Grand Illusion (1937)
Original title: La Grande Illusion
Grand Illusion is a 1937 French-language drama movie directed by Jean Renoir, with a running time of 1h 54m. It stars Jean Gabin, Pierre Fresnay and Erich von Stroheim.
A group of French soldiers, including the patrician Captain de Boeldieu and the working-class Lieutenant Maréchal, grapple with their own class differences after being captured and held in a World War I German prison camp. When the men are transferred to a high-security fortress, they must concoct a plan to escape beneath the watchful eye of aristocratic German officer von Rauffenstein, who has formed an unexpected bond with de Boeldieu.
Quick answers
What is Grand Illusion about?
A group of French soldiers, including the patrician Captain de Boeldieu and the working-class Lieutenant Maréchal, grapple with their own class differences after being captured and held in a World War I German prison camp. When the men are transferred to a high-security fortress, they must concoct a plan to escape beneath the watchful eye of aristocratic German officer von Rauffenstein, who has formed an unexpected bond with de Boeldieu.
When was Grand Illusion released?
Grand Illusion was released on 4 June 1937.
How long is Grand Illusion?
Grand Illusion runs 1h 54m.
Who made Grand Illusion?
Grand Illusion was directed by Jean Renoir.
Where can I watch Grand Illusion?
Grand Illusion is available on Darkroom and Kanopy.
Where to watch Grand Illusion
Stream: Darkroom
Watch free: Kanopy
Cast
- Jean Gabin as Le lieutenant Maréchal
- Pierre Fresnay as Le capitaine de Boëldieu
- Erich von Stroheim as Le capitaine von Rauffenstein
- Marcel Dalio as Le lieutenant Rosenthal
- Dita Parlo as Elsa
- Julien Carette as Cartier, l'acteur
- Gaston Modot as L'ingénieur
- Georges Péclet as Le serrurier
- Werner Florian as Le sergent Arthur
- Jean Dasté as L'instituteur
- Sylvain Itkine as Le lieutenant Demolder
- Jacques Becker as L'officier anglais
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- Companion guide: World War One