7 Things You Didn’t Know About ‘The Great Escape’
War, as they say, can be hell — but it has certainly inspired some amazing movies! For example, 1963’s The Great Escape, a film based on the true story of a mass escape by Allied prisoners from the German POW camp Stalag Luft III during World War II. Directed by John Sturges (who can also claim The Magnificent Seven on his resume) and adapted from Paul Brickhill’s 1950 book of the same name, the film follows a group of determined Allied airmen who attempt an ambitious breakout by digging three tunnels, which they nickname Tom, Dick, and Harry.
Led by Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett (played by Richard Attenborough), the prisoners join forces in an attempt to rescue more than 250 men. The ensemble cast also includes Steve McQueen (whose character, “The Cooler King” Virgil Hilts, became iconic for a thrilling motorcycle chase scene), James Garner, Charles Bronson and more.
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The film balances suspense, camaraderie, and a somber reflection on war, especially in its portrayal of the tragic aftermath, as many escapees are recaptured and executed by the Gestapo, a historical fact that shocked audiences. Though not entirely accurate in every detail, the movie captures the spirit of resistance and remains praised for its direction, Elmer Bernstein’s memorable score, and strong performances by an unforgettable cast. Over time, The Great Escape has become an iconic WWII film, celebrated for both its entertainment value and its tribute to the bravery of real-life POWs.
Before you check out FETV’s upcoming airing of this classic film today at 3pm EST, here are seven little-known facts about The Great Escape!
1 Steve McQueen didn’t do the famous motorcycle jump
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Steve McQueen was a skilled motorcyclist and did much of his own riding in the film. However, the iconic jump over the barbed wire fence was too risky for the lead actor to perform. It was actually done by Bud Ekins, McQueen’s friend and stunt double, who was a top motocross rider. Oddly enough, McQueen actually dressed up as a German rider during parts of the chase, effectively chasing himself.
2 The real-life escape had no American involvement
Despite Americans being prominently featured in the film, they were not part of the actual historical escape that the movie attempted to recreate. The real-life event involved primarily British, Canadian, Australian, and Polish airmen, as Americans had been moved to a different compound before the escape plan was finalized. Regardless, the film used creative license to add American characters so the movie would appeal to U.S. audiences and investors.
3 Donald Pleasence was a real WWII POW
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Extraordinary actor Donald Pleasence, who played the forger Blythe, actually served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He was shot down, captured, and held in a German POW camp, just like in the movie. Initially, the director didn’t know this and questioned Pleasence’s casting as a military man. When he revealed his past, the crew began consulting him for advice on how they could make each scene more realistic.
4 The set tunnels were life-sized
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The filmmakers chose not to use scaled-down models or trick photography for the tunnel scenes; instead, they built full-size, working tunnels, complete with lighting, rails, and wooden shoring. These sets were designed to closely resemble the actual tunnels dug by POWs, making the scenes feel claustrophobic and tense.
5 The Great Escape was filmed entirely in Germany
Another strategy that added authenticity to the film’s production: the decision to shoot in Bavaria, West Germany, instead of a Hollywood set, as the rural landscapes and old buildings lent a more realistic European feel to the film. The actors trained and rehearsed on real locations, including forests and open fields, making the escape scenes more believable and visually captivating.
6 James Garner studied real POWs for his role
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James Garner played “The Scrounger,” a prisoner who could get anything through charm or cunning. In order to portray the role with as much authenticity as possible, he took it upon himself to interview actual WWII POWs who had filled similar roles in camps. Armed with the insights he needed to truly understand his role, Garner’s relaxed but resourceful character became one of the film’s highlights.
7 The film was banned or censored in some countries
For years after World War II, some countries went out of their way to avoid exposing their citizens to films that directly addressed Nazi atrocities. Because of The Great Escape’s portrayal of Nazi war crimes (specifically the execution of 50 recaptured POWs), the movies faced bans or heavy edits in Germany and several other nations. As public conversations about WWII evolved, the film was eventually allowed (and, in some cases, embraced) by those countries. Today, The Great Escape is universally recognized for its bravery in depicting the darker truths about the atrocities that occurred during that time period.
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