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The Great Escape

Play trailer Poster for The Great Escape Released Jul 4, 1963 2h 52m War Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 53 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Imprisoned during World War II in a German POW camp, a group of Allied soldiers are intent on breaking out, not only to escape, but also to draw Nazi forces away from battle to search for fugitives. Among the prisoners determined to escape are American Captain Virgil Hilts and British Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett. Outwitting their captors by digging a tunnel out of the prison grounds, the soldiers find the stakes much higher when escape becomes a reality.
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The Great Escape

The Great Escape

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Critics Consensus

With its impeccably slow-building story and a cast for the ages, The Great Escape is an all-time action classic.

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Critics Reviews

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Wendy Ide Times (UK) This star-laden real-life tale of teamwork and derring-do is a trifle flabby at nearly three hours, but there is no denying that this is one of the best loved of all Second World War films. Dec 27, 2023 Full Review Jamie Ludwig Chicago Reader For all its missteps, when it comes to escapism, intrigue, and indulgence, you could do a whole lot worse than The Great Escape. Just watch it with an open eye. Feb 21, 2019 Full Review Anthony Lane The New Yorker This is a Boys' Own Tale, and, as boys, we wanted it, cleansed of horrors, for ourselves. Apr 23, 2014 Full Review Olly Richards Sunday Times (UK) Steve McQueen turns his movie-star glint to maximum as the swaggering American Cooler King... Sep 19, 2022 Full Review Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Even though the filmmakers make changes to benefit an American audience, the memory of the 50 executed airmen will never be forgotten. Rated: 5/5 May 29, 2022 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Somehow, The Great Escape manages to mourn the dead and uphold a unified sense of defiance in the same movement. Rated: 4/4 Feb 17, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Michael S So great to see it again. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/09/22 Full Review Shaun R I can’t believe this film was made in 63. Timeless. Great iconic music and a wonderful music. The Cooler King lives on. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/17/24 Full Review maria d the best 100 present Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/06/24 Full Review Neal C Definitely the best escape movie I have ever seen and definitely one of my favorite movies of all time highly recommend 10/10 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/14/24 Full Review Sams K A cult! Great actors and great story! McQueen n' Bronson connection hits hard here! Just watch this! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/26/24 Full Review Renato E very surprising and unpredictable and maybe even shocking in comparison to other war films of the time. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/03/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Imprisoned during World War II in a German POW camp, a group of Allied soldiers are intent on breaking out, not only to escape, but also to draw Nazi forces away from battle to search for fugitives. Among the prisoners determined to escape are American Captain Virgil Hilts and British Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett. Outwitting their captors by digging a tunnel out of the prison grounds, the soldiers find the stakes much higher when escape becomes a reality.
Director
John Sturges
Producer
John Sturges, James Clavell
Screenwriter
Paul Brickhill, James Clavell, W. R. Burnett
Distributor
United Artists, Criterion Collection, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co
Mirisch Company
Genre
War, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 4, 1963, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 30, 2016
Runtime
2h 52m
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