Across the Bridge

Like other reviewers, I, too, have not seen this remarkable film in many, many years since . The fact that I still remember it demonstrates what a truly terrific film this is. How unfortunate that it seems to have been forgotten over the years. However, two days ago, on February 24, a DVD edition of the film was released in the U.S. and I'm now about to finally see this great film again after so many years. The loyalty that can develop between man and dog is surely put to the test by events that take place in this story which was originally written by Graham Greene. No one should pass up an opportunity to see this film which, unfortunately, has never been given the recognition it deserves.

In this film, which my ex-English teacher lent to me to show me what kind of cinematic experiences I've been missing out on, I was so confused until the very end about which actor was Rod Steiger. After seeing Mr. Steiger in Elia Kazan's On the Waterfront, I was convinced that he was only that. But it was when the end credits came up that I was utterly taken aback and mortified by the way it said Carl Schraffner...........Rod Steiger! It was indeed the man with the funny accent and the simply blended performance that was one of my personal favorites. This is indeed a hidden cinematic masterpiece and is highly underrated, and deserves a lot more credit than it got. I can't believe this didn't even get nominated for an Oscar. I thought the overall production was fantastic, all of the actors, especially Rod Steiger, and the direction were fantastic! The writing could've been upped a notch, but otherwise, this film left me speechless and yearning for more. But one thing that I didn't like was the dissatisfaction in the end.

This is a really interesting, dark and thrilling film all packed into one. It may not have the look of the most fast-paced film, but it really delivers and becomes hugely exciting towards the end, and whilst it may not necessarily seem so bleak on the face of things either, it becomes very depressing and heavy-going at some points, however it's got such a fascinating story that you can't help but be totally engrossed.

Basically, the plot is full of the most unpredictable twists and turns you could ever imagine. What starts off as a relatively simple story suddenly transforms into an extremely complex tale of state borders, identity confusion and a whole host of other stuff that would normally be pretty tough to follow, however this film's excellent screenplay delivers all of that in such a way that it's still a simple enough watch to be pretty entertaining.

However, there's nothing more exciting in this film than the way that it pulls your mind from one side to the other on a constant basis due to its numerous twists, because it eventually makes you realise that it's just too unpredictable to predict, and that sense of anticipation that you get before each twist comes is hugely exhilarating.

Also, this film manages to be very heavy and bleak at points whilst still maintaining its excitement. The identity theft element to it is very sad, however what becomes most bleak is the final act, which is more a question of survival rather than anything else, and it really requires a lot to get to grips with.

Finally, the most interesting thing about this film was its central character, the German-born British billionaire, played fantastically by Rod Steiger. On the face of things, he's a terrible person, but the strangest thing about this film is that this villain really grows on you as it develops, and he turns into some sort of an anti- hero, who you end supporting towards the end, rather than hope for his arrest as you do earlier on, which I found really fascinating.

Well, I haven't seen this movie since I was 7 years old but I have never forgotten it either. The first reviewer is right about this being one of those movies that seems almost forgotten... probably because the message is so downbeat... disturbing and very sad (But then somebody will remember it after 49+ years) This is one of those movies that couldn't have been done in color because it is so bleak. I am going to look for a copy of this movie and see it again before I can really review it... I thought "Old Yeller," was the world's best movie until I saw it again as an adult and it might be this way with Across the Bridge as well.

A truly memorable, but curiously forgotten film (not on video or DVD) that deals with an absorbing theme -- how to disappear using an assumed identity. A rare example, I think, of the film version's being just vastly superior to its orginal source (a slight, if taut short story by Graham Greene).

The plot is brilliantly simple (a la Hitchock). Carl Schaffner is travelling on a train. He's trying to escape from something dreadful and threatening (not specified) and is terrified. In desperation he decides to bump off a fellow passenger, assume his identity and take his documents. He intends to leave the train at the other end, get through the official formalities and disappear safely from whatever is chasing him. He goes to a lot of trouble to darken his moustache, get the clothes right etc. The train reaches its destination. Passengers alight. He gets off, strolls down the plaform. It all seems to be going like clockwork.

Then the guard shouts at him: "Hey! Don't forget your dog!"

It seems his victim had a dog and boarded it in the guard's van. The rest of the film fascinatingly details the developing relationship between Carl and his newfound canine companion while he continues to attempt to survive and escape detection. It is highly original and gripping throughout. It has thrills and pathos. Superb acting by Rod Steiger as Carl and a really professional actor as Gloria, the dog. Very evocative black and white photography and rich, sympathetic direction. I saw this as a student in 1957 and never forgot it. I have seen it once on TV. It MUST come out on DVD!