Last night I watched Director, John Sturges, 1963 tribute to ‘The Fifty’…
Hollywood’s take on a true tale of tragedy, heroism, and sacrifice…ageless, forever poignant, and eternally inspirational for the human spirit.
My favourite film of all time - joint first with 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
For the occasion, I watched the recent beautiful ‘Arrow’ BD release, complete with a brand new audio commentary by two fans of this monumental film - nothing new to add, but their enthusiasm for this ever-green was grand to hear.
I have mentioned before, that I think it’s vitally important to read up on the real ‘Stalag Luft 111’ escape in 1944, if only to further honour and appreciate the super-human efforts of everyday family men, who simply wanted to escape captivity and return to their loved ones.
No amount of films, documentaries, or reading on page the real-life exploits of the POW’s, can adequately describe or portray how terrifying it must have been to be so intent on escape, that unbearable hardships and the risk of discovery were endured.
All in all, and despite Hollywood embellishments and additional flim-flam, ‘The Great Escape’ does, I believe, do a fine job of honouring the real event, and the fifty who never saw home.
‘For the fifty’…the present day monument at Sagan (Zagan).
Roger Bushell (Big X), the prime escape organiser, is named on the far left stone.
Below: The ‘Harry’. tunnel, present day.
