THE GREAT ESCAPER
Running Time: 1 hr 36 mins
In the summer of 2014 - the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings - octogenarian Bernie Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines. He'd staged a "great escape" from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades. It was a story that captured the imagination of the world - Bernie seemed to embody the defiant, "can-do" spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing. But of course, it wasn’t the whole story. It was the story we all tell ourselves to make war and old age bearable. The bitter-sweet script explores the reality with wit and a very big heart. Bernie's adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Irene (Glenda Jackson) - the story celebrates their love without sentimentality and with an eye to the lessons we can all learn from the Greatest Generation.
|
Film making at its very best.
"Having missed an organised trip to the 70th anniversary of The D-Day landings, 90 year old Bernard John makes his own way to France, leaving behind his wife and care home.
I suppose I'd start by saying that I didn't want this film to end, magical from beginning to end. Bernard's story touched many people, I remember it being on The BBC news back in 2014.
They could have made the film overly sentimental or too sobre, but they struck the perfect mix, it's heartfelt, touching, inspiring and amusing, it's such a moving, real life story."
"A moving and surprisingly nuanced drama offering far more than flag-waving nostalgia. Superb performances from Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson..."
Film making at its very best.
"Having missed an organised trip to the 70th anniversary of The D-Day landings, 90 year old Bernard John makes his own way to France, leaving behind his wife and care home.
I suppose I'd start by saying that I didn't want this film to end, magical from beginning to end. Bernard's story touched many people, I remember it being on The BBC news back in 2014.
They could have made the film overly sentimental or too sobre, but they struck the perfect mix, it's heartfelt, touching, inspiring and amusing, it's such a moving, real life story."
"A moving and surprisingly nuanced drama offering far more than flag-waving nostalgia. Superb performances from Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson..."
Thursday 22nd February
Doors open at 7.15pm for membership registration
Members' entrance:
Adults: £4 U18s: £3
Start time:
7.30pm (Doors open at 7.15pm)
Callington Town Hall Council Chamber
NOTE: ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED (AVAILABLE ON DOOR). £6 PER CALENDAR YEAR;
FIRST FILM FREE.
Doors open at 7.15pm for membership registration
Members' entrance:
Adults: £4 U18s: £3
Start time:
7.30pm (Doors open at 7.15pm)
Callington Town Hall Council Chamber
NOTE: ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED (AVAILABLE ON DOOR). £6 PER CALENDAR YEAR;
FIRST FILM FREE.