The film was a huge hit (Image: Mirisch/United Artists/Kobal/REX)
Fans of this iconic war film have declared it among the “greatest ever made” and it’s being broadcast this evening on BBC4.
The Great Escape boasts a cast featuring Hollywood’s finest from the 1960s, including the iconic Steve McQueen, James Garner and Richard Attenborough, and draws from a harrowing true account from World War Two.
Adapted from Paul Brickhill’s book, which was published in 1950, the film was directed by John Sturges. The Great Escape chronicles the audacious tale of Allied Prisoners of War who had consistently escaped from German camps during World War Two and their ultimate, dramatic attempt at freedom.
The prisoners, who have previously fled from detention facilities, are transferred to a new facility overseen by Luftwaffe Colonel von Luger, but numerous men desperately attempt to break out on their opening day only to be recaptured and confined to cells. Yet it is within these walls that the ultimate audacious scheme takes shape.
Donald Pleasence, one of the performers in the production, had genuinely been held in a POW camp during World War Two and contributed his expertise to depicting with historical precision the suffering the Allied forces endured, reports Wales Online.
The film was nominated for just one Oscar (Image: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)
On its release in 1963, The Great Escape became one of that year’s highest-grossing pictures and has subsequently been recognised as one of cinema’s finest achievements. Nevertheless, at the time it received just a single Oscar nomination, for Best Film Editing, which it failed to secure.
Both fans and reviewers have heaped praise upon the film, which boasts an impressive 94 per cent rating on the film review platform, Rotten Tomatoes.
One reviewer said: “This is one of the all-time great war movies, a PoW adventure from director John Sturges that celebrates the indomitable spirit of the Allied forces even when their backs were to the wall.”
Scene from the film The Great Escape (Image: undefined)
Another wrote: “Boasting an all-star cast, headed by a terrific Steve McQueen, Great Escape is one of the greatest, most enjoyable WWII adventures Hollywood has made.”
While a third noted: “There must be hundreds, even thousands, of stories about the impossible deeds accomplished by men under stress during World War II. The Great Escape is one of the best of them.”
Fan proved equally effusive in their appreciation of the picture. One said: “Arguably the most influential prison break movies of all time. The film takes liberties with the source material, but the lighter hopeful tone male it clear from the start that the focus is more on adventure and comradery than deep realism. The cast is great. The film is iconic for Steve McQueen’s huge motorcycle jump. The characters are such lovable underdogs, and you really want to see them escape. The soundtrack is terrific, especially the iconic main theme.”
Another wrote: “The Great Escape” is a classic movie that flawlessly merges suspense and camaraderie. Set in World War II, the film follows a group of Allied prisoners of war who meticulously scheme a daring escape from a German camp. With notable actors such as Steve McQueen and James Garner, the movie delivers exhilarating action sequences alongside genuine portrayals of human emotions. From the intricately devised breakout plan to the challenges they face after their escape, the narrative engrosses viewers and holds their attention until the end. A must-watch for fans of war dramas and tales of bravery.”
A third added: “Classic and epic movie. Stellar cast all excels in character. Amazing that it all happened and that the movie runs parallel with the original book by Paul Brickhill. Very good cinematography. Lots of action, suspense, drama and anticipation. This is a must see.”
The Great Escape is on BBC4 at 8pm tonight.
