Rome Express

I usually enjoy dramas set on trains and this is one of the earliest and one of the best. A major factor in its success is the adroit direction of Walter Forde, seen in the facility with which he introduces the protagonists against the station background and in the natural way in which the story is allowed to flow with very little contrivance, the overhearing of a conversation re the painting later in the film possibly being an exception. Surprisingly he did not appear to receive interest from Hollywood after this. Andrew Mazzei's sets are impressive and convincing. There are some memorable performances, not least Conrad Veidt, as a menacing villain who looks downright evil at times. Cedric Hardwicke as the mean-spirited philanthropist, Gordon Harker, playing against type as a middle-class golfing bore, Finlay Currie, amusing as the brash movie agent and Donald Calthrop as the treacherous little villain in fear for his life all make a vivid impression. In fact there is hardly a weak link in the cast. It is sometimes stated that Currie played the same part in the 1948 near-remake, Sleeping Car To Trieste, but in fact he took over Hardwicke's role as the wealthy bullying humbug.