“I saw it as a movie about this uncontrolled, individualistic, do-it-your-way form of life—our way of life—which defeated those dictatorial sons-a-bitches.” -- director John Sturges” FreedomVisionCinemaAlliesWorld War IiIndividualismMoviesDirector Book:Escape Artist: The Life and Films of John Sturges Source: Escape Artist: The Life and Films of John Sturges
“Popularity at the box office did not translate into support from [director John Sturges'] peers in the Academy. In February, when Oscar nominations were announced, The Great Escape had to make do with one, for [Ferris] Webster’s editing. Paramount’s Hud and UA’s Tom Jones, which would bring Tony Richardson the best-director Oscar, dominated the field. Sturges’s rightful place in the best-picture category was taken by 20th Century Fox’s Cleopatra, a lavish flop.” OscarsMoviesAcademy AwardsThe Great Escape Book:Escape Artist: The Life and Films of John Sturges Source: Escape Artist: The Life and Films of John Sturges