A stirring example of courage and the indomitable human spirit, for many John Sturges's The Great Escape is both the definitive World War II drama and the nonpareil prison escape movie. The film showcases an unequalled ensemble cast in a rivetingly authentic true-life scenario set to one of the all-time great film scores.
Elmer Bernstein's music is a true classic, featuring one of the most memorable and famous themes of his long career. This picture is both a template for subsequent action-adventure movies and one of the last glories of Golden Age Hollywood. Reunited with the director who made him a star in The Magnificent Seven, Steve McQueen gives a career-defining performance as the laconic Hilts, the baseball loving, motorbike-riding "Cooler King". The rest of the all-male Anglo-American cast - Richard Attenborough, Donald Pleasance, James Garner, Charles Bronson, David McCallum, James Coburn, and Gordon Jackson - make the most of their meaty roles.
Closely based on Paul Brickhill's book, the various escape attempts, scrounging, forging, and ferreting activities are authentically realized. Sturges orchestrates the climax with total conviction, giving us both high action and very poignant human drama. Without trivializing the grim reality, The Great Escape thrillingly celebrates the heroism of men who never gave up the fight.
To coincide with MGM's brand new 2-DVD special edition of the film, being released in the US on May 25, 2004 comes this special remastering of the original soundtrack album.
US Film Release Date: 1963
![13 Semester [Various Artists]](images/product_images/thumbnail_images/2293_0.jpg)
