Amazon.com

A movie's lasting value can often be measured by its influence in theyears anddecades following its original release, and on that basis Run Silent, Run Deepis certainly a classic of sorts. It remains one of the seminal World War II submarinepictures, and its intelligent script and tautly executed action are clearly echoed in suchlater submarine dramas as Das Boot and especially Crimson Tide,which borrows liberally from this 1958 film.

In one of his best and final roles (he appeared in only four films after this), Clark Gable plays a submarine captain without a command, having been saddledwith a desk job after his previous ship was destroyed due to his overzealous pursuitof the enemy in dangerous Japanese waters. He finally gets another boat--this timewith a vigilant first officer (Burt Lancaster), who stands poised to assume command ifGable puts his crew in unnecessary danger. The tension and mutual respect betweenthese two principled men is superbly written and directed (Robert Wise was just twoyears away from his triumph with West Side Story), and the crucial inclusionof a strong supporting cast (including Jack Warden and Don Rickles) enhances themovie's compelling authenticity. Based on a novel by former submarine commanderEdward L. Beach, Run Silent, Run Deep is rousing entertainment with theadded benefit of paying honorable tribute to the men who navigated through the mostfrightening and claustrophobic channels of the Pacific theater. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Stay away from the Bungo Straits!
One of the best submarine movies ever made with superb performances by Gable and Lancaster, who star as commander and executive officer, respectively. Their characters developed well against each other in the movie, which contained plenty of realistic action.

Captain Richardson (Gable), wanting to redeem himself for losing his submarine in the Bungo Straits off Japan the previous year, is successful in getting out from behind the desk and back in command of a sub, whose crew has already accepted Lancaster as their new skipper, with the previous captain being transferred to another station. However, Richardson is given command of the submarine, and the tension mounts as the power struggle continues, amidst constant diving drills and grumbling among the crew, who fear that they will be labeled "the best drill cowards in the Navy."

Richardson is out to prove his theory that he can take out an Akakaze destroyer with a bow shot. This type of destroyer had sunk his sub the previous year, but it is also discovered that Japanese submarines are also lurking in the area and have picked off several unsuspecting American subs.

A classic war movie, and a classic submarine movie. The only one that I would consider better is "The Boat."

Suspenseful and complex
A superior war film, and one of the prototypical submarine movies. Burt Lancaster and Clark Gable lock horns as the ranking officers on a WWII submarine slated for duty in the Pacific theater. Lancaster has been the ship's captain for years and has the respect of the crew, but he is abruptly displaced by Gable's Captain Richardson, a near-washout who is obsessed with breaking a Japanese blockade of a vital sea lane, after having lost his own ship there the year before. The personal tensions and resentments between the two officers are complicated by the grumblings of the crew, and by differences in naval tactics: Gable runs the crew ragged practicing for a dangerous new tactic that he's convinced will defeat the Japanese, and the sailors appeal to Lancaster for relief. A fascinating look at the frayed edges of military discipline, with a taut, well-directed script and good B&W cinematography. The shots of the exterior of the submarine are particularly nice: here's a film that lets us see how boatlike submarines actually are; you feel like you're actually up on deck, looking at every rivet and welding seam. If you go for this kind of movie, this one is hard to beat.

- Don't say we didn't have a Captain! -
Commander Richardson (Clark Gable) survived his last assignment as a Captain on a submarine, which was sunk in the Pacific Ocean. A year later Commander Richardson works at a desk, in Pearl Harbor, but this is not what he is meant to do as he wants to be a Submarine Captain again. He sends in a request to return to Area 7, where he once was sunk, as the area has been deemed too cursed since four other subs have been sunk there throughout the last twelve months. Commander Richardson is assigned to a new submarine, however, it was supposed to be Lieutenant Jim Bledsoe's (Burt Lancaster) assignment as he has been on the sub for two years. Despite Lieutenant Bledsoe's dislike of the navy's decision he continues to work hard for Commander Richardson, who is running diving exercises repeatedly without telling anyone why. This causes apprehension among the men on the sub as they are to enter the most feared waters of the Pacific Ocean. Run Silent, Run Deep is an interesting war film that depicts the daily frictions between Captains and the rest of the men onboard subs during the World War II. Wise creates an authentic atmosphere onboard the submarine, despite some underwater shots that obviously were shot in a swimming pool. In the end, Run Silent, Run Deep offers a suspenseful and intriguing cinematic experience.

The greatest submarine war film
This is the quintessential submarine movie, not to mention one of the great war movies of all time. It by far outclasses the other submarine movies like Torpedo Alley, Torpedo Run, and The Enemy Below (although with Kurt Jurgens and Robert Mitchum the latter is actually pretty good). And although still not in Run Silent, Run Deep's league, the more recent Das Boot is excellent too.

Gable and Lancaster are great as captain and commander and the supporting efforts from Jack Ward and Don Rickles also deserve mention. Don looks like he's only 25 here (although he's probably more like 30) and he still has no hair! (That's okay, Don, we still luv ya.) The movie builds the tension up to an almost unbearable climax as Gable proceeds to train his crew to perform the risky bow shot maneuver to take out the Akekazi destroyer, despite the scepticism of both Lancaster and the crew. The tension is made all the more palpable when their first attempt at destroying the Akekazi fails and the Akekazi drops depth charge after depth charge on Gable's ship. But Gable manages to just barely slip away. Then finally, in a suspenseful climactic scene, Gable successfully torpedoes the deadly sub-hunter with the infamous bow shot.

They don't make 'em like this anymore. Big Steve says go rent it and don't Bogart the popcorn.

Excellent submarine movie
Run Silent, Run Deep is an excellent WWII submarine adventure with an excellent cast. It tells the story of a submarine who has received a new captain in place of one of their own officers. The new captain, Captain PJ Richardson, wants revenge on the Japanese destroyer who sunk his previous sub. The man he took the position away from, First Officer Bledsoe, instantly takes a dislike to him which causes obvious problems. The movie follows the efforts of the two men to counter each other as one seeks revenge and the other tries to save the lives of the crew.

Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster are both excellent as the battling officers aboard the sub. The movie boasts an excellent supporting cast that includes Jack Warden, Brad Dexter, Nick Cravat, and Don Rickles, all who do very good jobs with their roles. However, Gable, in a later role, and Lancaster steal many of the scenes they are in together. The DVD is well worth it with a booklet included and also widescreen and full screen options for viewing. This is a great movie for fans of WWII action flicks! It is often obvious how this movie influenced later submarine movies in the genre. Go and check out this movie! ... Read more

Description

Notorious raider of the eighteenth century sea lanes, Captain Vallo, a.k.a. The Crimson Pirate, and his band of buccaneers overtake a Spanish galleon filled with guns and ammunition. When he decides to sell the stolen arsenal to rebel leader El Libre on the island of Cobra, the representative of Spain, Baron Gruda, offers Vallo 50,000 florins if he will deliver El Libre instead. Vallo is soon caught between the Spanish, the rebellion, and even the mutiny of his own men. But having allen in love with El Libre's daughter Consuelo, Vallo gains back his crew's trust and leads the island of Cobra to freedom. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Pirate comedy at it best!
Fans of Bloom and Deep's Pirates of the Caribbean, should check out pirate camp is done by the old pro Burt Lancaster. This is one riotously funny movie with Burt Lancaster and partner Nick Cravat (they were real partners in a circus act, childhood pals, before breaking into film!) and they get to strut them stuff in this really great film. Lancaster and Cravat play Pirates, in the true tradition, and while tweaking the local authorities nose and robing them blind, they come across Consuelo (Eva Bartok). She is the daughter of a local rebel who they are going to hang and she wants Lancaster to help free him. Tossing
James Hayter's absentminded Professor Prudence and Christopher Lee (an actual sword-fighter!! - watch Saruman in his younger days!!) you get all the perfect mix for slapstick humour at its best.

A long neglected classic and is fun for the whole family.

Burt Lancaster at his acrobatic best.
Burt Lancaster and Nick Cravat teamed up many times in their long careers, but never, I think, as well as in the Crimson Pirate. Both are fine athletes and acrobats and turn the movie into a circus romp of stunts and high jinx. Don't worry much about the plot. From beginning to end Burt, the Crimson Pirate, and his sidekick Ojo, Nick, engage in nonstop action and adventure as they swing from yardarms, dash around town, swim underwater for what seems like hours, and fight continuously all the kings soldiers and all the kings men who fall down like dominoes as Burt and Nick punch and kick them down or overboard. They are kung fu supermen slightly before their time. All in good fun.

The Crimson Pirate is Saturday Afternoon at the Movies at its best. With a bright clear picture and good sound coming from the DVD transfer, all you need is popcorn and a cold drink for an entertaining afternoon with the kids.

WOW!!
I like movies about Pirates and I had taped this movie a couple of years ago when it was shown commercial free on a TV station called PLEX but for some reason I never got around to watching it until last night and I must say that I was very impressed! The Crimson Pirate is now one of my favorite movies about Pirates and the action, fight scenes were amazing and I also loved the love story between Captain Vallo (AKA, The Crimson pirate) and Consuelo. Burt Lancaster and Nick Cravat who were both circus acrobats before getting into the movies were fantastic and the fact that they did all their own stunts was just amazing! I highly recommend this movie and I'm thinking of buying the DVD!

Still a Great Romp!
Watching Burt Lancaster movies in my youth made me a lover of cinema. I can watch "The Crimson Pirate" and "The Flame and the Arrow" over and over. It was interesting to see how many bits and pieces of "The Crimson Pirate" were incorporated in "Pirates of the Caribbean." This is not to take anything away from Bruckheimer and company as their final product was quite enjoyable. The fact that Lancaster and Cravat did their own stunts along with great costumes, scenery and music, this film does stand the test of time.

The term "when it was a game" often applies to baseball in the 1950's, namely the real deal. No steroids, real grass, no special effects. The same can be said of "The Crimson Pirate."

Classic
Simply stated: This is a classic adventure spoof. Wonderful timing both humorously and acrobatically, ... Read more

Amazon.com

Before The Wild Bunch, there was The Professionals,Richard Brooks's marvelous ode to friendship, loyalty, and disillusionment. It may not have the stylistic bravado or fatalistic doom of the legendary Sam Peckinpah film, but Brooks's storytelling is simple and steady and just as insightful. The difference is Brooks is a lot more optimistic. Lee Marvin and Burt Lancaster are buddies who have drifted into oblivion after fighting together in the Mexican Revolution. Marvin, the principled loyalist and munitions expert, lost his wife and his heart. Lancaster, the dynamite expert and unprincipled adventurer, keeps losing his pants. They team up with wrangler Robert Ryan and archer Woody Strode to rescue the beguiling Claudia Cardinale, who has been kidnapped by their old revolutionary buddie Jack Palance. So it's back into bloody Mexico they go on a "mission of mercy" for railroad tycoon Ralph Bellamy, who's paying handsomely for the return of his wife.

But nothing is what it seems in this exciting, existential adventure, which was beautifully shot by Conrad Hall. Sarcastic quips, philosophical musings, and heart-rending reversals underlie Brooks's humanistic sentiments. These are tired, world-weary men who somehow find the strength and the will to pull together for the sake of love and commitment. Through it all, Brooks seems to be lamenting a decline in professionalism much deeper than his story. He's decrying Hollywood and the society at large, anticipating Peckinpah's later strategy. --Bill Desowitz ... Read more

Reviews (30)

A Mule For The Marquessa

I think I know where I was on November 2, 1966; in a theatre watching THE PROFESSIONALS, for that was its theatrical release date.The movie is based on a western written by Frank O'Rourke entitled "A Mule For The Marquessa." Having read the book I wanted to see the movie.

Most other reviews here give this movie a good rating and review, and understandably so.This western movie to me ranks as one of my possibly 12 best, in equal standing with Arrowhead, Stagecoach, Valdez Is Coming, Ulzanna' Raid, Tall In The Saddle, and several Randolph Scott westerns. You get the picture, I think this is a very good western movie, one that I can watch over and over without ever tiring.

Part of the success of this film for me comes not only from the cast which is superb, veteran actors all, but from the way everything fits and works together. There is some comedy, some suspense, and finally a sense of justice but though this movie has all these parts in equal amount, there is still a chemistry present that for me just makes this one of the best western films ever made.

I've read the novel several times and feel too that the movie surpasses even the book which spawned the movie.If you like excellent western movies, do not miss this one.

Best Closing Lines Ever

A first rate adventure/western with Burt Lancaster and Lee Marvin at their macho best. This film has the best closing lines ever. Ralph Bellamy says to Lee Marvin, 'You bastard.' Marvin replies 'Yes sir, in my case an accident of birth, but you are a self made man.'

Thinking Man's Western
Oil Baron (Ralph Bellamy) hires four specialists(Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan, Woody Strode) to rescue his young Mexicana bride(Claudia Cardinale) out of the clutches of a revolutionary (Jack Palance) from behind the Mexican border.Sounds simple? Not in this complex film.Our heroes are flawed, disillusioned men and the bad guys aren't as bad as they seem.Credit director-screenwriter for crafting a western that stands the conventions of the form on it's head and keeps you guessing until the bitter end.Marvin and Lancaster are in top iconic form here.Cardinale adds a voluptuous mystique to her character.Palance contributes a complex reading to a character type that in previous films of this kind were cliched.This film also boasts gorgeous cinematography courtesy of the legendary Conrad Hall, a rollicking score by Maurice Jarre, and action sequences that are at the same time thrilling yet make sense.

Nice transfer, but a serious flaw!
One of my favorite Westerns, THE PROFESSIONALS fully deserved the special edition treatment it gets here.The picture has been improved and the soundtrack newly remixed in both 5.1 and 3.0 Dolby Digital.Also, the supplements are wonderful, especially if you saw this film when it was new and have loved it ever since.

I do though have one serious complaint though.Who was the dummy who thought the English translation subtitles for all the Spanish dialogue should appear on the screen without the option to turn it off?They go to all the trouble of a fine high definition remastering then impose subtitles over it?Makes no sense. While I, who doesn't understand Spanish, appreciate finally knowing what the Mexicans are saying in this picture, I don't appreciate not being able to watch the movie without the subtitles.They should have only been included as an option.Someone at Sony Home Entertainment goofed here.

"The Professionals" gets a face lift in special edition
Henry Farden(Lee Marvin),Bill Dolworth (Burt Lancaster), Jake Sharp (Woody Strode)and Hans Ehrengard (Robert Ryan) are hired by the wealthy Joe Grant (Ralph Bellamy) to rescue his wife (Claudia Cardinale)who was recently kidnapped by Jesus Raza (Jack Palance) a revoltionary who served with Farden and his men under Pancho Villa and Zappa. As the wild west gradually disappears, these men get called on to do one last mission together. Richard Brooks'("Elmer Gantry", "Wrong is Right", In Cold Blood", "Lord Jim") well crafted movie bursts with sarcastic quips and brilliant action pieces.

Beautifully restored, there's a signficant amount of grain but that's not a surprise given the age of the negative and the type of film Brooks used to shoot the movie. There's not much in the way of dirt or debris execept during the opening titles. It adds to ruggedness and "authentic" feel of the film. Columbia-Tristar has sprung for all the extras for this special edition with the exception of a commentary track from a film historian or actress Claudia Cardinale (most of the cast and crew are dead)

Let's start with the good stuff first--should you upgrade to this edition from the previousone? Yep. this edition has a remixed 5.1 soundtrack taken from the original theatrical soundtrack elements. You also have the option of listening to it in 3.0 as well. This also was remastered in high definition so the picture quality is outstanding given the age of the film. King of the supplements Laurent Bouzereau produced three new featurettes for this edition. "The Professionals-A Classic" features director Martin Campbell, Kate Buford (who wrote a biography of Burt Lancaster), Claudia Cardinale Joanna Lancaster interviewed about this great western classic. There's a brief snipped of behind-the-scenes footage of Brooks on location (it's silent). Claudia Cardinale, Marie Gomez and cinematographer Conrad Hall give their memories of shooting the film illustrated with behind-the-scenes footage, stills shot for the film. At 23 minutes it's the longest of the extras included here. Joanna Lancaster takes the stage for a discussion about her father in "Burt Lancaster: A Portrait" sharing her memories of father and some of the movies he made during that time. Kate Buford also appears discussing both Brooks, Lancaster as well as the movie. Buford claims that Brooks and Lancaster looked at "The Professionals" as a metaphor for the what they did in the industry. Again, this a large amount of behind-the-scenes footage shot in 16mm. Joanna Lancaster makes a good point about the physicality of Lancaster's performances (much like Harrison Ford). I'd suggest not watching the extras before the film itself as they do give away some important plot points.

A brilliant leanly constructed western "The Professionals" tells as much story in its 117 minutes as some movies do in three hours. Columbia and Laurent Bouzerau have done a marvelous job of putting together this package.


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Reviews (1)

One of the better 70's era disaster films
One of the better films amoung the 1970's disaster movie genre; centering around a European train infected with a contagious virus. Interesting film to compare to more recent fare such as Outbreak.

Amoung the "all-star" cast few actually qualilfy, with only Richard Harris and Sophie Loren adding genunie star power; while Burt Lanchaster basically just phones in his performance. Also seeing O.J. Simpson as an INTERPOL officer gunning down terrorists in a priest uniform is more then jarring. The direction is taut and the Jerry Goldsmith score is strong as always. Despite its cheesy moments (the hippies singing in the train car) its a good watch.

The DVD itself is nice deal for [$], although Artisian's presentation doesn't rank as high as some of its other older catalog film. Sadly its presented in fullscreen which is a major mark against it and there isn't even a trailer to accompany it. Oddly enough it sports motion menus which surprised me. The transfer isn't anywhere near reference quality but its watchable with a few spots where the film goes soft. The mono soundtrack isn't strong at all and the dreaded mono hiss is audible if you're using your sorround system.

If you're a fan of the movie its hard to turn down at a bargain price, otherwise rent it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The prime minister of Eritrea is assassinated by political opponents, setting off a chain of events with global repercussions in the intelligence community.Burt Lancaster plays Cross, a CIA operative who dates back to the agency's earliest days as the OSS.Scorpio (Alain Delon) is a protégé of Cross, and one of Cross's best friends in a netherworld where everyone's allegiances, personal and political, are in question.Higher-ups within the intelligence agency decide that Cross knows too much and is better off eliminated; at first, Scorpio refuses the job until the CIA frames him on a phony narcotics bust and coerces him into the assignment.The two men play a game of global cat-and-mouse as Cross consorts with his Russian counterparts--fellow aging dinosaurs in a young man's game. Cross's links with the Russians go back to the days of the Spanish Civil War and the time when Cross was given the ironic label of "premature anti-Fascist" by the House Unamerican Activities Committee.The incredibly convoluted plot is rife with double-crosses and reverse double-crosses, in an environment in which nothing is quite as it seems and no one is to be trusted.Director Michael Winner infuses enough energy and excitement into the film's many action segments to make Scorpio worthy of comparison to John Frankenheimer's best political thrillers. Winner also throws in several curveballs, such as the zither music during a meeting in a Vienna café (shades of The Third Man) and the preposterous device of disguising Lancaster as an African American priest.Though not quite a classic, Scorpio is still an underrated espionage thriller that was well attuned to the political cynicism of the time. Best line: "I want Cross, and I want him burned!"--Jerry Renshaw ... Read more

Reviews (5)

a "must see" for Delon fans
Though the plot is somewhat muddled, locations change at a dizzying speed between Washington, Vienna, and Paris, has some improbable situations, and occasionally stilted dialogue, it's highly entertaining, and has an excellent cast, especially Alain Delon.
He's fabulous as "code name: Scorpio", conveying so much meaning with the subtlest of gestures. He's also superb in the action scenes, so lithe and fast, and seems to be doing all his own stunt work...and he certainly must be one of the most spectacularly gorgeous actors to have ever graced the screen.
To top it off, Scorpio has a sensitive side: He likes flowers, and most of all, cats...enough to make a woman's heart flutter !

Lancaster is very good as Cross, the spy who wants to get "out of the game", Paul Scofield is great as always as his Russian cohort, and Joanne Linville lovely as Cross' wife.
The cinematography (Robert Paytner) is exceptional, and Jerry Fielding's marvelous score is atmospheric and at times almost symphonic.

You may have to see it several times to make any sense of the plot, but this is a very watchable film, has a lot going for it in many ways, and it has to be Delon's finest English speaking performance, which is a good enough reason to make this one a keeper.

Solid 70s Espionage/Crime Movie
Not in the same league as The Day of the Jackal, The Manchurian Candidate or French Connection. It was still an enjoyable movie. Lots of great "on location" scenes, good action, excellent suspense with lots of double-crosses.

Burt Lancaster's friendship with his cold war nemesis in Vienna was a neat part of the story - two cold warriors who became trusted friends after years of playing cat and mouse together.

Underrated Spy Classic...
SCORPIO is Alain Delon's code name. He is a Black OPX's agent (assassinations and "head hunting" meyhem) recruited surreptiously by The CIA to carry out missions the American secret intelligence service is expressly forbidden to engage in by its Congressional charter. Burt Lancaster is old timer Super-spy Cross. He is Delon's recruiter, mentor and...predictably?...Scorpio's ultimate target as the CIA decides to clean house by killing-off its overly knowledgeable old Timers. Cross, of course, does not fancy this form of Short Timer treatment. He goes on-the-run with every intention of dish-served-cold vengeance against the Agency's new breed of FNG computer-brat/ Ivy league educated "punk"; and in particular Deputy Director and Operations Chief McLeod. McLeod (John Colicos) is played with icy, charismatic menace. He is the consummate fascist employed to "safeguard" Democracy by undermining its fundamental tenets and most bovine Sacred Cow ideals. Employing the spy network's Underground Railroad, Cross links with his opposite number in the KGB played by Paul Scofield. Russkie ace agent Scofield has great respect and sympathy for Cross (but none for CIA/American duplicity) and he respectfully encourages Cross to "double-cross" the nation that has betrayed him (incidently killing his wife) with a pricey, very public defection. The acting...the spy by-play between Lanchester and Scofield is excellent. This is what lifts a "burn" the burnt-out case revenge thriller into a dramatic study of men who have been soldiers being sold-out by their respective Coca Cola/Vodka- driven pop power political cultures. The Yuppie spies "who love themselves" have not quite made the scene but SCORPIO/ Delon is a bloody eager beaver ready to do a buddy in to GET INSIDE. The end of the movie is satisfyingly "righteous". The Surprise End tacked-on to The End is a wicked winner that supplies sufficient jolt and immoral moral to a predatory game where all become victims of Will-to-Power; and that the only good guy-spies are DEAD ONES. (4 and 1/2 Stars for a film of John Le Carre character...)

What was this film about?
I saw this film twice, and I STILL don't know what it was about. Plot is so convoluted, with so many minor characters and twists and turns. I guess some people think this is "clever cat-and-mouse," but after two viewings over the course of several years, I still had no clear idea who the characters were, or why they did what they did.

There's something about me and Burt Lancaster films. I found his MIDNIGHT MAN equally confusing, and his ATLANTIC CITY tedious and pointless.

I can't think of a single Burt Lancaster film that I even liked.

A Rare Masterpiece For The Spy Genre.
Burt Lancaster plays an aging CIA agent who's finally had enough of the spy life and wants to quit the business so he can spend more time with his family. But his trecherous Bosses don't want him to quit so they assign Alain Delon A.K.A SCORPIO to eliimate him. Fantastic script Delon's performance in the film is one of his best even if his english is sometimes off a bit. the highlight of the film is the chase sequence between Lancaster & Delon throughout the Streets and Alleyways Of Venice. It's a captivating spy film done with the right amount of action and suspense. Most Of Today's spy films don't even come to this masterpiece. And even if they could they would still fail. This film was a true gem for it's time and cannot and will not ever be replaced or duplicated. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

You Would be Wise to Buy this Robert Wise Set
Director Robert Wise started something very entertaining in the Action\War Genre: The now classic submarine stories (Hunt for Red October, Crimson Tide, U-571). Wise directed the submarine movie that started it all: RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP. If you liked HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, CRIMSON TIDE, and\or U-571, you will absolutely love 'RUN SILENT.'
Then you can watch one of the best overall war movies ever, THE GREAT ESCAPE. One of the definitive Steve McQueen movies, it is the classic tale of POW camp breakout by a group of classic actors. From the first minute, to the ending credits, you will feel as though you too have escaped from a POW camp.
Together, thay may be the best combo on the market today, so add them to your collection ASAP.

A must in your War Library
Both War Classics are of the Golden Age of the Silver Screen. Both are of the rare 10 star for my library.

If only Holleywood would watch these and relearn how to make movies right. ... Read more

Description

This exciting disaster/thriller features an all-star cast, including Richard Harris, Sophia Loren, Ava Gardner, Martin Sheen, Burt Lancaster and O.J. Simpson. 1000 passengers, traveling from Geneva to Stockholm on a luxury express train, learn that there's a terrorist on board carrying a highly infectious plague virus. Further complications arise as the train approaches a weakened bridge. Filmed in Europe with gripping suspense and disaster-epic action. Richard Harris, Sophia Loren, Ava Gardner, Martin Sheen, Burt Lancaster, O.J. Simpson ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Why did they quit offering the widescreen?
I recently picked up a used widescreen version of this movie from Artisan, and was quite pleasantly surprised at the quality of the transfer. Outside of not being anamorphic, the picture was quite good!

Why they quit offering the widescreen version, but still offer the butchered pan & scan is beyond me...but if you get the opportunity, get the widescreen version.

The release was definitely bare-bones....no extras....period.

It is well worth owning, however. This is one of the best of the circa-70's disaster movies, with only O.J. Simpson's acting (or inability to act) as a negative. The ending is stunning...I won't give it away, but it isn't what the viewer is most likely expecting.

If you can buy this one used....on widescreen....do so. Even if it's just to see Sophia Loren!

"I Knew I should have flown."
THE CASSANDRA CROSSING is my favorite disaster film, probably because I'm a sucker for any movie set on a train. While it isn't any more profound than contemporaries like THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE or THE TOWERING INFERNO, it is made with so much panache the silly proceedings are almost compelling. The "disaster" this time is a lethal pathogen developed secretly by the United States. It's carried by an unsuspecting Swedish terrorist on board a high speed European train carrying the usual assortment of stereotyped characters.

Except, not exactly. For instead of the plasticene lovers usually inflicted on us by Hollywood, we're treated to bitchy exchanges between twice divorced Famous Doctor Richard Harris and Swinging Author Sophia Loren, while aging flower children have uninhibited sex in the uninhabited compartment next door. The saintly Jewish character (what mode of transport is complete without one?) overplayed by Lee Strasberg, this time is a Nazi holocaust survivor, terrified at the thought of going "back there." (The train is being diverted to Poland.) And let's not forget the heroin smuggler/gigolo (Martin Sheen), his lover Nicole, wife of an arms manufacturer (Ava Gardner), the Evil Colonel (Burt Lancaster), the Idealistic Scientist (Ingrid Thulin) and yes, of course, the Interpol-Agent-Masquerading-as-a-Priest, O.J. Simpson, who at least is given the chance to exercise his specialty by running up and down the corridors a couple of times.

The writing throughout suggests that no one was taking things too seriously. When Loren and Harris meet for the first time, for example, Loren appraises Harris and says "You've gained a few pounds Jonathan. Must be all that fat of the land you're living on." Or, when Harris explains to Gardner about how he's developed a way to rejuvenate the brain cells of retarded children, she turns to Sheen and says "Oh, you see, darling, there's hope for you yet." Gardner's performance is pure Camp, and she has my favorite line. After she gives a soldier a gun taken from him by an enraged Sheen, she says. "Did you know my Hugo makes these? He'll be delighted you're using them."

Most 70s disaster films feel half-hearted, worn out, over-produced, over-weight and are about as exciting as an afternoon nap. They were often expensive, but usually looked cheap. THE CASSANDRA CROSSING is as sharply edited as the Bond films. Cinematographer Ennio Guarnieri gives the film the soft-edged, glossy surfaces of a spread from VOGUE, nicely rendered on the DVD. Jerry Goldsmith, who was at the height of his creative powers when this film was made, contributes a first-rate score, one moment lush, then astringent. George Pan Cosmatos, who in addition to this film, directed RAMBO and TOMBSTONE, is a first-rate action stylist. He's said in interviews that he attributes his success to a combination of American know-how and European sophistication. That certainly sums up the appeal of THE CASSANDRA CROSSING.

70's Disaster Films at their BEST WORST!
I mean, what could be better than the beauty of Sophia Loren and Ava Gardner, the "heroics" of Richard Harris, the "noble" sacrifice of Lee Strasberg, and a glimpse of actor-in-development Martin Scheen? Hey, the flick even has O J, as an undercover cop/priest! Burt Lancaster is along as a sinister government official. Featuring a genre score from composer Jerry Goldsmith, this film is enjoyable escapist fare. Even if the plot has about as many holes as the Titanic eventually had, the film accomplishes what the filmmakers intended: provide the movie-viewing with an afternoon's worth of fun!

Cassandra Crossing
I was so glad this title finally made it on DVD. To my dissapointment the disc will not play on my players (Panasonic and Sony). I ordered for a replacement copy from Amazon but the replacement copy did not play either. The players went into a reading mode and stayed that way but never played at all. I was just wondering if anyone out there had the same experience with this title. I was at Tower Records this weekend and offered that I will buy the movie if I can open the shrinkwrap and play the disc into their DVD player just to see if the movie is playing. Too bad the store did not have a DVD player but the employee told me that he already had two individuals returned the same title for the same reason I had. It's a shame a beautiful movie like Cassandra Crossing can not be viewed on DVD. I suspected the transfer of the movie into DVD had glitch on it. Two returns from me and two individuals at Tower Records that I know of for the same technical reason can not be coincidental.

Excellent movie but could have been a better DVD package
I had anticipated the DVD version of this classic 1976 disaster movie for ages, and finally got to see it while my wife wasn't watching reruns of FRIENDS! The movie is superb. A trainload of passengers is not only heading for a condemned bridge over a deep and deadly abyss, it has plague on board and no country along the route will let anyone off! Sounds familiar? This might have inspired later movies like EXECUTIVE DECISION, OUTBREAK and even the TV mini-series PANDORA'S CLOCK(about a disease on a plane!) and UNDER SIEGE 2. But CASSANDRA CROSSING even today is still a suspenseful and hugely enjoyable all-star disaster flick. Sophia Loren, in the leading role, helping a neurosurgeon played by Richard Harris prevent the disease from spreading throughout the Geneva to Stockholm express, looks gorgeous(I've been a long time fan of her and her movies), and Burt Lancaster is particularly good as the US Army Intelligence colonel who has to decide whether or not to sacrifice the train passengers to prevent a plague epidemic striking Europe. The DVD itself: picture quality was better than my old VHS version, the sound could have been better and there were no additional features except a chapter selection. But, like the other reviewers have quite correctly stated, it beats the VHS version any day, and this movie rocks! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

OK Western, poor quality tape
I purchased Front Row Entertainment's VHS version of "Vengeance Valley" and was bitterly disappointed. The video quality is poor and the sound track is no better. The story, from what I could make of it, is humdrum. If you're a Lancaster fan, however, the movie is worth having in your collection. And if you're a fan of wasting 20 bucks on a poor quality video, this is a tape for you!

A Good Cast in an Average Western
Vengeance Valley is an average Western. Its best feature is a remarkably strong cast. This alone means that it ought not to be classified as a B film, for second features could not afford so many familiar faces, nor could they afford the fine location shooting which is to be found in Vengeance Valley. The cast perform quite well. Robert Walker always makes a better villain than a good guy. He portrays both weakness and malevolence in a performance which bears comparison with his more celebrated role in Strangers on a Train. It is always a pleasure to watch Burt Lancaster, but his acting lacks the authority which would be present in his later films. I always look out for Joanne Dru films, but this is not one of her best. The feisty and beautiful heroine of She Wore a Yellow Ribbon and Red River seems to have faded somewhat and it is possible to see in this film the seeds of her decline as a star. She would make no more important films after this.

The story is interesting without being original. Walker and his foster brother Lancaster fight it out over Dru and Cattle. Strangely the 'vengeance' of the film's title does not refer to this aspect of the plot, but to a sub-plot in which two cowboys seek vengeance on the man who made their sister pregnant. Still Vengeance Valley makes a more snappy title than Battling Brothers.

This is by no means a classic Western, but it is perfectly competent. It may not linger long in the memory, but fans of the genre will certainly enjoy the ride while it lasts.

Sturdy Western
This is a sturdy western featuring beautiful color photography, and an interesting character study. Burt Lancaster plays a stolid, depedable foster son who reluctantly has to face down his reckless foster brother played by Robert Walker. Walker and Lancaster play off each other well, their naturally opposing acting styles heightning the conflict between these two. Unfortunately, Robert Walker, who made quite an impression in his short film career -- especially in Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train" -- would be dead shortly after this film was released. A sad footnote to an overlooked but interesting film. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Disaster DVD
I Love this DVD The Video is much clearer and better than I expected, as no restoration has taken place. The colors are vibrant and deep. The audio is clear and in full surround.
The movie it's self is of coures the grandfather of all disaster films. And the best I might add.

Now all we need is the other disaster films from ther 70's, and 80's to be placed on DVD!

(Full Screen Version) ... Read more