Nova: Great Escape (2004)
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
This is a very interesting look at the famous POW escape that is best remembered today for the film THE GREAT ESCAPE. Not only does this documentary gives us an idea of how the actual escape was done but it also features a group of archaeologist returning to the site of Stalag Luft III to try and find the one tunnel that wasn't discovered by the Germans. If you're familiar with the case then you know that the soldiers dug three escape tunnels with one being discovered, the second used and nothing ever came from the third. The group try to locate the third tunnel and they actually manage to do it but they end up calling off the research when things get too dangerous. That's the amazing thing because even with technology and equipment from today this tunnel with all the sand was too dangerous so it makes you respect the men even more who were just working with scraps. The documentary offers stories from many of the prisoners who were at the actual camp when the events took place and it's always fascinating hearing what they have to say. Even more touching is a sequence where three of the men return to the site and see one of the tunnels that they helped work on. History buffs will certainly enjoy this episode as will those who don't know the story outside the movie.