The Secret Ways (1961): cast, story & where to watch

1961 · Film · ★ 5.2

The Secret Ways poster

Released in 1961, The Secret Ways is a thriller, adventure and mystery film directed by Phil Karlson, running about 112 minutes. “On-the-spot realism!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Vienna, 1956. After Soviet tanks crush the Hungarian uprising, soldier-of-fortune Michael Reynolds is hired to help a threatened Hungarian scientist escape from Budapest.

Who’s in it. The Secret Ways stars Richard Widmark as Michael Reynolds, Sonja Ziemann as Julia, Walter Rilla as Jancsi and Charles Regnier as The Count, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.2/10, The Secret Ways has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Secret Ways page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Secret Ways tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Secret Ways (1961)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Secret Ways change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Secret Ways worth watching?
The Secret Ways holds an audience score of 5.2 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, adventure and mystery. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Secret Ways?
The Secret Ways stars Richard Widmark, Sonja Ziemann, Walter Rilla, Charles Regnier and Senta Berger.
When was The Secret Ways released?
The Secret Ways was released in 1961, with a runtime of about 112 minutes.