Rome Express (1932) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Zurta and Tony board the Rome Express

Zurta and his colleague Tony manage to board the Rome Express just as it departs from Paris. They have learned that someone they want to see is on board, adding a secretive edge to the journey. The train carries a mix of passengers, including McBain, Mills, an adulterous couple, a French police inspector, and a weary American film star with her manager.

Where

Paris departure station

McBain learns the Van Dyck is still unrecovered

McBain, a wealthy businessman, discovers that the stolen Van Dyck painting has not yet been found. He declares he would do anything to obtain the painting, revealing his ruthless determination. Mills, his brow-beaten secretary/valet, accompanies him on the journey.

Where

On the Rome Express

Poole possesses the painting in his briefcase

The painting is believed to be in Poole's possession and he keeps it inside his briefcase, which he guards closely. He joins a poker game, where Zurta is one of the other players. Mills, who also has a briefcase that looks similar, is present nearby.

Where

Poker table in train car

Briefcase swap begins during the poker game

During the game Poole unconsciously sets down his briefcase, and Mills ends up with a briefcase that may not be his. The swap goes unnoticed at first, but the exchange of the cases is pivotal for the forthcoming drama. The tension between the players hints at deeper connections between them.

Where

Poker table in train car

Zurta confronts Poole in his compartment

After the game, Zurta follows Poole to Poole's compartment and forces his way in. Poole offers to hand over the painting but discovers he has the wrong briefcase. A struggle ensues and Poole is killed amid the confrontation.

Where

Poole's compartment

Poole's body is found; investigation begins

An attendant discovers Poole's lifeless body, triggering the train's police inspector to launch an investigation. The inspector interviews all who had contact with Poole and the painting, raising the stakes for everyone aboard. Suspicion begins to settle on several passengers.

Where

Poole's compartment vicinity

Zurta learns the briefcases were switched

Zurta realizes the two briefcases were swapped and the real painting is no longer in Poole's possession. He makes a bid to retrieve the now-misplaced painting from McBain's compartment but is halted by McBain and Mills until the inspector arrives.

Where

McBain's compartment

Mills discovers the painting in McBain's compartment

Mills uncovers the stolen Van Dyck hidden in McBain's compartment and immediately sees an opportunity to use the discovery for leverage. He contemplates blackmail, threatening to expose McBain's role in the theft. The tension between them escalates as the truth edges closer to surface.

Where

McBain's compartment

McBain resists mills and turns to the police

McBain outmaneuvers Mills' pressure and takes the painting to the police, attempting to clear himself or at least control the narrative. The inspector's suspicions toward McBain grow as the painting's location becomes known. The journey continues to become a courtroom of consequence aboard the moving train.

Where

Train car / police point

Inspector narrows the suspect pool

With the painting officially in police hands, the inspector continues the interrogation, tightening the circle around who knew about the theft and who could have benefited. Accusations fly, and loyalties among passengers waver under the heat of suspicion. The outcome of the investigation hangs in the balance as the train advances toward Rome.

Where

Train corridors / compartments

Zurta makes a final escape attempt

As the inspector closes in on the truth, Zurta makes a desperate jump from the moving train in an attempt to escape. The attempt ends fatally as he is killed in the escape, removing one main antagonist from the tense carriage of suspects.

Where

On the moving train

Painting is handed to the police; case concludes

The painting is turned over to the police, sealing the fate of those involved and bringing the immediate danger to a close. The train continues toward Rome, leaving behind a tangle of motives and a cleaned-up but unsettled crew of passengers.