This film is an anti-communist melodrama ,but in the light of recent events,who could blame the script writers.In 1993,Robert Enrico made "Vent D'Est " another anti-communist work : Russian soldiers and their families who had rebelled against Stalin took refuge in Liechenstein ;When the communists came to claim their compatriots,they promised them the moon ,just like the officer promised a bright future to Janet Leigh (prima ballerina in Moscow Ballets).Most of the poor lads followed them and were killed on the train en route to their native land.
Religion does not walk hand in hand with communism ,and "the red Danude" takes place,most of the time,in a convent.But he made Barry Fitzgerald an atheist who lost his faith when his dear son was killed in action.He and Ethel Barrymore (in a sensational part of a mother superior with a big heart) are an unforgettable pair that may have inspired his "Heaven knows ,Mister Allison" to John Huston (1956).My favorite scene is on the train,when the starving people break into "Stille Nacht ,Heilige Nacht " on Christmas night.
Sidney knows how to make the most of his effects.The death of Janet Leigh is a good example of ellipsis.And Sidney does not forget a comic relief: the way Angela Landsbury got fired by Francis L Sullivan (in a part as vile as in Dassin's "night and the city" ) is very funny.
Religion does not walk hand in hand with communism ,and "the red Danude" takes place,most of the time,in a convent.But he made Barry Fitzgerald an atheist who lost his faith when his dear son was killed in action.He and Ethel Barrymore (in a sensational part of a mother superior with a big heart) are an unforgettable pair that may have inspired his "Heaven knows ,Mister Allison" to John Huston (1956).My favorite scene is on the train,when the starving people break into "Stille Nacht ,Heilige Nacht " on Christmas night.
Sidney knows how to make the most of his effects.The death of Janet Leigh is a good example of ellipsis.And Sidney does not forget a comic relief: the way Angela Landsbury got fired by Francis L Sullivan (in a part as vile as in Dassin's "night and the city" ) is very funny.