A group of P.O.W.s at a German prison camp agree to compete against Nazi soccer players in this World War II drama set in 1943 Occupied Europe. German Major Karl von Steiner, who played soccer professionally before the war, comes up with the idea. When his superior officers find out about the competition, they pit the Allies against Germany's best team--but they don't realize that the P.O.W.s plan to use the upcoming big game as a means of escaping. The Allied team includes John Colby, a British officer who also played soccer before the war, and Robert Hatch, an American soldier who cares far more about gaining his freedom than the game itself. When the P.O.W.s realize they have a good shot at beating the Nazi team in front of a huge crowd, they must decide what's more important: finishing the match or getting out alive.

A group of P.O.W.s at a German prison camp agree to compete against Nazi soccer players in this World War II drama set in 1943 Occupied Europe.
German Major Karl von Steiner, who played soccer professionally before the war, comes up with the idea. When his superior officers find out about the competition, they pit the Allies against Germany's best team -- but they don't realize that the P.O.W.s plan to use the upcoming big game as a means of escaping.
The Allied team includes John Colby, a British officer who also played soccer before the war, and Robert Hatch, an American soldier who cares far more about gaining his freedom than the game itself.
When the P.O.W.s realize they have a good shot at beating the Nazi team in front of a huge crowd, they must decide what's more important: finishing the match or getting out alive.

Released in UK as "Escape to Victory."

Co-produced by the Victory Company and Tom Stern in association with Andy Vajna and Mario Kassar.

Filmed in Panavision in Hungary; color by Metrocolor.

In addition to pro soccer player Pele, the film features other famous soccer stars, including Bobby Moore (who plays Terry Brady) and Osvaldo Ardiles (who plays Carlos Rey).

Additional cast: Werner Roth (Baumann), Amidou (Andre), Paul Van Himst (Michel Fileu), Kazimierz Deyna (Paul Wolchek), Hallvar Thorensen (Gunnar Nilsson), Mike Summerbee (Sid Harmor), Co Prins (Pieter van Bekc), Russell Osman (Doug Clure), John Wark (Arthur Hayes), Soren Linsted (Erik Borge), Kevin O'Calloghan (Tony Lewis), Laurie Sivell (Goalie), Benolt Ferreux (Jean Paul), Jean Francois Stevenin (Claude), Jack Lenoir (Georges) and Folton Gera (Viktor).

DVD Features:

Region 1
Snap Case
Widescreen 2.35
Audio:
Dolby Digital Surround - English
Dolby Digital Mono - French
Additional Release Material:
Trailer - 1. Original Theatrical
Interactive Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access.
Text/Photo Galleries:
Production Notes

Michael Caine: British Actor, ALFIE (1966)
Max Von Sydow: Swedish actor, director, THE EXORCIST
Sylvester Stallone: Actor/Director/Screenwriter
 Pele: Football (soccer) Legend

John Huston: Oscar winning American Director/Writer/Actor

"...Rousing....Quite well-crafted....Very good performances from the cast..."
"...Huston in an expansive and almost carefree mood....A fine, authoritative, comic performance by Michael Caine..."