The Great Escape (1963)

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Written by Paul Brickhill, James Clavell

Directed by John Sturges

Running Time: 170 minutes (approx)

Production Year: 1963

Rating: PG Certificate

Filmed in Colour

When a spirited bunch of WWII POWs are dispatched to a high security compound, the resourceful gang waste no time in making a mockery of the camp's escape-proof reputation. Under the guidance of Roger 'Big X' Bartlett (Richard Attenborough), the group of serial escapees, mostly made up of captured Air Force pilots, set about plotting the ultimate breakout.

The men, including Flight Lt Hendley 'The Scrounger' (James Garner), claustrophobic 'Tunnel King' Velinski (Charles Bronson) and the rebellious Virgil 'The Cooler King' Hilts (Steve McQueen), use their specialist talents to construct a complex tunnel system, through which 250 prisoners of war could make a courageous bid for freedom. The men's quest is not without its hitches and as they advance on freedom the mission becomes ever more perilous. It's nail-biting stuff as the action explodes into life, with Hilts's dramatic motorbike escape attempt the highlight of a brilliant barnstorming climax.

Based on a true story, this wonderful recreation of 77 prisoners' gallant escape is a much-loved 60s classic. Parodied in popular culture numerous times, The Great Escape has been referenced in TV comedies like Seinfeld and The Simpsons and was the inspiration for Aardman Animations' feature Chicken Run. An impressive ensemble cast features Academy Award winner James Coburn, Donald Pleasence and of course, McQueen, in probably his most iconic role. The Great Escape is a fantastic mixture of action, drama, comedy and pathos, all of which combine with a very memorable theme to make for a timeless classic.

When is The Great Escape next on TV?

In the UK... it's next showing on Sky Movies Classics Today, 2:15pm and on Sky Movies Classics Tonight, 9:00pm. See more...

Cast

Image for Steve McQueenSteve McQueenCapt. Virgil 'The Cooler King' Hilts
Image for James GarnerJames GarnerFlight Lt. Bob Anthony 'The Scrounger' Hendley
Image for Richard AttenboroughRichard AttenboroughSquadron Leader Roger 'Big X' Bartlett
James DonaldGroup Capt. Rupert 'The SBO' Ramsey
Image for Charles BronsonCharles BronsonFlight. Lt. Danny 'The Tunnel King' Velinski
Image for Donald PleasenceDonald PleasenceFlight Lt. Colin 'The Forger' Blythe
Image for James CoburnJames CoburnFlying Officer Louis 'The Manufacturer' Sedgwick
Hannes MessemerCol. von Luger
Image for David McCallumDavid McCallumLt. Cmdr. Eric 'Dispersal' Ashley-Pitt
Image for Gordon JacksonGordon JacksonFlight Lt. Sandy MacDonald
John LeytonFlight Lt. William 'The Tunneller' Dickes
Angus LennieFlying Officer Archibald 'The Mole' Ives
Nigel StockFlight Lt. Denys 'The Surveyor' Cavendish
Robert GrafWerner 'The Ferret'
Jud TaylorGoff

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