The 1981 World War II football film Escape to Victory, starring Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone, is now available to stream on NOW. The film features a cast of professional footballers including Bobby Moore and Pelé, and left Stallone with broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder after on-set injuries.
Plot and Cast
Michael Caine plays English Captain John Colby, a West Ham professional footballer who leads a group of Allied prisoners of war in an exhibition football match against the Germans while planning their escape. Sylvester Stallone co-stars as a POW goalkeeper. The film also features real-life football legends Bobby Moore and Pelé, along with several Ipswich Town players who served as stand-ins for Caine and Stallone.
Behind the Scenes
Stallone, who initially called football a 'sissy sport,' suffered serious injuries during filming. He broke a finger trying to block a penalty by Pelé and ended up with broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder. England World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks and Alan Thatcher helped train Stallone for his goalkeeping scenes.
Streaming Availability
Escape to Victory is now streaming on NOW. The film remains a classic blend of war drama and sports, capturing World Cup fever as England once again dares to believe after 60 years of hurt.
