British acting icons Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson star in the heart-warming film The Great Escaper, showcased as the free community movie for May at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
The Great Escaper is based on the true story of Bernard Jordan who made global headlines in 2014 by “escaping” from his seaside care home.
Bernie’s mission was to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy to commemorate their fallen comrades at the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landing.
After realising he was too late to join the official excursion to the beaches for the commemoration Bernard secretly sets off on his own cross-channel journey to France.
The film captures Bernie’s defiant can-do spirit and is an inspirational but sanitised retelling of his need to come to terms with the lasting trauma of war.
Michael Caine is brilliant in the role of Bernie delivering an expressive performance conveying the love he has for his wife Irene and a lifetime filled with the experiences of war, sadness and joy.
In her last film role, the late Glenda Jackson gives a profoundly astonishing performance as Irene.
On-screen there is a beautiful and gentle chemistry between Glenda Jackson and Michael Caine.
Actor John Standing also delivers a superb performance as Bernie’s newfound travelling companion Arthur.
Bernie and Arthur face their demons, past and present including flashbacks of some dreadful memories of 1945.
The Great Escaper is a big salute to extraordinary actors and to a generation we should all forever cherish.
The Great Escaper
When: Wednesday 15 May – 10.30 am
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, 177 Bourbong Street Bundaberg
Cost: Free, bookings required
More information and how to book can be found here.
Learn about future performances coming to the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre here.
Contact name: Moncrieff Box Office
Contact phone: 4130 4100
Contact email: moncrieff@bundaberg.qld.gov.au
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