The Great Escape (1963)

“[in the first meeting with Von Luger is informed of the large amount of resources being used to guard the prisoners] Well, it’s rather nice to know that you’re wanted.” – Ramsey

Number of Times Seen – Too many to count (cable, video, DVD, 15 May 2001 and 29 Oct 2013)

Brief Synopsis – The based on a true story of allied POW’s during WWII that plan a massive breakout from the prison camp that was build to keep them out of the war.

My Take on it – I have always loved this movie ever since I saw it as a kid.

The characters, the story and the atmosphere really just suck you in to their world and you can truly sympathize and also empathize with their plight.

The cast is downright unbelievable for that decade since so many of the actors were considered stars and to get them all to agree to be in an ensemble probably wasn’t so easy.

Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, James Donald, Donald Pleasance, James Coburn, David Cullum and a few others are part of this excellent cast.

This movie takes the middle ground between the tones of The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) and Stalag 17 (1953) and finds the fine line between drama and comedy.  This movie is very serious on the one hand, but it adds many humorous anecdotes throughout that every once in a while make you smile amidst the idea that these soldiers are still prisoners of war and are being treated poorly by their captors.

I think that this movie is one of the best of 1963  and still can’t believe that Tom Jones (1963) was able to snag Best Picture without this movie even getting a nomination.

Bottom Line – Amazing movie. Great story, Interesting characters and above all shows soldiers at their worst doing their best. Highly Recommended!!

Rating – Oscar Worthy