A Ponte do Destino

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.

Interesting expansion of a Graham Greene short story. A millionaire embezzler tries to steal another man's identity and escape to Mexico.

Rod Steiger is terrific in the lead and boldly unafraid to be unsympathetic. There's a solid noir feeling to the story, themes and especially the cinematography. There's a good deal of tension, too.

On the other hand, the whole story depends on not just one but two whopping coincidences, along with a couple of those 'why doesn't the character just…?' moments, which hurt the overall effectiveness of the film. The score is a bit over the top too.

But, for any faults it's still a well made, thinking person's thriller, worth seeking out if you're a fan of the genre or the elements.

I saw this film, based on a Graham Greene story, 30 years ago on Norwegian TV. Rod Steiger plays a crooked businessman on the lam, who flees across the border into Mexico. The U.S. and Mexican authorities collude to ensure that he won't have access to funds. With nowhere to stay, he is followed by a small dog, whom he first resents; they end up in the desert, where the dog saves his life. A wrenching portrayal of a man who is progressively stripped, first of what he previously valued, and then of everything.

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.

Based upon a short story by genius Grahame Greene this film of Ken Annakin features a remarkably restrained performance by Rod Steiger as Schaffner, a loathsome businessman on the run. A chance meeting on a train to Mexico gives him an opportunity of switching identities but with unexpected consequences, to put it mildly! Annakin considered this his best work and judging by my knowledge of his other films he is right. Good performances by Noel Willman as an equally venal Mexican police chief and the always excellent Bernard Lee as the man from the Yard. Mention must also be made of the delectable Dolores, the dumb chum whose dogged devotion inadvertently brings about Schaffner's downfall. Although Steiger is not everyone's cup of tea this is certainly one of his most satisfying performances.