REVIEW: Screen Arts showcases 91 year old actor
By Joan Janzen
Kindersley Screen Arts presented The Great Escaper, a film inspired by a true story, at Sunset Theatre on Saturday afternoon, May 25. The talent of lead actor, 91-year-old Michael Caine and his co-star 87-year-old Glenda Jackson was showcased. Much like fine wine, their acting skills appeared to have improved with age.
After appearing in more than a hundred films, Caine credited the film as his last performance. Less than a month after the film’s screening, Jackson died after a brief illness, ending her lengthy acting career, and 23 years of political life.
Both actors did an amazing job of portraying WWII veteran Royal Navy officer Bernie Jordan and Irene, his wife of 60 years. As the story unravels, it depicts the veteran’s memories of WWII and the unfolding of a life-long love story. Although the film touches the hearts of its audience, the personal account of Bernie and Irene Jordan is equally captivating.
In 2014 The Guardian told the story behind the Great Escaper. That same year Bernie Jordan stepped out of his Sussex seniors’ residence, as was his regular custom. He would often spend the day visiting the local pub or shops, however on this occasion he didn’t tell his wife where he was going. When he didn’t return that evening, the care workers reported his absence to the local police.
Where had Bernie gone? He had headed to the 70th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day landings in France, taking his medals along with him. The police search was called off after a fellow veteran notified the senior’s residence of Bernie’s whereabouts and safe arrival. At that time, the media grabbed hold of the story and ran with it.
Upon arriving home after his 48-hour adventure, the publicity he received far exceeded the fan fare which greeted him upon his return from the battles of WWII. “I had a good time. I enjoyed every minute of it,” he told reporters. “I’m pleased I did it. I’d do it again tomorrow.”
Just a few days after his return, Bernie celebrated his 90th birthday and received 2500 birthday cards from around the world. In January of the following year (2015) Bernie passed away and just eight days later his wife of 60 years also passed away.
Both Irene, and Glenda Jackson who portrayed her in the film, passed away within days after the story unfolded. June 15th, 2024 marks the one-year anniversary of Jackson’s death. And as the theatre showed the film at the end of May, the 80th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day landings in France is just around the corner - on June 6th, 2024.