The Great Escape (1963) Review

"The Great Escape" is a 1963 American World War II epic film directed by John Sturges, based on the true story of a group of allied prisoners of war who attempted to escape from a German prison camp during World War II. The film stars an ensemble cast, including Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn, among others. The film was a commercial success and is now considered a classic of the war genre.

Plot:

The film is set in a German prison camp, Stalag Luft III, which is designed to hold captured allied airmen. The film begins with the arrival of a new prisoner, Flight Lieutenant Hendley (James Garner), who is introduced to the camp's commanding officer, Group Captain Ramsey (James Donald). Hendley is a skilled scrounger, and he quickly establishes himself as the go-to guy for obtaining goods and supplies from the camp's guards and other sources.

The main plot of the film revolves around a plan to escape from the prison camp. The plan is masterminded by Squadron Leader Bartlett (Richard Attenborough), who enlists the help of several other prisoners, including the "Cooler King" Hilts (Steve McQueen), who is known for his repeated attempts to escape, and the "Tunnel King" Danny (Charles Bronson), who is an expert in tunneling.

Over the course of the film, the prisoners work to construct three tunnels, codenamed "Tom," "Dick," and "Harry." The tunnels are constructed with the help of various materials and supplies that the prisoners have scrounged, including bed boards, hinged floorboards, and homemade tools.

The film takes a dramatic turn when the prisoners discover that the Germans have become aware of their plan. Despite this setback, the prisoners press on with their escape attempt, and on the night of the escape, 76 prisoners manage to break out of the camp through the tunnels. However, they are soon pursued by the Germans, and only three of them manage to make it to safety.

Themes:

One of the key themes of the film is the resilience and determination of the prisoners. Despite the many setbacks they face, including the discovery of their tunnels by the Germans, they continue to work towards their goal of escaping. The film also portrays the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the prisoners, who are able to construct the tunnels and obtain the necessary supplies with very limited resources.

Another important theme of the film is the sense of camaraderie and brotherhood among the prisoners. Despite being from different backgrounds and countries, they are united in their desire to escape and their shared experiences as prisoners of war. The film also explores the complex relationships between the prisoners and their German captors, particularly the camp's commandant, Colonel Von Luger (Hannes Messemer), who is portrayed as a man of honor who treats the prisoners with respect.

Performances:

The film features a star-studded cast, and each actor delivers a memorable performance. Steve McQueen, in particular, stands out as the "Cooler King," with his famous motorcycle chase scene becoming one of the most iconic moments in the film. James Garner is also excellent as the resourceful Hendley, and Richard Attenborough delivers a nuanced performance as the determined Bartlett. Charles Bronson is impressive as the "Tunnel King," and James Coburn brings his trademark cool to the role of the Australian Flying Officer Louis Sedgwick.

Direction and Cinematography:

John Sturges' direction of the film is masterful, particularly in the way he builds tension throughout the film. The scenes in which the prisoners are working on the tunnels are shot in a claustrophobic and tense manner, while the scenes of the escape attempt are thrilling and suspenseful. Sturges also does an excellent job of balancing the different plotlines and characters, ensuring that each one receives adequate screen time and attention.

The cinematography of the film is also noteworthy. The use of widescreen and long shots creates a sense of scale and grandeur, while the close-ups on the actors' faces add a sense of intimacy and emotional depth. The scenes in the tunnels are shot in a dimly lit and shadowy manner, adding to the sense of danger and claustrophobia.

Music:

The film's score, composed by Elmer Bernstein, is a classic of the genre. The main theme, with its stirring horns and percussion, perfectly captures the sense of adventure and excitement of the film. The score also contains more understated moments, such as the melancholy piano piece that accompanies the scenes of the prisoners being recaptured by the Germans.

Accuracy:

While the film is based on a true story, there are several aspects of the film that are fictionalized or embellished for dramatic effect. For example, the character of Hilts, played by Steve McQueen, is a composite of several real-life prisoners and is not based on a single individual. Similarly, the scene in which Hilts attempts to jump over a barbed-wire fence on a motorcycle was added to the film for its dramatic effect and did not actually happen.

However, the film does strive for a degree of accuracy in its depiction of life in a prisoner of war camp, and many of the details and events depicted in the film are based on real-life experiences. The construction of the tunnels, for example, is based on the real-life efforts of the prisoners at Stalag Luft III to escape from the camp.

Legacy:

"The Great Escape" has become a classic of the war genre and is widely regarded as one of the greatest prison escape films ever made. The film has influenced numerous other films, including "Escape from Alcatraz" (1979) and "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994), and has been referenced and parodied in countless other works of popular culture.

The film's iconic theme music has also become a cultural touchstone, and the scenes of Steve McQueen on his motorcycle have become some of the most memorable in film history.

Conclusion:

"The Great Escape" is a classic of the war genre, featuring an ensemble cast of talented actors, thrilling action sequences, and a memorable score. While the film takes some liberties with the true story on which it is based, it nevertheless offers a gripping and emotional portrayal of the struggles and sacrifices of prisoners of war during World War II. The film's themes of resilience, camaraderie, and ingenuity continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic of the genre.