Watch Night Train to Paris

Night Train to Paris is a 1964 British crime thriller directed by Robert Douglas, starring Leslie Nielsen, Aliza Gur, and Dorinda Stevens. The movie was adapted from a novel by Manning O'Brine, titled 'Whisper Who Dares'. The plot revolves around a Canadian detective, Allan Sherwood (Leslie Nielsen), who is sent to Paris to find the missing daughter of a wealthy businessman. Sherwood's search leads him to a criminal organization run by a gangster named Morel (Herbert Lom) who uses his nightclub, 'The Blue Parrot' as a front for his illegal activities. Sherwood meets a former Morel accomplice, Mireille (Aliza Gur) who decides to help him find the missing girl. The duo uncovers a complex web of smugglers, black-market traders, and corrupt officials connected to Morel's criminal syndicate, leading them on a wild ride towards the truth.

As Sherwood and Mireille build a bond, tensions rise along with the stakes, as foreign spies, murders, and other underworld figures enter the fray. Along the way, the duo becomes embroiled in a clandestine plot involving the smuggling of top-secret NATO documents.

The film uses the backdrop of 1960s Parisian nightlife to create a thrilling atmosphere of dizzying excitement and intrigue. The excellent use of real-world locations and inspired cinematography adds an extra level of depth to the story.

Leslie Nielsen, known for his comedic talents, shows impressive range in his dramatic performance as Sherwood. His delivery is soft-spoken, yet tenacious, and he easily inhabits the role of the detective. Aliza Gur, in her breakout performance, plays Mireille with a sassy, devil-may-care attitude that complements Nielsen's style.

Herbert Lom plays an impeccable villain, charismatic and threatening all at once. He dominates every scene he appears in, bringing gravitas to his portrayal of a man willing to do whatever it takes to protect his empire.

The movie's pacing is commendable, with director Robert Douglas keeping the action moving at a breakneck speed, portraying a city of mystery and intrigue. From the gritty underworld of Paris's seedy nightlife to its elegant high society, the film explores the many faces of the city of lights.

The movie's soundtrack is composed by jazz pianist Johnny Douglas, whose score adds a sense of drama and heightened tension to the film's exciting moments. The musical score is used to great effect, supplementing the movie's considerable suspense.

The movie contains sufficient action sequences for a crime thriller, featuring fistfights and elaborate chases, but it is in the quieter moments that the movie shines. Nielsen and Gur share a palpable chemistry that elevates even the most commonplace dialogues.

Overall, Night Train to Paris is an engaging crime thriller with intriguing characters, immersive atmosphere, and a tightly plotted narrative. It is a must-watch for fans of mid-century noir films and anyone who loves a good mystery-thriller.