The One That Got Away (1957)

A cocky German fighter pilot is shot down over England in 1940 and makes numerous attempts to escape to fight again.

Director:

Roy Ward Baker (as Roy Baker)

Writers:

Howard Clewes (screenplay), Kendal Burt (book)

Stars:

Hardy Krüger, Colin Gordon, Michael Goodliffe

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Hardy Krüger	...	Franz Von Werra
Colin Gordon	...	Army Interrogator
Michael Goodliffe	...	R.A.F. Interrogator
Terence Alexander	...	R.A.F. Intelligence Officer
Jack Gwillim	...	Commandant, Grizedale
Andrew Faulds	...	Lieutenant, Grizedale
Julian Somers	...	Booking Clerk
Alec McCowen	...	Duty Officer, Hucknall
Harry Lockart	...	German Prisoner
Robert Crewdson	...	German Prisoner
George Mikell	...	German Prisoner
George Roubicek	...	German Prisoner
John Van Eyssen	...	German Prisoner
Frederick Jaeger	...	German Prisoner
Richard Marner	...	German Prisoner

Storyline

This is the true story of Oberleutnant Franz von Werra, the only German prisoner of war to escape from imprisonment in Britain during the Second World War.

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Plot Keywords:

escape | german | dossier | hero | bravado | 

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Taglines:

The "Impossible" Escape That Aroused the World!

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | War

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Did You Know?

Trivia

During the transport of the real von Werra, when he was escorted and restrained, he came across Jill Balcon, the teenage daughter of Michael Balcon, the head of Ealing films. She angrily told him what she thought of him. Michael Balcon pulled strings to ensure that this did not appear in the movie.

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Goofs

As stated early in the film Franz Von Werra had a straight forefinger on his right hand. However, at various stages during the film, Hardy Kruger had apparently forgotten this, as he continuously bends that finger.

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Quotes

Franz von Werra: Thanks for the ride and for your so amusing conversation.

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Crazy Credits

Opening credits prologue: SEPTEMBER 5th 1940 WINCHET HILL, KENT.

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Connections

Featured in Von Werra (2002)

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Soundtracks

Horch, was kommt von draußen rein
(uncredited)
Traditional

User Reviews

First movie where you are rooting for the enemy!

This movie is brilliantly done,providing a high level of intensity, drama and even comedy not equaled in most movies made today. What makes this movie so appealing is the fact that it is a true story. Though realizing that the events were dramatized for effect, the viewer doesn't care. It is entertaining and provides a viewpoint that we don't often see, from the side of the enemy. We WANT him to succeed! Though doing so would ultimately cause more ally deaths. As humans we cheer for the human spirit, for creativity and improvisation under pressure. This movie has it all. I wish they would remake it for the younger crowd as this is a great historical account as well.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 November 1957 (UK)

Also Known As:

The One That Got Away

Filming Locations:

Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Julian Wintle Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.75: 1