"The Battle of the Rails", Rene Clement's homage to the bravery of the railway workers of France is an interesting example of the work of the director, who had worked up to that time in documentaries. This 1946 film shown recently on a French international channel pays tribute to the men that defied the German invaders in the way they only knew how, by engaging in sabotage to the trains the German used to transport supplies and equipment from France to Germany.
Mr. Clement early style could be described as being neo-realist in the way he chose the material for his documentaries. In fact, this was his second time as a full length feature director. Here, working with co-writer, Colette Audry, he reenacts those terrible years of the conflict. To their credit, the railway workers were united in their effort to erode the power of their enemy by whatever means to make a dent in the horrible situation they were put, having to work for the enemy.
The film was photographed by Henri Alekan, a survivor of the camps, who was able to survive his horrific experience at the hands of the Germans. The music score by Baudrier blends well with the material. Charles Boyer, the actor acts as the narrator. The film is a tribute to the valor of the courageous men who dared to resist the ruthless invaders.
Mr. Clement early style could be described as being neo-realist in the way he chose the material for his documentaries. In fact, this was his second time as a full length feature director. Here, working with co-writer, Colette Audry, he reenacts those terrible years of the conflict. To their credit, the railway workers were united in their effort to erode the power of their enemy by whatever means to make a dent in the horrible situation they were put, having to work for the enemy.
The film was photographed by Henri Alekan, a survivor of the camps, who was able to survive his horrific experience at the hands of the Germans. The music score by Baudrier blends well with the material. Charles Boyer, the actor acts as the narrator. The film is a tribute to the valor of the courageous men who dared to resist the ruthless invaders.