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The Great Escape (1963)

Approved | | Adventure, Drama, History | 4 July 1963 (USA)
The Great Escape Poster
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Allied P.O.W.s plan for several hundred of their number to escape from a German camp during World War II.

Director:

Writers:

(book), (screenplay) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

, , | See full cast & crew »
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1,832 ( 144)
Top Rated Movies #121 | Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Hannes Messemer ...
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Robert Graf ...
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Storyline

Based on a true story, a group of allied escape artist-type prisoners-of-war (POW's) are all put in an 'escape proof' camp. Their leader decides to try to take out several hundred all at once. The first half of the film is played for comedy as the prisoners mostly outwit their jailers to dig the escape tunnel. The second half is high adventure as they use boats and trains and planes to get out of occupied Europe. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

escape | escape attempt | prisoner | tunnel | digging | See All (106) »

Taglines:

put a fence in front of these men...and they'll climb it... See more »

Genres:

Adventure | Drama | History | Thriller | War

Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

| | |

Release Date:

4 July 1963 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

La grande évasion  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

,  »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Westrex Recording System)|

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The song sung by Ives and McDonald is not " Whae hey the 42" . It is "Wha sae the tattie (potato) hawkers". See more »

Goofs

There's no part in the German-Swiss border where you can see the Alps or any mountains like those in the film. See more »

Quotes

Stratwitch: Your name?
Ives: Ives.
[Strachwitz looks through his prisoner profiles]
Stratwitch: Ives... Ives... Oh, yes. Archibald Ives. Scot. The photograph doesn't do justice.
Ives: I'd like to see one of you under similar circumstances.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic: Read It and Weep (2012) See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much sex, violence, and profanity are in this movie?
Q: What is 'The Great Escape' about?
Q: Is this a true story?
See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
What a movie! 10/10
16 March 2002 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

The Great Escape should be a movie every one has seen. It's the definitive P.O.W. movie -- and all other films in the genre fail to compare. It should be noted that this isn't just a Steve McQueen movie (although he is bound to be everyone's favorite character), but this is an ensemble piece with great performances by Richard Attenborough, James Garner, James Coburn, Donald Pleasence, and Charles Bronson. Wonderful build-up, great middle, and a terrific ending. This film is classic.

One of the best scores of all time.
57 of 91 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?
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