The Passage (1979)

During WW 2, a Basque shepherd is approached by the underground, who wants him to lead a scientist and his family across the Pyrenees. While being pursued by a sadistic German.

Director:

J. Lee Thompson

Writers:

Bruce Nicolaysen (novel), Bruce Nicolaysen (screenplay),

Stars:

Anthony Quinn, James Mason, Malcolm McDowell

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Anthony Quinn	...	The Basque
James Mason	...	Prof. John Bergson
Malcolm McDowell	...	Capt. Von Berkow
Patricia Neal	...	Ariel Bergson
Kay Lenz	...	Leah Bergson
Christopher Lee	...	The Gypsy
Paul Clemens	...	Paul Bergson
Robert Rhys	...	Gypsy Son
Marcel Bozzuffi	...	Perea
Michael Lonsdale	...	Alain Renoudot
Peter Arne	...	Guide
Neville Jason	...	Lt. Reinke
Robert Brown	...	Major
Rose Alba	...	Madame Alba

Storyline

During WW 2, a Basque shepherd is approached by the underground, who wants him to lead a scientist and his family across the Pyrenees. While being pursued by a sadistic German.

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Plot Keywords:

scientist | basque | pyrenees | shepherd | train | 

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Taglines:

An ice-swept escape route in front of them. A cold-blooded killer behind them. The only way out is up.

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Genres:

Action | Drama | War

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 February 1979 (Turkey)

Also Known As:

A Passagem

Filming Locations:

Pyrénées, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hemdale, Passage Films, Monday Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This movie stars two actors who both played villains in 70s Bond movies: Michael Lonsdale was Drax in Moonraker whilst Christopher Lee_ played Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun. Their characters in this film are the reverse of this, they are both victims.

User Reviews

Excellently violent - one to remember - chip chip chop chop

I saw this film years ago and am very disappointed to find that it is not available on VHS or DVD. Strange that any film my Malcolm should be unavailable as so much other dross is.

This film is very violent with some humour attached. Not the most cerebral piece of work but neither is 'The Hills Have Eyes' or 'Nightmere on Elm Street' but they are cult movies.

If this was released again, I am sure it would get an appreciable following for those with 'Bad Taste' and 'Brain Damage' - even Peter Jackson started with over the top violence & humour!

Try and get a copy and see for yourself - don't be put off by these other 'critics'.

Mark