clanciai This brilliant thriller by Henry Hathaway takes you for a ride into nightmare complications of cold war terror, spy intrigues and very doubtful women. Patricia Neal is a rich widow who does anything to get Tyrone Power hooked, while Hildegard Knef is in a less favourable position and must arouse overwhelming suspicions, especially as her best friend (and Tyrone Power's) gets murdered in her compartment in the train. Tyrone Power's fierce suspicion of her appears as somewhat unnecessary and unmotivated as almost a flaw in the script, but when you understand the bond between the two men you must accept it, especially since anything he has to do with her brings him into constantly more trouble.The force of the film is the splendid scenery, first on the train and then in Trieste. It is clearly inspired by "The Third Man", many nocturnal Trieste scenes immediately brings memories of "The Third Man" to mind, and there is even cither music. The film is fireworks all the way, and although something like this never could happen in reality (like any James Bond yarn), it still makes sense and is a marvel of composition. The dialogue gunfire will keep you busy all the way.

LCShackley Tyrone Power plays a diplomatic courier called out on a special assignment which seems fairly simple: pick up some documents from an agent and take them to Washington. But of course, in a film like this, things don't work out right the first time. The "drop" doesn't go according to plan, so Power has to improvise, surrounded by an increasing number of characters whose loyalties are questionable. A couple of femmes fatales, a cross-dressing night club entertainer, some MPs, and the obligatory little bald pawnshop owner all liven up the plot, with plenty of twists en route to the finale. The influence of THE THIRD MAN is clear, with plenty of atmospheric European locations, and even a bit of zither music in a restaurant. Power is an engaging hero, and the two female leads (Neal and Neff) keep him guessing. Early appearances by Karl Malden, Charles Bronson, and Lee Marvin add interest for trivia buffs. Fans of Cold War espionage fiction will find DIPLOMATIC COURIER a great way to spend an evening.

pnay75-1 I SAW THIS MOVIE IN THE 50s, but I remember that it was well played by Tyrone Power and Hildegarde Neff, with solid direction and good B&W photography.Charles Bronson ( uncredited ), had only a few seconds on the screen, but I remember vividly that he made a tremendous impression, and I was sure he would attain stardom.

lcbob I was visiting Trieste and Salzburg at the exact time of the movie. The background for the movie was authentic.The Kelly part kept reminding me of Bogart and how much better he would have played it. Also, too much dialogue between Neff and Power. Pat Neal is much too attractive to be spurned by the much too kindly Power. My wife fell asleep, but I stuck it out to the unrealistic final scenes. Out the train window, roll down a steep hill only to land in each others arms so that Power could say that this was the first time I have noticed you. I would have said,"Are you hurt?"