Year of Release: 1976Country of Origin: West Germany, Italy, UK
Director: George P. Cosmatos
Cast: Sophia Loren, Richard Harris, Martin Sheen, Ava Gardner, Burt Lancaster
Plot outline: Passengers on a European train have been exposed to a deadly virus. Nobody will let them off the train so what happens next? (IMDb)
The American disaster movie was a staple of 1970s cinema. Indeed, it proved such a bankable formula that it was emulated by an unusual West Germany, Italy, UK co-production with an international all-star cast. Originally finalized over a quick meeting between mega-producers Lew Grade and Carlo Ponti, who intended the production to feature his then-wife Sophia Loren, The Cassandra Crossing was announced as part of the ambitious Grade’s planned new investment strategy, consisting of diverse features in a busy production schedule. Nevertheless, the lavish, thrilling adventure that Grade and Ponti promised attracted financing and distribution and would prove to be director George P. Cosmatos’ entry into a career as something of an expatriate journeyman, eventually leading him to Hollywood. The movie was not the hit entertainment that its producers were hoping for, however, and indeed remains more known outside of America, having failed to secure proper distribution in that all-important market. Nevertheless, it remains a remarkable achievement for the ease with which the always under-rated Cosmatos was able to transform a uniquely American genre into a rather anti-American statement with particular echoes for Europe post World War II. (RC)
My judgement: *** out of 4 stars
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