150 Greatest Movie Performances Of All Time

Part one (150-121)

By Total FilmDec 8th 2008

25. 127. Steve McQueen - Capt Virgil Hilts, The Great Escape (1963)

An ensemble cast with one star role: Steve McQueen’s rebellious ‘Cooler King’ was added to keep US audiences onside during this tale of Brits behind barbed wire.

Sticking it to the stiff-upper-lipped COs and the evil Nazis, Hilts is a can-do hero who’s cooler than the cooler he’s repeatedly banged up in. He underplays brilliantly, all laconic shrugs and a single quiver of emotion as buddy Ives gets iced.

“He knew, better than anyone,” says costar Richard Attenborough, “that one telling look is worth any amount of dialogue.”

Greatest Moment: The iconic barbed wire motorbike leap. Vroom, vroom.

Also See: Vin (The Magnificent Seven), Bullitt (Bullitt), Junior Bonner (Junior Bonner).

Like this? Then try...

Comments

Leave a comment

Most Popular

  • News

    1. Reviews

      1. Features

        1. Video

          Close

          Log In to Total Film

          Forgotten your password?

          Close

          Join Total Film

          Registration is quick and easy

          Hint: The film starred Michael J Fox as accidental time traveller Marty McFly.

          As you are registering with Total Film, we would like to think that you'd enjoy receiving the following emails. If you'd rather not receive them, please untick the boxes:

          * Mandatory fields