Watch Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson in the trailer for The Great Escaper

Pathé has released the brand-new poster and trailer for The Great Escaper which is set to open in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from 6 October 2023.

Inspired by true events, the film tells the story of octogenarian Bernard Jordan’s escape from his care home to attend the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in France:

In the summer of 2014, Bernard Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines. He had staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades at the D-Day Landings 70th anniversary.

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 sanitised 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 to Rene (Glenda Jackson) – THE GREAT ESCAPER celebrates their enduring love but always with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation.

THE GREAT ESCAPER is directed by the BAFTA nominated Oliver Parker (An Ideal Husband) from a script by BAFTA-nominee William Ivory (Made in Dagenham).

The film is produced by BAFTA-nominees Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae (Nowhere Boy) and is an Ecosse Films production for Pathé and BBC Film. Executive Producers are Cameron McCracken for Pathé and Eva Yates for BBC Film.

The creative team includes BAFTA-nominated Cinematographer Christopher Ross (Room), BAFTA-winner Editor Paul Tothill (Atonement), Production Designer Nick Palmer (Das Boot), BAFTA-nominee Costume Designer Emma Fryer (The Great), Hair and Make-Up by Jacqueline Fowler (War & Peace) and BAFTA-winner Composer Craig Armstrong (Moulin Rouge).

Pathé will distribute the film in the UK, France and Switzerland and is handling sales throughout the rest of the world.