Like many of the reviewers I have been racking my brains to remember the title of this movie and am so glad that I have finally nailed it. I cannot wait to obtain a copy and revisit another brilliant performance by Rod Steiger in this film adaptation of the Graham Green novel. I saw the film at my local cinema when it was first released back in the 50's, I think I was 13yrs old at the time. The plight of Steiger's character and that of the dog he befriends moved me to tears. I still have an image of them huddled together against the cold in a makeshift shelter on the bank of the river, so near, but so far from salvation. If you have not seen this film yet, please do, it will be worth the effort.

I was impressed with the originality of the film and story, and the effectiveness of the portrayal. Rod Steiger does a tremendous job of performing in this film, from start to finish, showing us a dramatic performance in a very interesting story. Ken Annakin is very adept at controlling your emotions, with ease making you feel estranged from the main character when he feels, and at other times making you feel extremely intimate. The symbolism used is also impressive with the use of the dog representing what he traditionally does (loyalty, fidelity). With the extensive use of symbolism and vivid, personal capturing of the downfall of a business tycoon, we have our emotions beautifully twisted and find ourselves with one of the better endings that one can have to a film. Although at times throughout the film I sometimes felt lost and that it dragged on, overall it was still a good film that I would recommend to anyone. A very worthwhile film from Ken Annakin.

A truly memorable, but curiously forgotten film (not on video or DVD) that deals with an absorbing theme -- how to disappear using an assumed identity. A rare example, I think, of the film version's being just vastly superior to its orginal source (a slight, if taut short story by Graham Greene).The plot is brilliantly simple (a la Hitchock). Carl Schaffner is travelling on a train. He's trying to escape from something dreadful and threatening (not specified) and is terrified. In desperation he decides to bump off a fellow passenger, assume his identity and take his documents. He intends to leave the train at the other end, get through the official formalities and disappear safely from whatever is chasing him. He goes to a lot of trouble to darken his moustache, get the clothes right etc. The train reaches its destination. Passengers alight. He gets off, strolls down the plaform. It all seems to be going like clockwork.Then the guard shouts at him: "Hey! Don't forget your dog!"It seems his victim had a dog and boarded it in the guard's van. The rest of the film fascinatingly details the developing relationship between Carl and his newfound canine companion while he continues to attempt to survive and escape detection. It is highly original and gripping throughout. It has thrills and pathos. Superb acting by Rod Steiger as Carl and a really professional actor as Gloria, the dog. Very evocative black and white photography and rich, sympathetic direction. I saw this as a student in 1957 and never forgot it. I have seen it once on TV. It MUST come out on DVD!

I saw this film, based on a Graham Greene story, 30 years ago on Norwegian TV. Rod Steiger plays a crooked businessman on the lam, who flees across the border into Mexico. The U.S. and Mexican authorities collude to ensure that he won't have access to funds. With nowhere to stay, he is followed by a small dog, whom he first resents; they end up in the desert, where the dog saves his life. A wrenching portrayal of a man who is progressively stripped, first of what he previously valued, and then of everything.