Orient Express (1986)

**From the Back of the Box**
THE ORIENT EXPRESS is one of the world's most reknowned trains. For ninety years it carried its elite passengers across the width of Europe to the gateway city of the Orient, Istanbul. The train was known for its exceptional luxury and service and became the source of countless legends.

THE ORIENT EXPRESS - PARIS TO ISTANBUL is the story of film-maker Kathleen Dusek's adventure of riding on this most fantastic of trains. Her video weaves together the history and folklore of the King of Trans with the excitement of a five day journey on the Nostalgic Orient Express. In a recreation of the inaugural trip of 1883, travelling the original route, there is time to inspect the perfectly preserved, vintage Pullman cars that are the resplendent home of the passengers throughout the excursion. The sumptuous meals, meticulous service and on-board camaraderie of the Orient Express are important aspects of that adventure.

Beginning in Paris with a festive departure, the Orient Express strings the capitals of Europe together: Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest and Istanbul. There is time to explore in each of these locations as well as attend extravagant special events such as a Champagne luncheon in the cine cellars of Reims, a gala palace ball in Vienna and a mock highjacking by Hungarian horsemen in the Puzta.

Most important to the train buffs on board is the wild and wonderful experience of chasing the Orient express by car as the train winds up though the Vienna Woods pulled by three antique Austrian steam locomotives. There are also scenes of steam engines in Hungary and Romania.

To journey by train is a remarkable adventure. To journey on the Orient Express is a once in a lifetime event which unfolds the splendour of Europe wrapped in the wonderful glow of another time. It is an experience not to be missed.

Produced and Distributed by Chronicle Videocassettes
Rincon Annex Station / P.O. Box
San Francisco, California