Vashirdfel Simply A Masterpiece

FeistyUpper If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

ShangLuda Admirable film.

Numerootno A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

JohnHowardReid Not just a must-see for train buffs, this excitingly tense thriller will keep most audiences on the edges of their seats. And it even looks good and generates plenty of excitement on TV.William Holden and Nancy Olsen had just made a big hit in "Sunset Boulevard", so Paramount went all out to infuse taut entertainment qualities into "Union Station". They succeeded magnificently. The strong plot was forcefully put across with crisp dialogue, interesting characters, personable acting, a vivid setting, tight direction, atmospheric photography, sharp pacing and solid action. It all added up to gripping excitement, and absolutely cliffhanging suspense.

MikeMagi The setting is terrific -- director Rudolf Mate does a splendid job, exploring every nook and cranny of a metropolitan railroad station. There's even a lengthy sequence below the gleaming terminal where old tracks, vintage cars (and maybe a few buried bodies) reside.But the story itself lacks subtlety. The good guys, led by William Holden as the station's security chief and Barry Fitzgerald as his older crony, are dedicated and heroic.. The bad guys, led by Lyle Bettger as a psycho kidnapper, are evil incarnate. The plot, centering on a kidnapped heiress -- who happens to be blind -- unfolds in by-the-numbers style. Enjoy the tour of Union Station. But don't look for any unexpected twists as the tale unfolds.

miriamwebster Unjustly over-looked B-movie kidnap caper marred by geographical heresy. Although landmark title locale is unmistakably famous downtown Los Angeles train station of same name, other scenes supposedly occurring in same vicinity involve elevated railways and nearby stockyards with no connection to actual LA landscape. Sort of like titling a movie Empire State Building, then having sequences take place in surrounding deserts, ski resorts and palm-studded sandy beaches. Had Paramount simply called it something like Train Station Confidential, this wouldn't have been an issue.Great location photography, though, and a terrific (if somewhat tritely used) cast including William Holden, Nancy Olsen, Barry Fitzpatrick, Lyle Bettger, Jan Sterling and solid roster of supporting players of the era. (With notable exception of justly-obscure one-note actress who portrays kidnap victim at the top of her lungs.)Well worth a look for film noir fans, LA history buffs and architecture aficiandos.

jotix100 The great railway stations of the first half of the 20th century, were the equivalent of today's airports. Los Angeles' Union Station, was one of the best examples of how these places worked and how it was the center of people moving in the country during that period in which aviation was still in its infancy. The station is the setting for the story in which the film is based.Directed by Rudolph Mate, who was a great cinematographer himself, we are taken to witness this interesting thriller that still holds its interest after more than a half a century since it was made. Mr. Mate confided his colleague, Daniel Fapp, to photograph the action that takes place in the tunnels, boarding and waiting areas of the station.William Holden was at the top of the profession. He is seen as Det. William Calhoun, who is in charge of security. Nancy Olson, makes an interesting appearance opposite Mr. Holden as a young secretary who reports to the authorities what she witnessed on an inbound train. Barry Fitzgerald, who plays the police inspector in charge, contributes to the success of the film. Best of all Lyle Bettger, an actor that made his specialty out of the shady characters he was called to play. Jan Sterling has a small, but pivotal part."Union Station" is worth looking as it reflects that period of time in America. Ultimate the station is the real star of the film where we see it in all its splendor.