The Great Escape

8.2

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Sequel:

The Great Escape II: The Untold Story (TV)

Original title: The Great Escape
Year: 1963
Running time: 168 min.
Country: United States
Director: John Sturges
Screenwriter: James Clavell, W.R. Burnett (Book: Paul Brickhill)
Music: Elmer Bernstein
Cinematography: Daniel L. Fapp
Cast: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Charles Bronson, Richard Attenborough, James Coburn, James Donald, Donald Pleasence, David McCallum, Gordon Jackson, Angus Lennie, Hannes Messemer, John Leyton, Lawrence Montaigne, Nigel Stock
Producer: The Mirisch Corporation (Distributor: United Artists)
Genre: Drama. Adventure | II World War. Prison Drama. Nazism. Based On A True Story
Movie Groups: Paul Brickhill Adaptations
Synopsis / Plot: The German high command has filtered out all of the allies' most talented escape artists and placed them in a POW camp specifically designed to foil any unwanted departures. But as soon as they arrive, the prisoners begin to work on a series of tunnels under the direction of Roger "Big X" Bartlett (Richard Attenborough). He assigns the POWs to jobs according to their specialties. For more than a year, countless prisoners, most of whom won't be leaving, work toward an escape that will temporarily disrupt the operations of the German army.

Awards: 1963: Nominated for Oscar: Best Editing

1963: Golden Globes: Nominated for Best Motion Picture - Drama

1963: National Board of Review: Top 10 Best Films

1963: Writers Guild of America (WGA): Nominated for Best Drama Screenplay

Critics' reviews

"John Sturges has fashioned a motion picture that entertains, captivates, thrills and stirs."

Variety
"A few of the wilder episodes in this over-long melodrama (...) are so far beyond plausibility that they could not have happened anyplace."

Bosley Crowther: The New York Times
"[It] feels less burdened by the model it takes off from, which allows the film to build its own distinct style and thematic preoccupations, even as its influences remain clear (…) Rating: ★★★½ (out of 5)"

Chris Cabin: Slant
"It's a triumph of sorts that a tale that ends in war crimes could have such a rousing conclusion."

Scott Tobias: AV Club
"Once this 1963 feature gets going it's good, solid stuff"

Dave Kehr: Chicago Reader
"The inmates are likable and compelling (...) The formal logistics of the movie are fun, in an orderly and methodical sort of way."

Jesse Hassenger: AV Club
"'The Great Escape' should always be seen. It reminds us of a history that is all too quickly forgotten (…) Rating: ★★★★★ (out of 5)"

Bob McCabe: Empire
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