This MGM production of 1975, is a good 70s western, that differs from the rival spaghetti westerns of the time, in that it doesn't focus on gufighters or shoot outs. Based on the novel of the same name by Alistair MacLean, the storyline in the main stays close to the original, not suprising in that the author also wrote the screen play for the film. The film is also produced by the same people who made Where Eagles Dare and When Eight Bells Toll
Set in 1870's Utah, it is about a train journey to relieve a western fort. Onboard the train is a section of troops, the local governor (Richard Crenna) and his girlfriend (Jill Ireland), a preacher and a doctor, along with all of the railroad employees. On stopping in the town of Myrtle, we also come a cross a Deputy Marshall, Nathan Pearce, (Ben Johnson) who is trying to hitch a lift as he makes his way to the fort. Myrtle is also where Charles Bronson is introduced as a wanted criminal John Deakin. The two then are given passage on the train.
Things though start to go wrong as we find the destination fort is in the midst of a Dypheria outbreak, and two of the officers from the troop train have gone missing. It quickly becomes obvious that things are not right on the train, the crew give knowing looks to each other, and Doctor Molyneux is found dead in suspicious circumstances. Still though the train makes it way through dangerous Indidan territory. The doctor is by far from the last death, as a fireman quickly follows suit, and then in an apparent accident carriages from the train break free killing all the troops in occupence.
It is not only the train where things are not going to plan, the fort also seems to be in trouble with a supposed prisoner, Levi Calhoun, on the loose, and indians within its walls.
As I previously said it keeps close to the book, although the ending is different in execution if not outcome. I would recommend this as a good film to be purchased at £5, and is a good enough watch, even if I personally still prefer the original book.
The only downside from the DVD is the limited nature of Extras, not surprising for a 1975 film, and there is only the Original Theatrical trailer, as an added bonus. Also in some of the scenes the film does look slightly grainy but can be ignored especially with some of the scenery that is filmed as the trains pass through some snowy mountains.
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Production Year: 1955 - Westerns - Director: Burt Lancaster - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Burt Lancaster, Diana Lynn, Walter Matthau, John Carradine, John McIntire, Una Merkel, Dianne Foster
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