A classic WWII story based on the real life mass escape from Stalag Luft III.

The ensemble cast includes Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasence, James Coburn, David McCallum and Gordon Jackson and all give a solid performance. Although not a feel good movie, after all 50 of the escapees were shot and only 3 made a ‘home run’ it ranks as a classic probably because of the attention to detail in the portrayal of life in a POW camp. And probably Hilts’ (McQueen) dramatic escape attempt by motorbike.

Of as much interest on this special edition are the documentaries comparing the fiction with reality including the fact that some real escape techniques were not mentioned because they wanted them to be of potential use in the Vietnam war (1957-1975)

A cool film with a great theme tune.