The Great Escape (1963)

Allied POWs plan for several hundred of their number to escape from a German camp during World War II.

Director: John Sturges
Writers: Paul Brickhill (book), James Clavell (screenplay), and 1 more credit »
Stars: Steve McQueen, James Garner and Richard Attenborough | See full cast and crew

Storyline
Based on a true story, a group of allied escape artist type prisoners of war are all put in an 'escape proof' camp. Their leader decides to try to take out several hundred all at once. The first half of the film is played for comedy as the prisoners mostly outwit their jailers to dig the escape tunnel. The second half is high adventure as they use boats and trains and planes to get out of occupied Europe.