Two terrorists break into a Geneva chemical plant, bungling the raid they come under attack from the guards. As shots ring out they are both sprayed by a shattered chemical container, one of the men dies but the other manages to escape aboard a European express train. Once on board it becomes apparent that anyone he comes into contact with is at serious danger of infection, the government and military learn that the man is aboard this train and set about a plan of action to isolate it before the virus can spread further. The passengers on board are not only at threat from this potentially fatal virus, but also the political bigwigs whom have their lives literally in their hands.
This is great entertainment, part disaster movie but operating mainly as a tight thriller, The Cassandra Crossing is a delightful way to spend a couple of hours. Boasting Richard Harris, Sophia Loren, Ava Gardner, Martin Sheen, O.J. Simpson and Burt Lancaster, it's acted out with all the necessary verve needed for this type of picture. Also in the films favour is that it's not merely about a disease threatening a train load of passengers, there are government issues at hand, decisions to be made that are very much accounted for, throw in the various peccadilloes that some of the passengers have and you find crammed full of intrigue and drama. Drugs and weapons are involved, and even a reoccurring romance plays out with very subtle ease, writers Robert Katz and George P. Cosmatos have delivered a very solid plot and executed it with old fashioned dramatic values.
Get on board this train and enjoy the ride. 7/10
This is great entertainment, part disaster movie but operating mainly as a tight thriller, The Cassandra Crossing is a delightful way to spend a couple of hours. Boasting Richard Harris, Sophia Loren, Ava Gardner, Martin Sheen, O.J. Simpson and Burt Lancaster, it's acted out with all the necessary verve needed for this type of picture. Also in the films favour is that it's not merely about a disease threatening a train load of passengers, there are government issues at hand, decisions to be made that are very much accounted for, throw in the various peccadilloes that some of the passengers have and you find crammed full of intrigue and drama. Drugs and weapons are involved, and even a reoccurring romance plays out with very subtle ease, writers Robert Katz and George P. Cosmatos have delivered a very solid plot and executed it with old fashioned dramatic values.
Get on board this train and enjoy the ride. 7/10