The Great Escaper

Starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson

About the film

In the summer of 2014, Bernard Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines. He had staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades at the D-Day Landings 70th anniversary. It was a story that captured the imagination of the world as Bernie embodied the defiant, “can-do” spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing. But of course, it wasn’t the whole story. It was an inspirational but sanitised retelling of one man’s need to come to terms with the lasting trauma of war. Bernie’s adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Rene (Glenda Jackson) – THE GREAT ESCAPER celebrates their enduring love but always with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation. There is some local interest in this film, as Young Bernard is played by Will Fletcher, who was brought up in nearby Wool. Regulars may remember when Will attended the Rex’s special showing of his previous film, the ‘Road Dance’ in May of last year.

When to watch ‘The Great Escaper’ at The Rex Cinema in Wareham

From the 4th – 9th November. Check with the cinema for times.