Based on the true story that made global headlines in 2014, The Great Escaper stars Michael Caine as 89-year-old British WWII veteran Bernard Jordan, who snuck out of his care home to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landing in Normandy, France. Reel Alternatives will close out its 2023/24 season with this moving film on Monday, June 17th at 7 pm in partnership with the Algonquin Theatre. This screening is generously sponsored by Muskoka Landing Retirement Lodge.
After Bernard’s absence was reported to police, the care home got a call later that evening to say that Bernard had been found safe and well in France. He returned a few days later having made his way to the event. 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, that isn’t the whole story; it is also an inspirational 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. The late Glenda Jackson plays his devoted wife who covers up for him as much as possible and encourages him to follow his destiny. The Great Escaper celebrates their enduring love without sentimentality and with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation.
During the London premiere of The Great Escaper last September, Sir Michael Caine announced his retirement from acting stating that “I am bloody 90 now, and I can’t walk properly and all that. I sort of am retired now.” (Source – IMDB). The timing of the film’s screening makes it all the more poignant so soon after the recent commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when even fewer vets were able to attend.
Tickets are available online at reelalternativeshuntsville.ca or algonquintheatre.ca, at the door or by calling the Algonquin Theatre box office at 705-789-4975.
Reel Alternatives Huntsville gratefully acknowledges their partnership with Film Circuit, presented by the Toronto International Film Festival, and its sponsors and supporters.
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