Cast
View All
Leila Mourad
as Fekreyya Fawzy / Nadia Farid / Zakeyya
Yehia Chahine
as Farid
Emad Hamdy
as Essam El Shamashergy
Serag Mounir
as Ahmed El Shamashergy
Zeinab Sedky
as Bahiya
Said Abou Bakr
as Ezzat
Aziza Helmy
as The principal
Sanaa Gamil
as Afaf
Ferdoos Mohamed
as Ghalia
Thuraya Fakhry
as
Abdel Aziz Ahmad
as Awwad
Crew
Director
- Youssef Chahine
Producer
- Abdel Halim Nasr
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Lady on the Train examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Youssef Chahine brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1952, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Lady on the Train took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1952, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Lady on the Train shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Beauty and the Beast, which focuses more on action than character development, The Lady on the Train offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like On the Waterfront and Pickpocket explore similar territory, The Lady on the Train stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 28, 1952
- Runtime: 1h 40m
Where to Watch
