Where and How Were the Great Escape and Escape from Alcatraz Filmed?

The films 'The Great Escape' (1963) and 'Escape from Alcatraz' (1979) depict true stories that have captivated audiences for decades. Both films feature iconic escapes from prison camps during World War II, yet their filming locations are quite distinct.

The Great Escape Filming Locations

The 1963 film 'The Great Escape,' starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough, is based on the true story of the 1943 escape from Stalag Luft III, a German World War II prisoner-of-war camp. The film's authenticity is largely due to its meticulous location choices and the use of actual sites.

Germany

Stalag Luft III Location:
Many scenes were shot at the former Stalag Luft III, a German prisoner-of-war camp located near Sagan (now Gangewy) in Poland. Despite the camp's dismantlement after the war, the filmmakers selected this location to capture its atmosphere accurately. This choice was instrumental in creating the authentic look that viewers experience in the film.

Poland

Some outdoor scenes were captured in the surrounding areas of the former camp. While much of the filming took place within the camp's boundaries, natural landscapes just outside provided additional footage needed to enhance the overall setting.

United Kingdom

In addition to the main German location, the film's production also used various filming sites in the UK. Notably, some interior scenes were shot at the Isle of Man. This allowed for flexibility in recreating specific scenes without the need to travel extensively.

California USA

To assist in creating more accurate and detailed interior scenes, some filming was conducted in the studios of California. Particularly, certain sets and interiors were created in studios, enhancing the overall authenticity of the escape scenes.

Escape from Alcatraz Filming Locations

'Escape from Alcatraz,' starring Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan, and Roberts Blossom, was filmed in various locations, primarily in Europe, to replicate the Alcatraz Prison setting accurately. The film's authentic atmosphere was achieved through the meticulous selection and use of specific sites.

Germany

Alcatraz-like Camp in Munich:
For the main location, a replica of Alcatraz Prison was built near Munich, Germany. This complete camp allowed for the detailed filming of external and internal scenes, ensuring that the prison environment was accurately depicted.

Germany (Continued)

Exterior Filming:
For escape sequences, the film crew utilized locations in the Rhine Country and near the North Sea. These picturesque landscapes provided the necessary backdrop for the escape scenes, making them feel more authentic and visually stunning.

Austria and Alps

Steve McQueen's Motorcycle Scenes:
Steve McQueen's motorcycle scenes were filmed in Füssen on the Austrian border and the Alps. This setting added a touch of the unfamiliar and the dramatic, enhancing the film's overall atmosphere.

Bavaria Studio in Munich

Interior Shots:
To ensure that all internal scenes were authentic, the Bavaria Studio in Munich was used. This studio provided a controlled environment where the filmmakers could recreate the prison accurately.

Additional Resources and Insights

There is a documentary available about the filming of 'The Great Escape,' which offers an in-depth look at the challenges faced by the filmmakers. Additionally, the book on which the film was based is highly recommended. It provides a detailed account of the events and is praised for its accuracy with one notable exception: the main character was invented to improve the film's appeal to American audiences.

For 'Escape from Alcatraz,' the film's authenticity is even more pronounced due to the extensive use of the Alcatraz-like camp and the meticulous selection of filming locations. This combination of location choices helped the filmmakers create a compelling and immersive experience for the audience.

These films not only captivated a generation but also offer valuable insights into the historical events they depict. Their location choices and the authenticity they aimed to achieve have left a lasting impact on the film industry and continue to be recognized for their historical accuracy.