The Great Escape

The Great Escape, based on the 1950 book of the same name, is the highly influential WW2 film from 1963 and packs an all-star cast of names. Chances are, even if you haven't seen the film, you will be familiar with some part of it because it has been referenced and spoofed so many times. But it had been years since I last the great prison escape film and so it was time to see how it stands-up today some 60+ years later. 

During the midst of WW2, a number of recaptured Allied soldiers are sent to a new POW camp in Germany where they'll be under rigorous security and death is a guarantee to anyone who tries to escape. But a group of British and American prisoners intend to cause as much disruption as possible, drawing their enemy's resources to the camp all the while plotting to make a daring escape. 

Directed by John Sturges, who made many notable classics from the era including The Magnificent Seven and Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, The Great Escape came during a very successful run and he brings together a tightly paced and very entertaining adventure which is just as much a joy to watch today as it likely was upon release. And I believe a lot of credit goes to Sturges' directing which doesn't feel stilted at all by today's standards. It also looks and sounds great, complete with a top-tier theme and a cast who all play their parts perfectly. 

The Great Escape risked having too many moving pieces with its wide cast but it makes great use of its beefy running time to ensure no scene is wasted. There is excitement, humour and drama in perfect measure and is a very satisfying film to watch. This really is a classic that I can't fault, it is a charming one to sit back and relax with, even during the very tense moments! So what more can I say? Hollywood, please don't remake this and I hope you watch it.