Pathé has released a poster and trailer for director Oliver Parker’s upcoming drama The Great Escaper.
Inspired by true events, the film tells the story of Bernard (Michael Caine), as he makes his escape from his care home on the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings to join his fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy and commemorate their fallen comrades, and also features Oscar-winner Glenda Jackson (Women in Love, A Touch of Class) in her final film role.
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.
The film stars Michael Caine, Glenda Jackson, John Standing, Danielle Vitalis, Will Fletcher and Laura Marcus.
The Great Escaper arrives in cinemas on October 6th in the UK.
