Very much more of a character-driven look at the experiences of French prisoners during the first world war. The inmates represent - much as did their army - soldiers from all aspects of life. The aristocratic Pierre Fresnay as "Boeldieu", Jean Gabin "Maréchal" and Marcel Dalio "Rosenthal" as the more down to earth captives - but all proud Frenchmen with their own determination to escape their imprisonment. The film…
A Great Drama of Human Emotions
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.
Top Cast
Jean Gabin
Lieutenant Maréchal
Dita Parlo
Elsa
Pierre Fresnay
Captain de Boëldieu
Erich von Stroheim
Captain von Rauffenstein
Julien Carette
Cartier, the Vaudeville Performer
Georges Péclet
Officer
Werner Florian
Sergeant Arthur
Jean Dasté
Teacher
Sylvain Itkine
Lieutenant Demolder
Gaston Modot
Engineer
Marcel Dalio
Lieutenant Rosenthal
Jacques Becker
British Officer (uncredited)
Habib Benglia
Senegalese (uncredited)
Pierre Blondy
Soldier (uncredited)
Albert Brouett
Prisoner (uncredited)
Géo Forster
Maison-Neuve (uncredited)
Reviews
FAQ about Grand Illusion
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…
When was Grand Illusion released?
Grand Illusion was released in 1937.
What genres does Grand Illusion belong to?
Grand Illusion is categorised as Drama, History, War.
Who stars in Grand Illusion?
The cast of Grand Illusion includes Jean Gabin, Dita Parlo, Pierre Fresnay, Erich von Stroheim, Julien Carette.