Based on the true story of a daring escape from a prison camp
in WWII, this was one film to get the boys bonding. A definite 'macho
movie' The Great Escape didn't even feature a female character until
the second half of the film.
Famous for 'that bike stunt', Steve McQueen as Captain Hilts spent
most of the film in solitary confinement for several escape attempts,
gaining the nickname the 'cooler king'. The all star cast included
Richard Attenborough as 'Big X', Donald Pleasence as 'the forger'
and James Garner as 'the scrounger'.
Two of McQueen's cowboy chums in The Magnificent Seven also played
a part in the escape, James Coburn as 'the manufacturer' and Charles
Bronson as 'the tunnel king'.
You just have to admit that every time you watch the film you just
hope against hope that the bike will make it over just once!
Oh and if you haven't seen it you're bound to find
the regular re-runs just about every Xmas and bank holiday. But
one things for sure you must have heard Elmer Bernstein's march
theme.
Critic
Andrew Collins looks at the film's enduring appeal
