Steve McQueen starred in the classic (Image: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)
A World War Two hero’s harrowing novel about his own experiences as a fighter pilot and prisoner of war inspired one of the biggest war films ever made.
Australian Paul Brickhill was a journalist before enlisting to fight following Germany’s invasion of France and was shot down over Tunisia in 1943 and captured as a prisoner of war.
He witnessed his fellow POW’s hatch and carry out a daring escape plan, only for them to be caught and executed, which is when he became determined to document their brave actions.
This was the foundation for his acclaimed novel, The Great Escape, which was published four years after the war ended and would become the basis for the ‘epic’ movie.
The Great Escape has been celebrated as the greatest war movie ever committed to film, featuring a stellar ensemble including Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough and Charles Bronson.
The film was a huge hit (Image: Mirisch/United Artists/Kobal/REX)
Released in 1963 and helmed by director John Sturges, the picture went on to become one of the biggest box office successes of that year and continues to command an enormous cult following to this day.
It recounts the gripping tale of Allied soldiers held as Prisoners of War in Germany during the Second World War. Desperate to break free, the group devise a audacious scheme that will not only secure their liberty but also divert the attention of their Nazi captors away from a crucial battle while hunting for the missing men.
The central figures are US Captain Virgil Hilts, portrayed by McQueen, and British Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett, portrayed by Attenborough.
Together they concoct an ingenious plot to tunnel their way to freedom beneath the prison perimeter, yet as their scheme begins to materialise, the consequences prove far more perilous than anyone had anticipated.
Decades on from its enormously successful release, The Great Escape continues to solidify its status as an enduring cinematic masterpiece.
Steve McQueen in his iconic pose (Image: Mirisch/United Artists/Kobal/REX)
Despite this, it received nominations for just one Academy Award for Best Editing, and one Golden Globe for Best Picture.
Remarkably, despite being regarded as one of the most critically lauded films ever made, The Great Escape initially opened to tepid reviews.
One critic took issue with the use of colour photography, while another contemporary review stated: “But for much longer than is artful or essential, The Great Escape grinds out its tormenting story without a peek beneath the surface of any man, without a real sense of human involvement. It’s a strictly mechanical adventure with make-believe men.”
Today, however, the film boasts an impressive 94 percent approval rating on the movie review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.
One critic said: “McQueen’s thrilling motorcycle ride has long been the stuff of cinematic legend, but the movie is packed with countless memorable episodes of this caliber.”
Another noted: “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.”
While a third added: “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.”
A fourth said: “One of the truly great epic war films.”
Even to this day, audiences remain utterly devoted to the picture.
One viewer shared: “I watched this movie at our local Picture Theatre when I was only 8 years old with my late mum,dad and brother ‘ it was one of the most wonderful and best action packed movies I’ve ever seen in my life!
Scene from the film The Great Escape (Image: undefined)
“Now being in my 60’s I still like to watch it from time to time and it never gets less enjoyable.”
Another viewer said: “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”
While a third added: “Superb war film that ranks as one of the very best of all time, thanks to a brilliant cast and excellent direction by John Sturges. The actors are excellent across the board, with many being military and war veterans themselves, thus bringing authenticity to their roles.”
You can rent The Great Escape on Amazon Prime.