"Delay in Marienborn" was a surprise: an effective 1963 Cold War drama that during its day capitalized on the tense relations between the Soviet Union and the United States in divided German territory. Not surprisingly it won several awards, including best screenplay from the film industry of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Youth Award at the Berlin Film Festival for the Best Feature Film Suitable for Young People. The film was a call to tolerance and understanding between world powers, but most importantly a reflection on the value of discipline and adherence to codes among the military, in a time when ethics apparently seemed more clearly defined by ideologies. Based on Will Tremper's book "Aufenthalt in Marienborn", that recounts a true incident, the film tells a charged and moving tale: a nurse (Nicole Courcel) helps Banner (Hans-Joachim Schmiedel) to defect from the Democratic Republic of Germany, by allowing him to get on board an American-commanded train crossing the territory under Soviet control. Although most conversations are led between high officers of each side, the final decision of what to do with Banner is left to lieutenant Novak (Sean Flynn) who is in command of the train. Both the lieutenant and the defector are 24- year old men. They are not portrayed as heroes of action films or stereotypes of propaganda movies, but as two humane and vulnerable young men, facing a crisis beyond them, ruled by world politics. Others on board include a journalist (José Ferrer, who received first credit but had a secondary role), a US diplomat, a newlywed couple, a female sport team, and other assorted characters. The best part of the surprise though was Sean Flynn. I did not expect to ever watch him in a dramatic role, to give an effective performance and to hear him in English, after watching several films where he was dubbed in Spanish, Italian and German. Also providing good performances in an international cast, Jess Hahn is featured as Flynn's assistant; Yossi Yadin plays the Soviet officer, while actor-author Edward Meeks plays an American captain with a clear idea of what has to be done. Recommended.
