The Great Escape (1963) 8.3
Allied P.O.W.s plan for several hundred of their number to escape from a German camp during World War II. Director:John Sturges |
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The Great Escape (1963) 8.3
Allied P.O.W.s plan for several hundred of their number to escape from a German camp during World War II. Director:John Sturges |
|
Watch Trailer 0Share... |
Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Steve McQueen | ... | ||
James Garner | ... | ||
Richard Attenborough | ... | ||
James Donald | ... | ||
Charles Bronson | ... | ||
Donald Pleasence | ... | ||
James Coburn | ... | ||
Hannes Messemer | ... | ||
David McCallum | ... | ||
Gordon Jackson | ... | ||
John Leyton | ... | ||
Angus Lennie | ... | ||
Nigel Stock | ... | ||
Robert Graf | ... | ||
Jud Taylor | ... |
Based on a true story, a group of allied escape artist-type prisoners-of-war (POW's) are all put in an 'escape proof' camp. Their leader decides to try to take out several hundred all at once. The first half of the film is played for comedy as the prisoners mostly outwit their jailers to dig the escape tunnel. The second half is high adventure as they use boats and trains and planes to get out of occupied Europe. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>
The Great Escape should be a movie every one has seen. It's the definitive P.O.W. movie -- and all other films in the genre fail to compare. It should be noted that this isn't just a Steve McQueen movie (although he is bound to be everyone's favorite character), but this is an ensemble piece with great performances by Richard Attenborough, James Garner, James Coburn, Donald Pleasence, and Charles Bronson. Wonderful build-up, great middle, and a terrific ending. This film is classic.
One of the best scores of all time.