Let’s talk about the real world in the film, the actor , Donald Pleasance, who gave advice to Sturges, who ignored him and dismissed him until fellow actors told the director. he actually was in bomber command, World War II and was shot down in his Lancaster and actually was a prisoner of war?
I'm a Steve McQueen fan and enjoyed most of his movies (the Magnificent 7, Towering Inferno, The War Lover, Hell is for Heroes, the Sand Pebbles, Bullitt, the Great Escape, the Getaway, Papillion, Nevada Smith). But He had a overwhelming ego of his himself and his work. He tried to out due Paul Neuman in several movies (the Towering Inferno, which McQueen wanted top billing but Neuman got his name first. McQueen counted how many lines Neuman had and Steve's character has more lines added to his character to even Neuman's character. and when he was offered the role of doing Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, McQueen want to play Butch Cassidy but was told Neuman would play Cassidy, he wanted his name first but didn't get it, McQueen was trying to compete with Neuman but could not beat him. Neumanthen wanted unknown actor Robert Redford to play the Sundance Kid and the producers and director finally agreed to let Redford do the role which launched his acting career. I read his ex wife's (Neille McQueen) book, My Husband, my Friend on Steve and she painted a different story of Steve which sounded more accurate of Steve's persona: he wanted everything to go his way or else. He did not get along with co-stars either, and argued with directors too. He was nominated for a best actor for the Sand Pebbles but lost out to actor Pual Scofield and he snubbed the Oscars after that. it is sad that Steve McQueen died early at the age of 50 but left a great list of movies to his acting credits. RIP, Steve.
When BC & the SD kid came bob redford was an established well known actor , you forgot to mention that it was Newman who opened the door for McQueen in the movie = somebody up there likes me "
From what I understand, although it isn't public knowledge, the film was rewritten to about 75%, but this new writer was never credited. He became quite good friends with McQueen. The scene with the plane crashing into the trees, after skiing along the ground, actually killed the pilot. The professional stuntman was not available and an assistant director took it on, confident that he could glide between those trees. I'll add that McQueen was indeed a tough SOB, Bruce Lee's best celebrity student, and he actually had a full contact fight with Lee before being convinced to study under him (originally at the recommendation of James Coburn).
Who else but Steve McQueen could solve the potential of The Great Escape becoming a pale or mediocre 60's homage to a WWII prison camp war movie ? ? ? What could have happened if William Holden hadn't played his to his full potential in Stalag 17 ? ? ? No Academy Awards and no multi-generational fans.
He also won the battle of top billing over James Garner. I've also heard that many of the older British actors, took exception to McQueen being a daily reefer smoker. James Garner was also a long time stoner. Steve McQueen was a complicated guy, never playing by the "rules" except his own. And most of the time it paid off.
Let’s talk about the real world in the film, the actor , Donald Pleasance, who gave advice to Sturges, who ignored him and dismissed him until fellow actors told the director. he actually was in bomber command, World War II and was shot down in his Lancaster and actually was a prisoner of war?
I'm a Steve McQueen fan and enjoyed most of his movies (the Magnificent 7, Towering Inferno, The War Lover, Hell is for Heroes, the Sand Pebbles, Bullitt, the Great Escape, the Getaway, Papillion, Nevada Smith). But He had a overwhelming ego of his himself and his work. He tried to out due Paul Neuman in several movies (the Towering Inferno, which McQueen wanted top billing but Neuman got his name first. McQueen counted how many lines Neuman had and Steve's character has more lines added to his character to even Neuman's character. and when he was offered the role of doing Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, McQueen want to play Butch Cassidy but was told Neuman would play Cassidy, he wanted his name first but didn't get it, McQueen was trying to compete with Neuman but could not beat him. Neumanthen wanted unknown actor Robert Redford to play the Sundance Kid and the producers and director finally agreed to let Redford do the role which launched his acting career. I read his ex wife's (Neille McQueen) book, My Husband, my Friend on Steve and she painted a different story of Steve which sounded more accurate of Steve's persona: he wanted everything to go his way or else. He did not get along with co-stars either, and argued with directors too. He was nominated for a best actor for the Sand Pebbles but lost out to actor Pual Scofield and he snubbed the Oscars after that. it is sad that Steve McQueen died early at the age of 50 but left a great list of movies to his acting credits. RIP, Steve.
When BC & the SD kid came bob redford was an established well known actor , you forgot to mention that it was Newman who opened the door for McQueen in the movie = somebody up there
likes me "
From what I understand, although it isn't public knowledge, the film was rewritten to about 75%, but this new writer was never credited. He became quite good friends with McQueen.
The scene with the plane crashing into the trees, after skiing along the ground, actually killed the pilot. The professional stuntman was not available and an assistant director took it on, confident that he could glide between those trees.
I'll add that McQueen was indeed a tough SOB, Bruce Lee's best celebrity student, and he actually had a full contact fight with Lee before being convinced to study under him (originally at the recommendation of James Coburn).
I grew up with War films and the Great Escape was not one of the best .Purely for an American audience
Steve McQueen, a great actor.
Steve's star burned brightly and he died young.
44 years ago (November 7th 1980) we lost The King of Cool
His influence and filmatic legacy lives on
I'm convinced his influence made this film a classic.
Exactly 💯 😊
I disagree.
I think he should have just followed the script. He took the role as it was but wasn’t happy. I think the should have replaced him.
The Director was willing to replace him if not for his co star James Garner.
Who else but Steve McQueen could solve the potential of The Great Escape becoming a pale or mediocre 60's homage to a WWII prison camp war movie ? ? ?
What could have happened if William Holden hadn't played his to his full potential in Stalag 17 ? ? ?
No Academy Awards and no multi-generational fans.
He also won the battle of top billing over James Garner. I've also heard that many of the older British actors, took exception to McQueen being a daily reefer smoker. James Garner was also a long time stoner. Steve McQueen was a complicated guy, never playing by the "rules" except his own. And most of the time it paid off.
He was awesome he died young