‘The Great Escaper’ is a moving story about remembrance featuring the late Glenda Jackson

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“The Great Escaper,” the last film featuring the late Glenda Jackson and potentially Michael Caine’s final role, is now available in the U.S. after premiering on PBS’s “Masterpiece Theatre.” The film, released in the UK two years ago, tells the remarkable true story of Bernie Jordan, an 89-year-old who left his retirement home without telling anyone to attend the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. (A similar story was also the basis for the film “The Last Rifleman,” starring Pierce Brosnan.) The film explores themes of love, the passage of time, and a sense of duty. Written by William Ivory and directed by Oliver Parker, it’s a straightforward and touching story—sweet without being overly sentimental, and emotionally resonant even knowing the outcome.

Bernie Caine, a Royal Navy veteran, lives in a seaside care home in Hove with his wife, Rene Jackson, who requires more medical care than he does. Both remain mentally sharp. Disappointed to miss a group trip to Normandy, Bernie, with Rene’s support, decides to make the journey on his own. Despite using a walker and sometimes appearing tired or lost in thought – he has a clear purpose – the trip doesn’t overly exhaust him. Things become easier when he meets Arthur Howard-Johnson, another veteran from the RAF, on the ferry. Arthur offers Bernie a place with his group and a room at his hotel. As the story unfolds, Bernie becomes increasingly focused and energetic, even taking the lead, after Arthur initially looked after him. It’s revealed that both men carry a heavy weight of guilt stemming from events during the invasion.

So, back at the care home in Hove, things weren’t super strict – Bernie could wander off whenever he pleased, which meant the staff, mainly his aide Adele and the manager Judith, didn’t immediately notice he was gone. And Rene, who always playfully argued with them anyway, was actually helping Bernie by keeping quiet, giving him a head start. Eventually, they realized Bernie was missing and a search started. Rene finally confessed what was happening, the story got out to the press, and Bernie, completely oblivious, became known as ‘The Great Escaper’! He eventually came back home, a bit grumpy about all the attention, but definitely a local celebrity.

We see glimpses into the past, featuring actors portraying a young Bernie and Rene, showing how they first met during the war and Bernie’s experiences with a soldier on D-Day. These flashbacks are woven into the current story, adding depth and context without unnecessary details.

Glenda Jackson and Michael Caine were major stars in British film and theatre during the 1960s and 70s. Jackson was known for roles in productions like “Marat/Sade” and “Elizabeth R,” while Caine starred in “Alfie” and the Harry Palmer films. They appeared together in the 1975 film “The Romantic Englishwoman,” co-written by Tom Stoppard. Jackson was also a politically engaged Member of Parliament for 23 years, returning to acting in 2015 with acclaimed performances in “King Lear” and a Tony-winning revival of “Three Tall Women.” Caine continued to act consistently, appearing in diverse films like “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” the “Austin Powers” series, and Christopher Nolan’s “Batman” trilogy, as well as five other Nolan films. Seeing their new film, “The Great Escaper,” feels like witnessing a piece of history.

Both actors remain incredibly skilled. It’s comforting to remember that even when portraying vulnerable characters, the performers themselves are using considerable strength and focus. Considering their age – Michael Caine was 90 and Anthony Hopkins passed away shortly before the film’s release – it’s impossible not to be aware of the actors behind the roles. However, this awareness actually enhances the emotional impact. Both actors embrace their age with honesty and without pretense, and their characters’ eventual reconnection feels genuinely moving, deeply authentic, and beautifully simple.

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2025-11-21 14:31