I can really only reiterate what others have said about this over-rated, over-long film. The tone and atmosphere seem off from the start as the prisoners arrive, swagger about and case the POW camp like they own the place and ultimately they do. It seems more like a summer camp; everything looks too bright and clean including the prisoners who never have a hair out of place. The film is about as persuasive as Hogan's Heroes and arguably less entertaining. There is no real suspense or tension until the end and the film and characters have no depth. In no way does this film compare to Stalag 17 (1953) or The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957). At 3 hours long, I found the film tedious and talky.
Review of The Great Escape
