The Great Escape

(1963)Directed by John Sturges173 minAdventure, Drama, War
Put a fence in front of these men... and they'll climb it!

A mass breakout is being planned at Stalag Luft III, a German POW camp holding British Commonwealth prisoners. Bartlett 'Big X' (Richard Attenborough) coordinates the scheme while specialists like Hilts 'The Cooler King' (Steve McQueen) and Danny 'Tunnel King' (Charles Bronson) handle the work. Sturges assembles the pieces methodically, cutting between tunnels and forged documents and small acts of sabotage.

Steve McQueenas Hilts 'The Cooler King'
James Garneras Hendley 'The Scrounger'
Richard Attenboroughas Bartlett 'Big X'
James Donaldas Ramsey 'The SBO'
Charles Bronsonas Danny 'Tunnel King'
Donald Pleasenceas Blythe 'The Forger'
James Coburnas Sedgwick 'Manufacturer'
Hannes Messemeras Von Luger 'The Kommandant'
David McCallumas Ashley-Pitt 'Dispersal'
Gordon Jacksonas MacDonald 'Intelligence'
John Leytonas Willie 'Tunnel King'
Angus Lennieas Ives 'The Mole'
Nigel Stockas Cavendish 'The Surveyor'
Robert Grafas Werner 'The Ferret'
Jud Tayloras Goff
Hans Reiseras Herr Kuhn
Harry Riebaueras Stratwitch
Robert Freitagas Capt. Posen
Ulrich Beigeras Preissen
GMGeorge Mikellas Lt. Dietrich
Lawrence Montaigneas Haynes ('Diversions')
Robert Desmondas Griffith 'Tailor'
Til Kiweas Frick