at theaters: august 8, 1963

Opened in movie theaters 50 years ago today:

THE GREAT ESCAPE (Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough; directed by John Sturges)

Review: “’The Great Escape” grinds out its tormenting story without a peek beneath the surface of any man, without a real sense of human involvement. It’s a strictly mechanical adventure with make-believe men.” —Bowsley Crowther, 1963

Trivia: Charles Bronson, who portrays the chief tunneler, brought his own expertise and experiences to the set: he had been a coal miner before turning to acting and gave director John Sturges advice on how to move the earth. As a result of his work in the coal mines, Bronson suffered from claustrophobia just as his character had. —imdb.com

Quote: “I haven’t seen Berlin yet, from the ground or from the air, and I plan on doing both before the war is over.”