Night Train to Munich - Carol Reed

I'm trying something new with my blog. I watch a lot of films and so I thought I would start writing posts about them - not only to share info and my thoughts, but to also get myself writing more and hopefully becoming better at it.

First up Night Train to Munich directed by Carol Reed and written by Sidney Gilliat and Frank Launder. The script is based on a story by Gordon Wellesley. It stars Margaret Lockwood as the daughter of an inventor, both of whom are trying to escape Czechoslovakia after the Germans invade during World War II. Her and her father both make it to England but are kidnapped and taken back to Germany. They are tailed by an English undercover agent who goes to Germany to rescue them. This agent is played by Rex Harrison. I won't give away all the details but I will say that they have to escape again by getting on the night train to Munich.  It also involves a great scene with cable cars up in the mountains.

The story and style is similar to Hitchcock's 1938 film The Lady Vanishes, even to the point of having two of the same characters - Charters and Caldicott (played by Basil Redford and Naunton Wayne). The similarity not only involved an extended train sequence, and these two characters, but also some fantastic small-scale model scenery. It is very clear that it is just a model, but I find that really charming. I also find the story to be interesting, and pretty realistic with no "mcguffin". The film and characters talk about why this inventor is necessary instead of just alluding to his skills or knowledge as Hitchcock would have done.

The film is black and white and is really well directed. It is thrilling and keeps you interested. It also includes actual newsreel footage of German troops - one of the first films that I know of that has done that - especially considering the year it was filmed. The Criterion version has a great essay in the booklet, along with a digital transfer, and a fantastic video conversation between film scholars Peter Evans and Bruce Babington. The film is only 90 min in length and well worth your time.

Night Train to Munich
Directed: Carol Reed
Criterion Collection
#523