Movies

Uncover the Forgotten WW2 Movie with 94% on Rotten Tomatoes

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If you’re on the hunt for an overlooked WW2 movie that delivers pulse-pounding action alongside a deep appreciation for fine arts, I strongly recommend giving The Train, starring Burt Lancaster, a watch. Originally released in 1965, this suspenseful film revolves around an eclectic band of French resistance members who work tirelessly to prevent a train carrying France’s most prized artworks from reaching Nazi Germany before it’s too late.

Despite films such as George Clooney’s “The Monuments Men” and Steven Spielberg’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark” exploring the theft of art by the Nazis, the tension in “The Train” from the 60s stands out due to its clear-cut stakes. In this movie, the survival of valuable French artwork depends on a group of underdogs who protect these masterpieces not only from the Nazis but also from Allied bombings, or else they could be lost forever to history. Given the high-risk, life-or-death plotline, it’s no surprise that “The Train” is often overlooked as one of the lesser-known World War II films.

Burt Lancaster’s The Train Is One Of Cinema’s Most Underrated WW2 Movies

It Was One Of The First Films About Nazi Art Theft

As a devoted admirer, I find myself captivated by the enigmatic figure of Colonel Franz Von Waldheim, a German officer who stood out among his peers for his unusual affection towards “degenerate art.” His chilling portrayal by Paul Scofield undeniably solidifies him as one of the most formidable antagonists in war-themed cinema. In the fading days before Paris’s liberation by the Allies, Waldheim manages to acquire a train for the purpose of transporting some of France’s most prized paintings from the Jeu De Paume Museum back to Germany. This act prompts Mademoiselle Villard, the esteemed curator, to reach out to French Resistance leader Paul Labiche (portrayed by Burt Lancaster), in a desperate bid to recover these valuable masterpieces.

Initially reluctant, Labiche voices his objection by stating he won’t risk lives over art, specifically paintings. However, when his friend and mentor, Papa Boule (Michel Simon), is executed by the Nazis for derailing a train’s engine, Labiche reconsiders. In a daring plan, Resistance members strive to redirect the train towards Paris, but they face obstacles such as blocked rail lines, German soldiers, and potential Allied bombings. Ultimately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Labiche finds himself compelled to carry on the mission solo, driven by a resolve to safeguard the paintings or perish in the attempt.

Why The Train Still Holds Up Today

The Train Was A Pioneer Of The Reluctant War Hero Trope

In recent times, movies like “Saving Private Ryan” have become iconic, featuring protagonists who are initially unwilling but ultimately successful in their missions. However, it’s essential to recall that this theme of the reluctant war hero didn’t gain widespread popularity until after films such as “The Train” were released. While stories about heroes hesitant to accept their destiny are prevalent, as Joseph Campbell explained in his book “Hero’s Journey,” they usually revolve around fear or apprehension rather than a dislike of the mission itself.

Instead, Labiche at first strongly dislikes the prospect of recovering the artwork, considering the value placed on paintings above human lives as unreasonable. What makes Labiche such an intriguing character in The Train is this resistance, for it poses a significant challenge to the mission that is no less formidable than Waldheim and the Nazis themselves. Eventually, Labiche manages to overcome his reservations and devotes himself not only to safeguarding France’s cherished art pieces, but also its cultural heritage.

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2025-04-23 01:38

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