The Train Killer (1983)
A gripping true-crime drama about the man who brought down the Orient Express, starring Michael Sarrazin and Armin Mueller-Stahl.
The Train Killer - Movie Information
- Original Title: Viadukt
- Release Year: 1983
- Directed by: Sándor Simó
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Original Language: Hungarian
- Spoken Languages: Hungarian
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 12, 1983 (Hungary)
- Production Companies: Andre Libik, Mafilm, Peer Oppenheimer Production Inc.
- Production Countries: Germany, Hungary, United States of America
The Train Killer - Plot
Based on a true story, this film is a dramatization of the events that led to the destruction of one of the most famous trains in history, the Orient Express.
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The Train Killer - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sándor Simó
Main Cast
- Michael Sarrazin
- Towje Kleiner
- Constanze Engelbrecht
- Armin Mueller-Stahl
- Ferenc Bács
- Antal Leisen
- Teri Tordai
- Dorottya Udvaros
- Róbert Koltai
- Robert Dietl
Writers
- Egon Eis
Producers
- Gábor Sarudi
The Train Killer - FAQs
Is The Train Killer based on a true story?
Yes, The Train Killer is rooted in real events. It dramatizes the story of Szilveszter Matuska, a Hungarian-born saboteur who orchestrated a series of devastating train derailments in the early 1930s, including the infamous attack on the Orient Express near Biatorbágy, Hungary, in 1931.
Who are the main actors in The Train Killer?
Michael Sarrazin leads the cast as the disturbed saboteur Matuska Szilveszter. He's joined by Armin Mueller-Stahl, Towje Kleiner, Constanze Engelbrecht, Ferenc Bács, Teri Tordai, Dorottya Udvaros, and Róbert Koltai, among others.
What really happened in the Orient Express bombing?
On September 12, 1931, Szilveszter Matuska blew up a railway viaduct near Biatorbágy, Hungary, sending the Orient Express plunging into a ravine. The attack killed 22 people and injured dozens more. Matuska was later convicted and became one of the most notorious criminals of interwar Europe.
Who directed The Train Killer?
The Train Killer was directed by Sándor Simó, a Hungarian filmmaker. The film was a co-production between Germany, Hungary, and the United States, giving it an international scope that matched the global notoriety of the real-life events it portrays.
Where can you stream The Train Killer?
You can watch The Train Killer on FlixFling, which offers the film via flat-rate subscription as well as rental and purchase options. Availability may vary by region, so it's worth checking JustWatch for the most current streaming options near you.
What genre is The Train Killer?
The Train Killer falls squarely into the Crime and Drama genres. It blends a procedural investigation of a real criminal case with a psychological portrait of its central figure, making it both a gripping thriller and a character-driven historical drama.
How long is The Train Killer?
The Train Killer runs for 1 hour and 45 minutes (105 minutes). It's a focused, well-paced runtime that allows the film to build tension around the true events without overstaying its welcome.
What are some movies similar to The Train Killer?
If The Train Killer appeals to you, you might also enjoy Case 137 (2025), American Murderer (2022), In His Shadow (2023), and A Sun (2019). These films share a similar interest in true crime, psychological depth, and morally complex characters caught in dramatic real-world situations.
More About The Train Killer
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