Return from the Ashes (1965)

I first saw this film as a young girl. Even at the age of 13, the opening scene struck me with its stark depiction of numb survival. The game of chess comes to symbolize the crafting of a deception, and a murder attempt. A haunting mood permeates the simple, yet effective scenes--one can almost feel the sense of trauma and tragedy of Post War France.The ending is wonderfully satisfying and even somewhat shocking. This film makes no apology for itself--it presents us with a concentration camp survivor who is still in love with a narcissistic user, and we go on from there, somehow suspending all sense of disbelief in the face of masterful acting.

Although J. Lee Thompson was the producer-director, this would-be suspenser plays like an Anatole Litvak cast-off. French female X-ray technician (Jewish and widowed, with one stepdaughter) is separated from her second husband on their wedding day by the Nazis; in 1945, having survived time in a concentration camp, she meets up with him again, but he doesn't recognize her and asks if she'll pose as herself so he can collect on her fortune. Worse, he is now romancing the woman's stepdaughter, who has grown into a godless, amoral bitch. Adaptation of Hubert Monteilhet's novel is overly-busy with flashbacks and asides (such as the kicking child on the train) which fail to add up to anything substantial or exciting. Ingrid Thulin's strong lead performance nearly holds the film together for much of the way, even if she far outclasses this crackpot material. ** from ****

I just want to briefly agree with the previous comments here. I haven't seen this movie in over thirty years, since high school, but it stands out vividly in my memory. Intriguing story beautifully acted by three outstanding stars. Why do films fall by the wayside? I hope this isn't one of the lost films that we keep hearing about. I guess our only hope of seeing this now is if TCM broadcasts it....or if it becomes a Criterion DVD release. Criterion has been wonderful in giving us beautiful prints of rare or hard to find classics. If anyone hears of Return from the Ashes returning from the ashes (LOL) please post the info here.

This will keep you confused till the end. Written in classic theatrical play/film style of Agatha Christie. Excellent performances by Maximillian Schell and Samantha Eggar illustrates why they can be called stars. Herbert Lom is far removed from the Inspector Clouseau comedies.