La Bataille du Rail (Battle of the Rails), directed by Rene Clement, is an intriguing French “resistance” film, which was particularly timely and significant when initially released, in 1949.
Based on fact, the feature, co-written by Clement and Colette Audry, describes the bold efforts by French railway workers to sabotage Nazi trains, which contributed to the allied victory on D-Day.
Shot on actual locations, and using ordinary railway employees and resistance fighters, Battle of the Rails is narrated by Charles Boyer, and assumes a realistic style that enhances its authenticity.
Critical Status:
The film was shown at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival where it won the Prix international du jury and Clément won the Best Director Award.
The film also won the inaugural Prix Méliès.
In 1949 the film was distributed in the US by Arthur Mayer and Joseph Burstyn.
Cast
Charles Boyer as Narrator
Jean Clarieux as Lampin
Jean Daurand as Cheminot
Jacques Desagneaux as Athos
François Joux as Cheminot
Pierre Latour as Cheminot
Tony Laurent as Camargue
Robert Le Ray as Chef de gare
Pierre Lozach as Cheminot
Pierre Mindaist as Cheminot
Léon Pauléon as Chef de gare St-André
Fernand Rauzéna as Cheminot
Redon as Mecanicien
Michel Salina as Allemand
Running time: 88 minutes.