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The McKenzie Break

  • 1970
  • PG
  • 1h 48m
IMDb RATING
6.5/10
1.9K
YOUR RATING
Brian Keith and Helmut Griem in The McKenzie Break (1970)
During WW2, German POWs in Britain plot to escape from their prison camp in Scotland.
Play trailer3:29
1 Video
21 Photos
Dark ComedyActionDramaWar

During WW2, German POWs in Britain plot to escape from their prison camp in Scotland.During WW2, German POWs in Britain plot to escape from their prison camp in Scotland.During WW2, German POWs in Britain plot to escape from their prison camp in Scotland.

  • Director
    • Lamont Johnson
  • Writers
    • William W. Norton
    • Sidney Shelley
  • Stars
    • Brian Keith
    • Helmut Griem
    • Ian Hendry
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.5/10
    1.9K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Lamont Johnson
    • Writers
      • William W. Norton
      • Sidney Shelley
    • Stars
      • Brian Keith
      • Helmut Griem
      • Ian Hendry
    • 22User reviews
    • 10Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 nomination total

    Videos1

    Trailer
    Trailer 3:29
    Trailer

    Photos21

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    Top cast37

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    Brian Keith
    Brian Keith
    • Capt. Jack Connor
    Helmut Griem
    Helmut Griem
    • Kapitän zur See Willi Schluetter
    Ian Hendry
    Ian Hendry
    • Maj. Perry
    Jack Watson
    Jack Watson
    • Gen. Kerr
    Patrick O'Connell
    • Sgt. Maj. Cox
    Horst Janson
    Horst Janson
    • Lt. Neuchl
    Alexander Allerson
    Alexander Allerson
    • Lt. Wolff
    John Abineri
    John Abineri
    • Capt. Kranz
    Constantine Gregory
    Constantine Gregory
    • Lt. Hall
    • (as Constantin De Goguel)
    Tom Kempinski
    • Lt. Schmidt
    Eric Allan
    • Lt. Hochbauer
    Caroline Mortimer
    • A.T.S. Sgt. Bell
    Mary Larkin
    Mary Larkin
    • Cpl. Jean Watt
    Gregg Palmer
    Gregg Palmer
    • Lt. Berger
    Michael Sheard
    Michael Sheard
    • Ingenieur-Offizier Unger
    Ingo Mogendorf
    • Lt. Fullgrabe
    Emmet Bergin
    • Orderly Johnston
    • (uncredited)
    Barry Cassin
    • Guard Jones
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Lamont Johnson
    • Writers
      • William W. Norton
      • Sidney Shelley
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews22

    6.51.8K
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    Featured reviews

    7ianvanarkadie

    Interesting and unusual

    An interesting war film that differs from others in a number of ways. Firstly,the plot concerns German prisoners of war held in a POW camp in Scotland planning an escape. While many films have featured Allied POWs, it's quite rare to find one that focuses on Germans held in captivity (Hardy Kruger as "The one that got away" is another example). Secondly, the Germans actually speak in German as opposed to some studio manufactured pidgin English. This adds a welcome note of authenticity so often missing from big name war movies made around the same time. The cut that I've seen on British TV was certainly subtitled. I note that another reviewer had the misfortune to watch a non-subtitled version - he has my sympathy! Another interesting point is that - in a subplot - the film has a gay German POW being persecuted and subsequently murdered by his own compatriots. Whether this actually happened and how much of the film is based on fact I'm not sure. However, the Nazi persecution of homosexuals is well-documented, but not often seen on the screen. It must have been a fairly bold move for a film made in 1970 to address this. There are some loopholes, but it remains well-acted and intriguing.
    6moonspinner55

    Detailed, methodical POW drama enhanced by two good performances...

    Brian Keith is well-cast as an Irish-born Army Captain with the British forces during WWII who is penalized for some indiscretions and busted down to Intelligence Officer at a prisoner-of-war camp in Scotland; the German inmates there take their orders from a megalomaniac Nazi Kapitänleutnant, who is supervising the digging of a tunnel underneath the barracks to freedom. Although ultimately let down by the lax editing and the careful if plodding pace, this is a well-realized vision of wartime behind barbed wire. The picture runs too long and has some beleaguered plot-threads (such as the sacrificial homosexual), though the match of wits between adept, assured Keith and smug, shrewd Helmut Griem is riveting. The locations (via Ireland and Turkey) give the film a vivid and unique look, and screenwriter William Norton's dialogue is extraordinarily direct. The finale is somewhat dragged out (and far-fetched in the bargain), yet it provides for a satisfying, sardonic close. **1/2 from ****
    Karl Self

    Outstanding

    Whereas many supposedly modern films such as `Saving Private Ryan' play along a clear black - and - white scheme (us = good decent chaps, Germans inhuman war robots), `The McKenzie Break' goes down a different path; neither of the central characters is readily likeable or even understandable. Captain Jack Connor is an Irishman fighting on the side of the British Army, a maverick by his personality and origin and yet a representative of the status quo. His antagonist Kapitän Willi Schlüter is a fanatical Nazi, yet we unwillingly sympathize with him because, young and sharp - witted, he is a prisoner desperately trying to break free.

    Because the film does not force a constructed morality on the viewer, it is truthful and keeps us in suspense; we are never able to predict the ending or even the next turn of events. `The McKenzie' break is truly a neglected gem, an honest, engaging and intelligent movie that stands out among its genre.
    8ewarn-1

    Break Into This Prison Camp

    Interesting and unusual story of a pack of German POWs plotting to break out of a prison camp in the UK and the new commanding officer's own plots to deal with them.

    The British Army commander played by Brian Keith is hard-drinking, clever, Irish, cynical, shrewd, complex and street wise. The German Navy commander is fanatical, ruthless, confident, arrogant, intelligent and shrewd. Both of them spend some time trying to pull one over on the other, and they both know each other knows that, so they spend a little time playing a cat and mouse game while trying to gain the upper hand. Keith's captain drinks a little whiskey and plots with resolute calm. The German sings a few Nazi songs and plots with resolute calm. Then they both put their schemes into action.

    I like all the acting here and the wet , cloudy , but bright green Irish landscapes. This is a fascinating World War II story that takes place neither on the battlefield or some goofy nostalgic homefront, but still contains plenty of action and thrilling suspense. When you watch it, emulate Brian Keith and drink a glass of whiskey.
    8thinker1691

    " You may be following orders, but which ones make murder acceptable "

    During the War years, many a soldier were given specific instructions concerning their duties. After the war, just as many came under the scrutiny of justice. The Nazis were grossly mistaken when those accused of atrocious war crimes against humanity sought the protection of obeying explicit or direct orders. In this film " The McKenzie Break " German navel officers in a P.O.W camp are given secret orders to help 28 submariners escape and return to duty. As such they begin causing an inordinate amount of trouble for the English guards, to the point that general Kerr (Jack Watson) is puzzled by their antics. Unable to fathom the reason, Captain Jack Connor, an intelligent officer (Brian Keith) {supurb acting} is given tactical command over the camp run by Major Perry (Ian Hendry) to ascertain the reason. While there, Connor engages in mind games with Captain Willy Schlueter (Helmut Griem) a German Submarine commander. Time is short as Schlueter must complete an underground tunnel, before Connors' amasses enough evidence to prosecute his adversary for murder or deciphers the secret codes in the letters he confiscated. When the escape is prematurely forced, both men struggle to complete their assignments. Although not on the caliber of The Great Escape, this movie nevertheless gives a stirring and dramatic performance to excite audiences and the cast renders a good account of themselves. A top notch film which has since become a military Classic. ****

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      In real life no German prisoner of war held captive in Great Britain during World War II ever succeeded in escaping. One POW did however escape from a prison camp in Canada and made it back to Germany.
    • Goofs
      Although it is raining heavily in many scenes, the ground remains mostly dry. There is no dirt visible on the character's clothes after they fought each other on expectedly wet sand and grass.
    • Quotes

      [last lines]

      Captain Jack Connor: Willi, looks like we're both in the shithouse.

    • Soundtracks
      SYMPHONY NO.3 E-FLAT MAJOR, OP.55 -- 1st & 2nd Movements
      Music by Ludwig van Beethoven

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    FAQ14

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 1971 (United Kingdom)
    • Countries of origin
      • Ireland
      • United Kingdom
    • Languages
      • English
      • German
    • Also known as
      • Escape
    • Filming locations
      • Bonmahon, County Waterford, Ireland
    • Production companies
      • Levy-Gardner-Laven
      • Brighton Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 48m(108 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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