The Great Escape, the 1963 war film hailed by fans as one of the greatest ever made, airs on BBC4 tonight at 8pm. The movie stars Hollywood icons Steve McQueen, James Garner and Richard Attenborough, and is based on a true story from World War Two.
A daring tale of Allied prisoners
Directed by John Sturges and adapted from Paul Brickhill's 1950 book, the film follows Allied prisoners of war who had repeatedly escaped from German camps and their final, dramatic attempt at freedom. After being transferred to a new facility run by Luftwaffe Colonel von Luger, many men try to break out on their first day, only to be recaptured and confined to cells. It is there that the ultimate audacious plan takes shape.
Donald Pleasence, one of the film's performers, had himself been held in a POW camp during World War Two. He contributed his expertise to accurately depicting the suffering endured by Allied forces, according to Wales Online.
Critical and fan acclaim
Upon its release in 1963, The Great Escape became one of the year's highest-grossing pictures and has since been recognised as one of cinema's finest achievements. At the time, it received just one Oscar nomination, for Best Film Editing, which it did not win. The film holds a 94 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One reviewer said: "This is one of the all-time great war movies, a PoW adventure from director John Sturges that celebrates the indomitable spirit of the Allied forces even when their backs were to the wall."
Another wrote: "Boasting an all-star cast, headed by a terrific Steve McQueen, Great Escape is one of the greatest, most enjoyable WWII adventures Hollywood has made."
Audience reaction and tonight's broadcast
Fans have been equally effusive. One said: "Arguably the most influential prison break movies of all time. The film takes liberties with the source material, but the lighter hopeful tone male it clear from the start that the focus is more on adventure and comradery than deep realism. The cast is great. The film is iconic for Steve McQueen's huge motorcycle jump. The characters are such lovable underdogs, and you really want to see them escape. The soundtrack is terrific, especially the iconic main theme."
Another added: "Classic and epic movie. Stellar cast all excels in character. Amazing that it all happened and that the movie runs parallel with the original book by Paul Brickhill. Very good cinematography. Lots of action, suspense, drama and anticipation. This is a must see."
The Great Escape airs on BBC4 at 8pm tonight.
