The McKenzie Break (1970)

PG  |   |  War, Drama, Action  |  May 1971 (Ireland)
6.5
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During WW2, German POWs in Britain plot to escape from their prison camp in Scotland.

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(screenplay) (as William Norton) , (novel)
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Capt. Jack Connor
Helmut Griem ...
Kapitän zur See Willi Schlueter
...
Maj. Perry
Jack Watson ...
Gen. Kerr
Patrick O'Connell ...
Sgt. Maj. Cox
...
Lt. Neuchl
Alexander Allerson ...
Lt. Wolff
John Abineri ...
Capt. Kranz
...
Lt. Hall (as Constantin De Goguel)
Tom Kempinski ...
Lt. Schmidt
Eric Allan ...
Lt. Hochbauer
Caroline Mortimer ...
A.T.S. Sgt. Bell
...
Cpl. Jean Watt
Gregg Palmer ...
Lt. Berger
...
Ingenieur-Offizier Unger
Edit

Storyline

In the closing days of World War II, German prisoners riot in a POW Camp in Scotland. Fearful of a mass escape attempt, the British Army sends in an unorthodox Irish Captain in hopes of discovering exactly what is going on. The Irishman at once comes into conflict with the senior prisoner, a U-Boat commander, and the two must match wits, knowing that only one will emerge victorious. Written by Anthony Hughes <husnock31@hotmail.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

CAPTAIN WILLI. Honor graduate from the Hitler Youth. He's well-liked in Berlin. That's why they picked him to lead the escape. See more »

Genres:

War | Drama | Action

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for violence, language and brief sensuality | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

|

Release Date:

May 1971 (Ireland)  »

Also Known As:

Escape  »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Though set in Scotland, this movie was predominantly filmed in Ireland. See more »

Goofs

Although it is raining heavily in many scenes, the ground remains mostly dry. There is no dirt visible on the character's clothes after they fought each other on expectedly wet sand and grass. See more »

Quotes

[last lines]
Captain Jack Connor: Willi, looks like we're both in the shithouse.
See more »

Soundtracks

SYMPHONY NO.3 E-FLAT MAJOR, OP.55 -- 1st & 2nd Movements
Music by Ludwig van Beethoven
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Break Into This Prison Camp
9 October 2006 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

Interesting and unusual story of a pack of German POWs plotting to break out of a prison camp in the UK and the new commanding officer's own plots to deal with them.

The British Army commander played by Brian Keith is hard-drinking, clever, Irish, cynical, shrewd, complex and street wise. The German Navy commander is fanatical, ruthless, confident, arrogant, intelligent and shrewd. Both of them spend some time trying to pull one over on the other, and they both know each other knows that, so they spend a little time playing a cat and mouse game while trying to gain the upper hand. Keith's captain drinks a little whiskey and plots with resolute calm. The German sings a few Nazi songs and plots with resolute calm. Then they both put their schemes into action.

I like all the acting here and the wet , cloudy , but bright green Irish landscapes. This is a fascinating World War II story that takes place neither on the battlefield or some goofy nostalgic homefront, but still contains plenty of action and thrilling suspense. When you watch it, emulate Brian Keith and drink a glass of whiskey.


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