Von Ryan's Express (1965)

91% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
79% of users liked it
(5,534 ratings)

Von Ryan's Express is a fast-paced, well-acted World War II drama, featuring a squadron of Allied soldiers trying to escape a prison camp in Italy. While most of the prisoners at the camp are British, a determined, resourceful American Air Force colonel (Frank Sinatra) takes charge and leads the… More Von Ryan's Express is a fast-paced, well-acted World War II drama, featuring a squadron of Allied soldiers trying to escape a prison camp in Italy. While most of the prisoners at the camp are British, a determined, resourceful American Air Force colonel (Frank Sinatra) takes charge and leads the escape, which requires that the prisoners wrest control of a German train and propel it through Italy to Switzerland. The subsequent ride, featuring good special effects and outstanding stunt work, is great fun and very suspenseful. Frank Sinatra makes an effective action hero aided by veteran actor Trevor Howard as a British officer. The CinemaScope photography is outstanding and director Mark Robson directs the exciting action sequences with skill. ~ Linda Rasmussen, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 57 min.
Directed By: Mark Robson
Written By: David Westheimer, Wendell Mayes, Joseph Landon
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics

In Theaters: Jun 23, 1965 Wide
On DVD: Nov 6, 2001

Critic Reviews

Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
A far-fetched but thrilling World War II adventure. Watch it as part of a double feature with John Frankenheimer's The Train.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Exciting Sinatra starring vehicle set during WWII.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Made for those who like those old-fashioned serial chapter adventure stories.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
An action packed prisoner of war thriller and Ole Blue Eyes doesn't even sing a note.
Scott Weinberg, Apollo Guide
Sinatra at his swaggering best.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

A classic action/war film that probably shouldn't be taken too seriously. As the grandchild of a POW I felt that some of the prisoners were portrayed unfairly but on the whole this film is entertaining, with some strong performances and a devastating end that kind of makes up for… More
A classic action/war film that probably shouldn't be taken too seriously. As the grandchild of a POW I felt that some of the prisoners were portrayed unfairly but on the whole this film is entertaining, with some strong performances and a devastating end that kind of makes up for its misjudged mistakes. Definitely worth a Sunday afternoon watch!
jay n

Well made escape film starts out very well drags here and there but is an enjoyable experience overall.
Ken S

One Badass Train picture. Frank Sinatra stars in this highly underrated action adventure film.
xGary X

Solid WWII escape drama that concentrates on spectacle rather than suspense more than most. A decent war cum action film on the whole.
Khris N

Great tale of escape - underrated and not given enuff credit - Sinatra acts as good as he sings.
Eric H

Frank Sinatra and Trevor Howard are a great antagonistic couple in Mark Robson's thrilling war movie. Sinatra is an American pilot who crashes in Italy and is sent to a prison camp where Howard leads the inmates. The two bicker over whether it's best to hatch escape plans or… More
Frank Sinatra and Trevor Howard are a great antagonistic couple in Mark Robson's thrilling war movie. Sinatra is an American pilot who crashes in Italy and is sent to a prison camp where Howard leads the inmates. The two bicker over whether it's best to hatch escape plans or lie low till the war ends. When Italy surrenders the prisoners seize a train, planning to escape to neutral Switzerland. Much darker than earlier portrayals of WWII, characters are made to do a lot of nasty things which genuinely trouble them. Great downer ending too.
Barry L

Great buddy film and quite a change from Sinatra's normal movie.

Read all 7 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Frank Sinatra as Colonel Joseph Ryan

            Trevor Howard as Maj. Eric Fincham

            Raffaella Carra as Gabriella

            James Brolin as Pvt. Ames

            Brad Dexter as Sergeant Bostick

            Sergio Fantoni as Captain Oriani

            Edward Mulhare as Constanzo

            John Leyton as Orde

            Wolfgang Preiss as Major Von Kleinment

            Adolfo Celi as Battaglia

            Vito Scotti as Italian Train Engineer

            Richard Bakalyan as Corporal Giannini

            Michael Goodliffe as Captain Stein

            Ivan Triesault as Von Kleist

            Luther Adler
            
            John Day
            
            Barry Ford as Ransom's Batman

            Buzz Henry
            
            Michael Romanoff as Italian Nobleman

            James B. Sikking as American Soldier

            John Van Dreelen as Colonel Gortz

            Al Wyatt
            
            Michael St. Clair as Sgt. Dunbar

            Eric Micklewood as Ransom

            Brian Gaffikin as English voices

            Gino Gottarelli as Gortz's Aides

            Don Grant
            
            Benito Prezia as Italian Corporal

            Bard Stevens as German Sergeant
See full cast