The Great Escape (1963)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  172 Minutes

Rated: Not Rated (PG)

Genre: Adventure, Drama, History

Director: John Sturges

Starring: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasance, James Donald

IMDB Rank: 8.2/10

*** The VHS format breaks abruptly at 115 minutes with Roger, Ramsey, and Hilts waiting at the end of the tunnel. Hilts tells Roger and Ramsey that the tunnel is short of the trees. Although this break is much more intense, a more natural break happens at 91 minutes where a fade to black screen is presented. The fade to black scene will be used for the film’s intermission point.

Part 1 Time: 91 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 81 Minutes

Where does the first part end? The ‘Tom’ tunnel has been discovered by the Germans. Hilts (Steve McQueen) tells Roger (Richard Attenborough) he will get the information he needs.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Open up Harry, we dig around the clock,” Roger states to the allied POW’s.

First line of dialogue on the second part: The following night, Hilts escapes by cutting through the fence. There is no dialogue in the scene. Hilts is returned to camp the following day with a German soldier stating “Cooler.’

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, the POW’s have been putting all their digging resources into the ‘Tom’ tunnel and have only 15 meters to go. But with the Germans discovering the ‘Tom’ tunnel the POW’s will need to regroup and open another tunnel.

Which part is better? Both parts have their redeeming qualities. This first part outlines the planning and problem solving required to escape a German prisoner of war camp without being detected. Part two highlights the final preparations and the escape of the prisoners. Part two is given the edge due to the excitement and conclusion of the escape. Who will escape, who will be captured?

Academy Awards: Best Film Editing (Nominated)