Last night we viewed our 5 x 400ft, slightly abridged feature length version of the classic Von Ryan's Express. A big shame this one was never released a scope feature as the widescreen would have made a big difference to this title. That said, it is still great to see it on a full size 4:3 home screen. Our print is in very good condition with only a couple of light black lines that are short lived, colours are very good with only the slightest hint of fade on one of the five reels. Our copy is mounted onto two 1200 foot spools, part one being around 900ft and reel two a full 1200ft, sound is very good. The image is good, not pin sharp but better than the average MGM film if that gives you an idea. I dont know who released this feature on super 8, i think Derann did have it in one of their catalouges but these may have been reprints. Perhaps if Barry's looking in he may know.

Von Ryan's Express is a 1965 World War II adventure film directed by Mark Robson and starring Frank Sinatra and Trevor Howard. The screenplay concerns a group of Allied prisoners of war who conduct a daring escape by hijacking a freight train and fleeing through German-occupied Italy to Switzerland. Based on the novel by David Westheimer, the film changes several aspects of the novel, most notably the ending, which is considerably more upbeat in the book. Financially, it became one of Sinatra's most successful films.

Tom,

Looks like a good one--trains and a prisoner of war escape film is a good combo in my book...I am not sure if I have ever seen this movie before, so I will add it to the online viewing list...

Greg, this is definitely a film to view. Good looking print Tom; this is one of those films you never tire of seeing. MGM made some great war films in the 60s.

Definatly worth a viewing Greg,as Robert said, this one is full of action. I think we've been lucky with this print, good colours and print condition.

Hi Tom,

Ive also got a print of this title and its in excellent condition - I believe Ken Films released it full length as well as the 400ft cutdown - and it was a 20th Century Fox release.

Thanks David, i believe that the super 8 feature 5 x 400 is slightly abridged. The full length film is just shy of two hours at 117 minuites, the 8mm feature is around 100 minutes.

Very nice Tom one of my favourite war films.As you say the film is different from the book which I remember reading before the film came out.Went to see the film and could not believe my eyes had to go and read the books ending again.Personally I prefer the books ending as you say more upbeat.
This would be nice to have on 16mm ,and l know it’s out there.
Very nice.

If it's not too difficult to describe, how does the book ending differ from the film?. I thought the film ending very good; Sinatra had been to all that trouble, only to miss the train at the end.

Robert,
In the book Ryan escapes,but in the film he is shot ,apparently this ending was preferred by Sinatra.
The book is worth a read.

Thank you Gwyn.