A novel published in 1963 Colonel Von Ryan’s ExpressWritten by American journalist and author David Westheimer, a former prisoner of war during World War II, it quickly became a bestseller.
Its success attracted the interest of Frank Sinatra, who wanted to buy the rights to a film adaptation. When he learns they’ve already been acquired by Fox – for $125,000 – he naturally offers the lead role.
Surrounded by a select supporting cast, Frank Sinatra lends his qualities to US Air Force Colonel Joseph Ryan. Shot down in the skies over Italy days before the Allied landings in August 1943, he informed his fellow captives that liberation was imminent. But the English major decides to make his own escape on the train without waiting any longer.
After the commercial and critical failure of its blockbuster Cleopatra, starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Fox is looking to prove its ability to bounce back with another equally epic project. With a budget of more than $5 million, L’Express du Colonel Von Ryan particularly benefits from filming in Italy, a life-size reconstruction of the prison camp, as well as real period equipment.
A fast paced war movie with spectacular action scenes, Colonel Von Ryan’s Express It also features highly sought after Oscar-nominated sound effects for authenticity. When it was released in 1965, it grossed over $17 million in North America – one of Frank Sinatra’s biggest cinematic successes.
Colonel Von Ryan’s Express Mark Robson with Frank Sinatra, Trevor Howard, Rafaela Cara…
Tonight on Arte at 20:50.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
