IMDb RATING
6.7/10
9.2K
YOUR RATING
John Deakin is being transported, as a prisoner, on a train with supplies and medicine to Fort Humboldt, Nevada.John Deakin is being transported, as a prisoner, on a train with supplies and medicine to Fort Humboldt, Nevada.John Deakin is being transported, as a prisoner, on a train with supplies and medicine to Fort Humboldt, Nevada.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe fight on the top of the train was performed by stuntmen Howard Curtis, doubling Charles Bronson, and Tony Brubaker, doubling Archie Moore, and was directed by stunt coordinator Yakima Canutt, his last screen credit in a career that lasted 60 years and included directing the chariot race in Ben-Hur (1959).
- GoofsThe stovepipe of the caboose faces the front of the train. Cabooses are always positioned with the stovepipe to the rear so that smoke doesn't blow into the cupola.
- Quotes
Frank O'Brien: What the hell are they shooting?
Deputy U.S. Marshal Nathan Pearce: When you tell an Indian things will be a certain way and then they're not, he's inclined to think maybe you crossed him.
- Alternate versionsThe UK cinema version was cut for an 'A' certificate with the removal of a bloody head shooting and a shot of Claremont slashing Fairchild with a sword. Video releases featured the same cut print though DVD versions are fully uncut.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Behind the Action: Stuntmen in the Movies (2002)
Featured review
A good time is guaranteed when one sits down to watch this exhilarating blend of action, Western, and suspense - largely set on a train. Based on the novel by Alistair MacLean, and scripted by the author himself, it has an engaging plot with twists and revelations along the way.
Charles Bronson delivers a fine performance as John Deakin, a wanted man who is brought aboard a train headed to Fort Humboldt, which is supposedly experiencing an outbreak of diphtheria. We'll find that things are not as they seem, and the characters cannot be taken at face value, either.
The phenomenal supporting cast is a pleasure to watch; there are so many good actors in one place here. Ben Johnson, Jill Ireland (looking quite beautiful), Richard Crenna, Charles Durning, Ed Lauter, Bill McKinney, David Huddleston, Roy Jenson, Robert Tessier (who curiously seems to be dubbed by Paul Frees), and Sally Kirkland are all present and accounted for; the young trooper Rafferty is played by Paul Newmans' son Scott.
The action is first-rate and the movie, just like the prominent mode of transportation, races forward. Tom Gries directs first unit, with the legendary Yakima Canutt handling the second unit and the stunt coordination. Among the highlights are an intense fight between Bronson and boxing champ Archie Moore (who plays the dubious chef Carlos), and an incredible train crash. And it's all done in the classic tradition without the modern tendency to rely heavily on special effects.
We already know we're going to have some serious fun with the opening credits, courtesy of Phill Norman, accompanied by a majestic, powerful, catchy main theme by Jerry Goldsmith, which this reviewer can still hear in his head as he types this. The movie gets right down to business, with a good solid story that has no need for filler, and which moves right along to a nicely executed action climax. The movie's got something for a variety of tastes, and makes for mighty fine escapism, which manages to remain fun on repeat viewings.
Eight out of 10.
Charles Bronson delivers a fine performance as John Deakin, a wanted man who is brought aboard a train headed to Fort Humboldt, which is supposedly experiencing an outbreak of diphtheria. We'll find that things are not as they seem, and the characters cannot be taken at face value, either.
The phenomenal supporting cast is a pleasure to watch; there are so many good actors in one place here. Ben Johnson, Jill Ireland (looking quite beautiful), Richard Crenna, Charles Durning, Ed Lauter, Bill McKinney, David Huddleston, Roy Jenson, Robert Tessier (who curiously seems to be dubbed by Paul Frees), and Sally Kirkland are all present and accounted for; the young trooper Rafferty is played by Paul Newmans' son Scott.
The action is first-rate and the movie, just like the prominent mode of transportation, races forward. Tom Gries directs first unit, with the legendary Yakima Canutt handling the second unit and the stunt coordination. Among the highlights are an intense fight between Bronson and boxing champ Archie Moore (who plays the dubious chef Carlos), and an incredible train crash. And it's all done in the classic tradition without the modern tendency to rely heavily on special effects.
We already know we're going to have some serious fun with the opening credits, courtesy of Phill Norman, accompanied by a majestic, powerful, catchy main theme by Jerry Goldsmith, which this reviewer can still hear in his head as he types this. The movie gets right down to business, with a good solid story that has no need for filler, and which moves right along to a nicely executed action climax. The movie's got something for a variety of tastes, and makes for mighty fine escapism, which manages to remain fun on repeat viewings.
Eight out of 10.
- Hey_Sweden
- Apr 15, 2012
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