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A classic war story based on true events that actually took place in the German prisoner of war camp Stalag III.
(There were times when we called our school Stalag because of the harsh regime but that's got nothing to do with the Great Escape. But we did have our own tunnel.)
Dramatised for effect as most of these films based on reality are, this is a tale of the "English" spirit in adversity. The fact that there were also Yanks, Poles, French, Russians etc. only marginally detracted from this being an "English" venture.
Although the English social order was maintained in POW camps by the senior officers in the film it was also maintained that way in reality. Never let it be said that an Englishman doesn't know his place. Never let it be said that an upper crust Englishman doesn't make sure that we are kept in our place whatever the situation.
Stalag III was a camp were escapees from other camps were sent to after being re-captured, so in effect the Germans put into one place all the escaping experts of the war. Not exactly the cleverest thing to do. Basket, rotten and eggs are three words that spring to mind.
Starring a variety of fine actors like Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, James Garner, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasance and James Coburn this film had to be good and it is.
There are many memorable episodes in the film and it is not my place to chronicle them here. You must see the film which will surely be on telly again very soon.
Finally, this film will surely be remembered for two things. Steve McQueen's attempted escape on a stolen motor bike and the theme tune, The Great Escape. Now adopted by disgruntled sports fans who sing it when their team only just manages to scab a win or grinds out a draw to avoid relegation, the tune will live on forever. da da - da da da da da
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Production Year: 1970 - War - Director: Brian G. Hutton - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Carroll O'Connor, Donald Sutherland, Don Rickles, Gavin MacLeod
In 1943 the Germans opened Stalag Luft North a maximum-security prisoner-of-war camp ... more
designed to hold even the craftiest escape artist. In doing so however the Nazis unwittingly assembled the finest escape team in military history – brillia...
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