The Great Escape

:For the "Married... with Children" episode, see The Great Escape (Married... with Children episode).

Hollywood vs. history

The story was inspired by an actual escape from prison camp Stalag Luft III in 1944. While the film condenses various aspects of time and place, a disclaimer claims it to be true to the original as much as possible. This includes all the real-life details of the plans, tunnels, successes and tragic outcome of the "great escape." Paul Brickhill, an inmate of the original camp, wrote an account of the escape under the same name, upon which the film was based. However, despite the presence of the film's high-profile American stars, few Americans were involved in the actual escape. The Americans present were actually serving in either the British or Canadian military (mostly the RAF or RCAF, but John Dodge was in the British army). The POWs were mainly British, Canadian and Australian. (Refer to the prison camp link for more historical details.)

Related Topics:
Stalag Luft III - 1944 - Tunnel - Paul Brickhill - RAF - RCAF

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Featuring an all-star cast—including Steve McQueen (whose motorcycle chase is the film's most remembered action scene), Richard Attenborough, James Coburn, James Garner, Charles Bronson, and Donald Pleasence—The Great Escape is regarded as a classic and frequently repeated on television. The march tune that serves as the film's main theme, written by Elmer Bernstein, has also become an easily recognisable classic.

Related Topics:
Steve McQueen - Richard Attenborough - James Coburn - James Garner - Charles Bronson - Donald Pleasence - Television - March - Elmer Bernstein

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