 they both came at the same time. In effect, I saw them as a double feature because I first saw "The Train" and then I just went to the theatre across the street and saw "Von Ryan's Express" which happened to be playing there by coincidence. How's that for lucking out?

[–] HarlemEagle42 (16135) 4 years ago

Yes it would. Just like Where Eagles Dare double billed with Guns of Navarone.