Action-packed ‘B’ WW2 flick with Stuart Whitman
As the Western Allies advance into Germany in 1945, the Soviet Red Army is advancing from the East with both sides wanting to apprehend a notable rocket scientist. An American captain (Whitman) heads a special force of Allies.
"The Last Escape" is similar to “The Bridge at Remagen” and “Hornets’ Nest,” both released around the same time, except that this one would take 3rd place due to questionable execution and editing of the action scenes. It just comes across low-rent and quickly put-together.
Nevertheless, there’s lots of action and you can’t beat the authentic German locations. It fills the bill if you're in the mood for WW2 movie from the European theater. It helps that an attempt at human interest is included in the mix, particularly the inclusion of civilians that want out of Germany; and the boy. Blonde Margit Saad is a nice addition.
The ending is an interesting nod to the meeting of the Allies and the Soviets at the Elbe River near Torgau on April 25, 1945.
It runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in Munich in southeastern Germany.
GRADE: B-