The McKenzie Break (1970)

During WW2, German POWs in Britain plot to escape from their prison camp in Scotland.

Director:

Lamont Johnson

Writers:

William W. Norton (screenplay), Sidney Shelley (novel)

Stars:

Brian Keith, Helmut Griem, Ian Hendry

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brian Keith	...	Capt. Jack Connor
Helmut Griem	...	Kapitän zur See Willi Schlueter
Ian Hendry	...	Maj. Perry
Jack Watson	...	Gen. Kerr
Patrick O'Connell	...	Sgt. Maj. Cox
Horst Janson	...	Lt. Neuchl
Alexander Allerson	...	Lt. Wolff
John Abineri	...	Capt. Kranz
Constantine Gregory	...	Lt. Hall (as Constantin De Goguel)
Tom Kempinski	...	Lt. Schmidt
Eric Allan	...	Lt. Hochbauer
Caroline Mortimer	...	A.T.S. Sgt. Bell
Mary Larkin	...	Cpl. Jean Watt
Gregg Palmer	...	Lt. Berger
Michael Sheard	...	Ingenieur-Offizier Unger

Storyline

In the closing days of World War II, German prisoners riot in a POW Camp in Scotland. Fearful of a mass escape attempt, the British Army sends in an unorthodox Irish Captain in hopes of discovering exactly what is going on. The Irishman at once comes into conflict with the senior prisoner, a U-Boat commander, and the two must match wits, knowing that only one will emerge victorious.

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Plot Keywords:

pow | scotland | prisoner | escape | german | 

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Genres:

War | Drama | Action

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for violence, language and brief sensuality

Details

Country:

Ireland UK

Language:

English German

Release Date:

12 January 1971 (West Germany)

Also Known As:

Escape

Filming Locations:

Ardmore Studios, Herbert Road, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland

Company Credits

Production Co:

Levy-Gardner-Laven

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The meaning and relevance of McKenzie in this movie's title refers to the Second World War McKenzie Prisoner of War Camp in Scotland.

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Goofs

Although it is raining heavily in many scenes, the ground remains mostly dry. There is no dirt visible on the character's clothes after they fought each other on expectedly wet sand and grass.

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Quotes

[last lines]
Captain Jack Connor: Willi, looks like we're both in the shithouse.

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Soundtracks

"SYMPHONY NO.3 E-FLAT MAJOR, OP.55 -- 1st & 2nd Movements"
Music by Ludwig van Beethoven

User Reviews

Break Into This Prison Camp

Interesting and unusual story of a pack of German POWs plotting to break out of a prison camp in the UK and the new commanding officer's own plots to deal with them.

The British Army commander played by Brian Keith is hard-drinking, clever, Irish, cynical, shrewd, complex and street wise. The German Navy commander is fanatical, ruthless, confident, arrogant, intelligent and shrewd. Both of them spend some time trying to pull one over on the other, and they both know each other knows that, so they spend a little time playing a cat and mouse game while trying to gain the upper hand. Keith's captain drinks a little whiskey and plots with resolute calm. The German sings a few Nazi songs and plots with resolute calm. Then they both put their schemes into action.

I like all the acting here and the wet , cloudy , but bright green Irish landscapes. This is a fascinating World War II story that takes place neither on the battlefield or some goofy nostalgic homefront, but still contains plenty of action and thrilling suspense. When you watch it, emulate Brian Keith and drink a glass of whiskey.