---
title: "The Great Escape"
year: 1963
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-great-escape-1963"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 5925
imdb_id: "tt0057115"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 173
community_rating: 7.9
vote_count: 2882
content_rating: "NR"
---

# The Great Escape (1963) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-great-escape-1963

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Great Escape is a 1963 film based on a true story regarding prisoners of war during World War II. The narrative begins when Nazi officials, frustrated by frequent escapes from various prison camps, transfer a group of Allied prisoners to a new facility designed to be escape-proof. The authorities intend for these men to remain in this high-security camp for the duration of the war. Despite the increased security measures and the challenging nature of their confinement, the prisoners refuse to be deterred. Instead, they organize and execute one of the most ambitious escape attempts documented during the conflict. The film focuses on their collective efforts to overcome the obstacles presented by their captors and the camp environment. By relocating these individuals to a single, secure location, the Nazis inadvertently create the conditions for a significant and coordinated breakout attempt. The story highlights the persistence of the prisoners as they challenge the effectiveness of the high-security facility and pursue their freedom against the backdrop of the global war.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Allied POWs plot a daring breakout from a Nazi high-security camp."

### Why Watch
- Based on a true World War II escape
- Features high-stakes war adventure
- Showcases Allied ingenuity

### Caveats & Content Note
- Runtime approaches three hours
- Not rated, may include intense war scenes
- Tone & Suitability: The film depicts wartime conflict and is suited for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: tense, heroic, gritty

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, TCM | Hoopla, Fawesome | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | MGM Plus Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | MGM Amazon Channel | Hoopla | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | BINGE, Foxtel Now, MGM Amazon Channel | 7plus | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: John Sturges
- **Networks / Studios**: The Mirisch Company, United Artists

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Steve McQueen** as *Hilts 'The Cooler King'*
- **James Garner** as *Hendley 'The Scrounger'*
- **Richard Attenborough** as *Bartlett 'Big X'*
- **James Donald** as *Ramsey 'The SBO'*
- **Charles Bronson** as *Danny 'Tunnel King'*
- **Donald Pleasence** as *Blythe 'The Forger'*
- **James Coburn** as *Sedgwick 'Manufacturer'*
- **Hannes Messemer** as *Von Luger 'The Kommandant'*
- **David McCallum** as *Ashley-Pitt 'Dispersal'*
- **Gordon Jackson** as *MacDonald 'Intelligence'*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When was The Great Escape released?
It was released in the United States on July 4, 1963.

### Q: What genre does the film belong to?
It is classified as an adventure, drama, and war film.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes.

### Q: Is the story based on real events?
Yes, it is based on a true World War II escape attempt.

### Q: What is the film’s rating?
The film is listed as Not Rated (NR).

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*