Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- heroic
- tense
- somber
- classic cinema night
- wartime film marathon
What critics said
Critics generally recognize the film's strong performances, evocative wartime atmosphere, and heroic anti-fascist purpose, while noting that its elaborate flashback construction creates confusion and artificiality.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The escapees' journey is recounted through an elaborate sequence of single, double, and triple flashbacks.
The fugitives' personal hardships are connected to the sacrifices made to free France from fascist control.
Several sequences use a semi-documentary approach and an evocative, realistic wartime atmosphere.
Matrac and four fellow prisoners escape the oppressive penal regime of Devil's Island before sailing toward France.
Films like Passage to Marseille, and why
Casablanca
shared wartime patriotism, ensemble adventure, and morally driven resistance narrative
Action in the North Atlantic
shared World War II setting, anti-fascist conflict, and Humphrey Bogart-led heroic drama
The Sea Hawk
shared prison escape, maritime peril, and rugged adventure melodrama
Movie Details
- Director
- Michael Curtiz
- Release Date
- 1944-02-16
- Runtime
- 109 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (72)
Cast
- Humphrey Bogart
- Claude Rains
- Michèle Morgan
- Philip Dorn
- Sydney Greenstreet
- Peter Lorre
- George Tobias
- Helmut Dantine
- John Loder
- Victor Francen
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Passage to Marseille about?
- A framed French journalist and fellow fugitives turn a perilous voyage from Devil’s Island into a determined fight for a liberated France.
- What is Passage to Marseille like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Passage to Marseille as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Passage to Marseille violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Passage to Marseille as moderate.
- What did critics think of Passage to Marseille?
- Critics generally recognize the film's strong performances, evocative wartime atmosphere, and heroic anti-fascist purpose, while noting that its elaborate flashback construction creates confusion and artificiality.
- Which films are like Passage to Marseille?
- Films with a similar feel include Casablanca, Action in the North Atlantic, and The Sea Hawk.
- How long is Passage to Marseille?
- Passage to Marseille runs 109 minutes.
- Where can I watch Passage to Marseille?
- In United States, Passage to Marseille streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
