AllMovie

The Sleeping Car Murders is a taut, gripping thriller that, until the end, makes no missteps along the way. Sheer entertainment, Murders will come as something of a surprise to fans of director Costa-Gavras, for none of the helmer's famed political concerns are to be found in this straight-ahead murder mystery. Instead, it's a beautiful cat-and-mouse game, with the killer constantly one step ahead of the police, with deadly results. Costa-Gavras has rarely been better, with a tight rein on the action at all times, but finding plenty of moments that allow the actors to shine and the characters to add a bit of depth. Things do falter at the end; things don't really add up the way we've been led to believe they will, and this is a disappointment. But until then, the chase has been tremendous fun, aided by Yves Montand in superlative form and exemplary work from Simone Signoret as well. Add in fine performances from Jean-Louis Trintignant, Jacques Perrin and Catherine Allegret (Signoret's daughter), and the result is a crime caper well worth watching.