Is the movie The Train (1964) based on a true story?

Yes, The Train (1964) is based on actual events that occurred during World War II, specifically the efforts of the French Resistance to prevent the Nazis from taking important art treasures and artifacts out of Paris. However, certain aspects of the plot and characters are fictionalized for dramatic purposes.

What is the true story behind the movie The Train (1964)?

The Train (1964) is a movie loosely based on a true story that occurred during World War II. The film follows the story of the fictional character Paul Labiche, played by Burt Lancaster, who leads a group of French Resistance fighters in an attempt to prevent a Nazi train loaded with stolen French artwork from leaving France and reaching Germany.

The true story behind the movie takes place in August 1944, as Allied forces were advancing towards Paris. The commander of the German occupying forces in France, General Dietrich von Choltitz, received orders to destroy all of the city’s landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, before the Allies arrived. However, von Choltitz had a change of heart and decided not to carry out the orders.

Meanwhile, a train loaded with valuable French artwork, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh, was being prepared to leave Paris and head towards Germany. The French Resistance learned of the plan and decided to act quickly to stop the train. Two groups were formed, one led by Paul Guillaume, a gallery owner, and the other by Rose Valland, a museum curator who had secretly kept track of the artworks stolen by the Nazis.

The two groups managed to spread the word to the Resistance and sabotage the train, damaging it and delaying its departure. The delay allowed Allied forces to arrive in Paris and prevent the train from leaving. The valuable artwork was recovered and returned to France, and most of it remains on display at the Louvre today.

In the film, the character of Paul Labiche is a composite character based on several individuals involved in the real-life events. The train sabotage scene is also fictionalized, as no explosives were used in the actual event.