School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-This documentary follows a team of archeologists to the site of Stalag Luft III, the World War II POW camp famous for a daring tunnel escape by its prisoners. The elaborate scheme, immortalized in the feature film The Great Escape starring Steve McQueen, took more than a year to plan. The recent excavation uncovered one of three tunnels, known as "Tom, Dick & Harry," more than 30 feet below ground. The program flashes back in time, using live-action dramatizations alternating with archival photographs. Hundreds of prisoners were involved in the escape plot, from diggers to look outs to forgers who created paperwork for those planning to make the escape. Three U.S. airmen who participated in the digging, but were moved to another camp before they could escape, visited the excavation site and reminisced about their experience. Viewers will marvel at the scope of the plan that cleverly hid two tunnel entrances beneath a stove and in a sump drain. The POW's made digging tools and lamps from milk tins and mutton fat. They used bed boards to shore up the tunnel walls and even developed a wheeled cart to carry soil away and a pump to let in fresh air. Seventy-six men escaped before detection and all but three were recaptured and executed by Hitler's orders. History buffs will be thoroughly in awe of the POW's sheer tenacity and quest for freedom-Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Library Journal Review
This fascinating feature from PBS examines the actual events that inspired the movie The Great Escape. During World War II, the Germans built a top-security prison camp called Stalag Luft III that was supposed to be escape-proof. Yet Allied prisoners devised an intricate escape plan that involved three separate tunnels 30 feet underground. This documentary follows a team of battlefield archaeologists as they excavate one of the remaining tunnels undiscovered by the Germans. Three former POWs who took part in the plot provide invaluable insight into the planning, implementation, and execution of the scheme. This film features excellent sound and video and the outstanding production qualities typical of the NOVA series. The DVD includes some worthwhile extras, including downloadable materials for educators and links. The film does feature some reenactments, which, though marginally useful, could have been left out. Overall, this film is highly recommended for public and academic libraries.-Rod Bustos, Georgia State Univ. Lib., Atlanta (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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