Race for the Yankee Zephyr was not very well known or well reviewed despite the cast and director. The second, The Survivor, however, with Robert Powell (from "Jesus of Nazareth") was less reasonably dismissed. The premise and the execution (not to mention the curious artwork) is intriguing and spine-tingling however. Brian May writes some exceptional cues here which match the exceedingly eerie and supernatural aspects of the story. Unlike Race for the Yankee Zephyr, the music is more sombre and spiritual, than exuberant and playful.

Musically, Brian May finds something humourous to say in Race for the Yankee Zephyr, with some in-jokes and some exciting dramatic music. But this film is mostly memorable for his enjoyable contribution and the scenery than for the hammy performances.

Maybe Lesley Ann Warren walks away with her dignity, but few other agents than hers and the composer's could suggest this. Also known as Treasure of the Yankee Zephyr, Leonard Maltin not too surprisingly called it an "Addle-brained drama about good guys Wahl and Pleasence and nemesis Peppard attempting to recover $50 million in gold from DC-3 wrecked during WWII." What he forgets to mention is that Brian May's music holds up on its own, unlike the film.