The Great Escaper — Official Trailer

added: Mon, Nov 6th '23

Check out the official trailer for the new British drama "The Great Escaper," starring Michael Caine, potentially marking his farewell performance following his recent retirement announcement.

This emotionally charged drama, which premiered in the UK in October, recounts the real-life story of Bernie Jordan, played here by Michael Caine. Jordan, a Royal Navy veteran, grabbed headlines in 2014 when he made a daring exit (or "escape") from his care home in Hove, East Sussex. He embarked on a solo journey to attend the 70th anniversary celebrations of D-day in Normandy.

The film, directed by British filmmaker Oliver Parker ("Dad's Army" and "Johnny English Reborn") and penned by William Ivory (of "Made in Dagenham" fame), also stars the late English actress Glenda Jackson, who portrays Caine's beloved wife. Jackson, a two-time Oscar winner (for "A Touch of Class" in 1974 and "Women in Love" in 1971), sadly passed away earlier this year in June, shortly after completing her role in this film.

Caine officially announced his retirement from acting in October, making "The Great Escaper" likely his final film. The cast also includes John Standing, Wolf Kahler, Ian Conningham, and Jackie Clune.

"The Great Escaper" has not yet received an official release date in the U.S., but you can watch the international trailer above.

synopsis:
In the summer of 2014 - the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings -- octogenarian Bernie Jordan 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 Rene -- the story celebrates their love without sentimentality and with an eye to the lessons we can all learn from the Greatest Generation.

directed by Oliver Parker

starring Michael Caine, Glenda Jackson, John Standing, Wolf Kahler, Ian Conningham, Jackie Clune

release date October 2023 (UK release)