The One That Got Away Reviews

Set in the early days of WW II, this is the true story of Franz von Werra (Hardy Kruger), a German Luftwaffe pilot who was captured by the British during the Battle of Britain and made a prisoner of war. Self-assured and confident, the brash flyer brags to his captors that he'll escape within six months. He makes two unsuccessful attempts while in England, then is transported to Canada. On a train to Montreal, he escapes and heads toward the US (neutral at the time), and eventually makes his way to Mexico, where he begins his slow journey back to Germany. This was the breakthrough film for young German actor Kruger, who was already a star on the Continent, but not in Britain or the US. Under veteran helmer Roy Ward Baker's solid direction, Kruger makes a surprisingly sympathetic "enemy" protagonist, and one can't help but root for the brave and determined young German in his escape attempt.