Von Ryan's Express

Review by James Anthony

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People rave about Old Blue Eyes (Frank Sinatra) and they way he sang but, for mine, Frankie boy was a pretty good actor.

A favourite role is that of Colonel Joseph Ryan, an American airman in World War Two, who gets shot down and captured by the Italians.

Now not only was that a rarity (for an Allied soldier to surrender to Mussolini's jellybacks) but it came at a time when Italy was quickly trying to give up without getting too much grief from their German mates.

Anyway, Ryan is transferred to a Prisoner of War camp where most of the men behind the wire are Brits. As a colonel he is the senior officer in the camp and sets about restoring health and sense - much to the chagrin of Major Eric Fincham (Trevor Howard).

The nickname Von Ryan comes when the Brits think he is betraying them to the Italians in return for medicine and clothing.

From this inauspicious start, Ryan plans a mass escape and soon several hundred prisoners are on a train heading for Switzerland trying to avoid swarms of evil Nazis.

Von Ryan's Express is an exciting tale of escape through the passes of the Alps and while it does get a bit fanciful on occasions, is definitely a war movie worth seeing.

There is plenty of action, a lot of surprises, and it is one of those movies that very rarely falls flat.

Sinatra is terrific as the lead character and while Trevor Howard doesn't get a lot of room to show his acting skills, watch out for the chaplain (Edward Mulhare) when he impersonates a German officer.

The transfer is good with only a few artefacts to take your eyes from some terrific imagery.

A personal favourite, Von Ryan's Express is a welcome addition to this chap's home library.

Conclusion: 85% Extras: 25%.

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