The Great Escape Parent Guide

Parent Movie Review
by Donna Gustafson

What would you do with various prisoners of war who were determined to get away? In the movie The Great Escape, German officials faced with this dilemma decide to put all their “rotten eggs” in one basket: A brand new detention camp equipped with the best security measures available.

When the worst offenders arrive, the peace-seeking Kommandant (Hannes Messemer) urges the R.A.F. captives to sit out the remainder of the war with a minimal amount of disturbance. But his advice is met with the reminder that a captured officer’s sworn duty is to attempt escape or do anything else which will keep the enemy busy and thereby distracted from their efforts at the front.

The cat and mouse game begins immediately, and just as quickly, Captain Hilts (Steve McQueen) and Flying Officer Ives (Angus Lennie) find themselves in the solitary confinement of the “Cooler.” Meanwhile, serious plans start as soon as Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett (Richard Attenborough) is transferred in. “Big X”, as he is known to his fellows, soon has the whole camp tunneling under their new digs, with a goal of breaking out 250 prisoners.

The elaborate plot includes not only an escape route, but also the creation of forged passports and civilian clothing. Keeping all this industry (and the excavated dirt) from being detected creates a great deal of tension, yet the film doesn’t end there. When the convicts trade the barbwire enclosed camp for the barbwire enclosed country, the real suspense begins.

Based on a true story and starring some of the 1960’s best-known actors, perhaps the only criticism of this movie would be the understated gravity of the situation. Initially, the prisoners’ rebellious attitudes and escape attempts are reminiscent of schoolboys playing pranks. The portrayals become more realistic as the heroes face the risks associated with crossing the border. For families, the minimal violent depictions are likely an advantage, making the enthralling tale of The Great Escape a great WWII discussion starter.

Directed by John Sturges. Starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, James Donald, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasence. Running time: 172 minutes. Theatrical release July 4, 1963. Updated July 17, 2017

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.

The Great Escape
Rating & Content Info

Why is The Great Escape rated Not Rated? The Great Escape is rated Not Rated by the MPAA

Overall: B+

Detained in a German Prisoner of war camp during WW II, officers of the allied forces develop an elaborate escape plan. Based on a true story, the movie follows their efforts, with a minimal amount of violence depicted.

Violence: C+

Armed soldiers are seen throughout the film; they are also shown threatening and shooting prisoners. Brawls and fights are engaged in frequently. Characters hiding in tree branches are almost stabbed by a pitchfork. Characters threatened by machinegun fire: depiction of a man being shot. Gestapo officers are depicted; their acts of torture are implied, but never depicted. On two occasions, a man nearly suffocates in a tunnel cave-in. Bunk bed collapses under a man’s weight. Men injured or killed when a motorbike runs into a trip wire, and in a crash. Several gunfights occur, and characters are shown being shot. Men are imprisoned in a camp, an isolation cell, and a cellar. Motorbike chase with reckless driving is depicted. Plane crashes and catches fire. Blood is shown on injured characters. Man is tangled in barbwire. On two occasions, men are executed with a machine gun.

Sexual Content: A

Bare chest of a showering man is seen.

Language: B+

At least: 12 mild profanities and 3 terms of Deity used as expletives, and the use of derogatory names for the enemy.

Alcohol / Drug Use: C

Various characters smoke throughout the film. Cigarettes are used as bribes. An extended scene portrays the making and drinking of moonshine (alcohol) with it’s associated inebriating effects..

Miscellaneous Concerns:.

Many of the characters display a rebellious attitude. Many main characters engage in acts of theft, blackmail and deception to assist their escape effort. A character’s desire for revenge is mentioned, but never elaborated upon.

Page last updated July 17, 2017