The Great Escaper starring Michael Caine – A Reel Alternatives Film Screening

Based on a true story that made global headlines in 2014, The Great Escaper stars Michael Caine as 89-year old WWII veteran Bernard Jordan who snuck out of his care home to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landing in Normandy, France. The late Glenda Jackson plays Bernard’s devoted wife who covers up for him as much as possible and encourages him to follow his destiny.

After the local police were notified of his absence, the care home got a call that evening to say that Mr. Jordan 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, it wasn’t the whole story. It was an inspirational but sanitized 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 Great Escaper celebrates their enduring love without sentimentality and with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation.

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