Berlin Express

Released May 1, 1948

1 hr. 26 min.

Drama

List

80%

5 Reviews

Tomatometer

62%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

During World War II, passengers of various nationalities travel by train from France to Berlin. One of them, Dr. Bernhardt (Paul Lukas), is an influential peacemaker who wants to mend the war-torn continent. When Nazi conspirators determined to keep Bernhardt quiet set off an explosion on the train, it kills a man who turns out to be Bernhardt's decoy. Other passengers (Merle Oberon, Robert Ryan, Robert Coote) seek the doctor for an explanation, but deception is all around.

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Shadowman4710

A taut thriller set in post war Germany, "Berlin Express" tells the story of a group of allied officials who become involved in the disappearance of a prominent German diplomat. Robert Ryan and Merle Oberon lead an excellent cast in what is a well written, and directed action/adventure film. The one thing that I didn't like was the rather ponderous narration that really isn't needed.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/31/23

Full Review

Lawrence

This movie captures history and shows the IG Farben Industry building in Frankfurt. I worked for the Hoechst company, a German company that in WWII was part of the IG Farben company. After the war, IG Farben was broken-up into several distinct companies including Hoechst. IG Farben executives were tried for war crimes in Nuremburg. I also enjoyed the Berlin scenes with the Brandenburg Gate that was walled off by the East Germans when Berlin became a divided city. Later when the walls came down you could once again drive through the Brandenburg gate.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/03/22

Full Review

Audience Member

Amazing scenery of German cities after the war, a solid credible plot, its just a bit boring unfortunately. You never really get that into it.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Robert Ryan's early years at RKO were the best, and as a result he starred in some quality film-noirs like "Berlin Express". If you're looking for an action packed movie, this probably isn't the best choice; its more in the nature of being filled with mystery and very effective shadowed cinematography (a key ingredient in film-noirs). I think this film really carries a heavy message; a good portion of the movie shows the ruins of Berlin after the war along with narration as to emphasize the damage that America inflicted on it. Furthermore, the fact that random people of different races (French, Russian, American, and British) on the train work peacefully together is quite symbolic.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

Full Review

Audience Member

An excellent film that is marred with an intrusive narration. Yet, this spy thriller is a stunning visual achievement as it was shot in Germany immediately after the war. The rubble is a striking backdrop for the scenes where a international group of people search for a kidnapped diplomat. This was among the first films where Robert Ryan started to sear his presence into stardom. There's a nice chemistry between him and Merle Oberon and the rest of the supporting cast is excellent especially Paul Lukas as the diplomat. Jacques Tourneur directs with a great sense of timing as the film clips along nicely. His only flaw was the excessive use of narration that goes from exposition to meddlesome documentary.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

ashley h

Berlin Express is a decent film. It is about a multinational group of train passengers who become involved in a post-World War II Nazi assassination plot. Merle Oberon and Robert Ryan give good performances. The screenplay is a little slow in places. Jacques Tourneur did an alright directing this movie. I liked this motion picture because of the drama and mystery.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Jacques Tourneur

Director

Merle Oberon

Lucienne

Robert Ryan

Robert Lindley

Charles Korvin

Perrot

Paul Lukas

Dr. Bernhardt

Robert Coote

Sterling

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Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

It would have worked better as a historical document than a spy thriller. Full review in Spanish

Rated: 6/10

Feb 19, 2022

Full Review

Alberto Abuín

Espinof

A magnificent film,.... and a clear example of what American Cinema was able to offer in those years. [Full Review in Spanish]

Feb 14, 2020

Full Review

Michael E. Grost

Classic Film and Television

Fascinating thriller, and anti-war classic.

Aug 9, 2007

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 3/5

Aug 1, 2005

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

An ideological spy thriller.

Rated: B

Oct 16, 2004

Full Review

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Synopsis

During World War II, passengers of various nationalities travel by train from France to Berlin. One of them, Dr. Bernhardt (Paul Lukas), is an influential peacemaker who wants to mend the war-torn continent. When Nazi conspirators determined to keep Bernhardt quiet set off an explosion on the train, it kills a man who turns out to be Bernhardt's decoy. Other passengers (Merle Oberon, Robert Ryan, Robert Coote) seek the doctor for an explanation, but deception is all around.

Director: Jacques Tourneur
Screenwriter: Harold Medford
Production Co: RKO Radio Pictures Inc.
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 1, 1948, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2009

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