The Great Escaper

The Great Escaper is a 2023 biographical drama film directed by Oliver Parker, written by William Ivory, and starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson. It is based on the true story of 89-year-old British World War II Royal Navy veteran Bernard Jordan who made global headlines by staging a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades in June 2014. The film explores Bernie’s adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, and also celebrates his 60-year marriage to Irene (portrayed by the late Glenda Jackson), without sentimentality.

The film marked the final screen performances for both lead actors: Jackson died in June 2023, nine months after filming finished; Caine announced his retirement from acting in October 2023.

The Times review said: “By genre, it is neither a grey-pound comedy nor a senile psychodrama but an unassuming tale about autumnal dignity and the quiet compensations of lifelong companionship.”

We are showing the film this month to mark the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings.