Channel 4 - Escape from Colditz (2000)

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Channel 4 - Escape from Colditz (2000)

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On a cliff top above a small town in eastern Germany stands one of the most potent symbols of the Second World War. This grim l6th Century castle is Colditz, the most notorious prisoner of war camp in history. With its imposing walls and rigorous policing, Colditz was seen as the ultimate prison. The Germans believed escape from Colditz was aIl but impossible. However, over five extraordinary years, they were proved wrong time and again, defeated by achievements of boundless bravery, planning and ingenuity.
Using archive material, dramatic reconstruction, and the personal testimony of Colditz veterans, this intriguing three part series from Channel 4 Television documents the creative and often spectacular attempt to go over, under or through the walls.
For the first time the Allied Officers of three nations return to Colditz to reopen the tunnels and retrace the routes of their legendary escapes.
With as many guards as prisoners, Colditz was considered escape-proof. But it wasn't long before the officers pooled their talents to create the greatest escape academy of the war. Often for the first time, the English, French, Dutch and Polish officers and their guards describe their experiences.
Twelve years in the making, the film uses over 50 original interviews to capture the true stories behind the castle's infamous walls.

Part 1: The Escape Academy
Second World War veterans who escaped from the notorious PoW camp describe their imprisonment. Returning for the first time in almost 60 years, the men uncover the secret rooms, hidden tunnels and concealed doors that were crucial in gaining their freedom, while archive footage and dramatic reconstructions provide an insight into the grim history of the 18th-century castle which stands on a cliff-top above the small east German town.

Part 2: The Best of British
This episode looks at a period of great success for the British escapers, and examines the ingenuity and expertise that were so important in securing escapes. Among those featured are archaeologist Thomas Schmidt and former inmates Jock Hamilton-Baille, George Drew, Lt. Grismond Davies-Scourfield and Jack Best.

Part 3: Eureka
In the most audacious escape attempt at all, a group of British prisoners designed and built a glider to fly from the roof of the castle - but events conspired to prevent its launch. The Spirit of Colditz has since attained legendary status as the greatest escape attempt never to happen.
Some 55 years later, the glider has been rebuilt almost precisely. With two of the veterans who originally designed her looking on, this programme investigates if the Spirit of Colditz really would have flown.
It also reveals how the prisoners combated the boredom of daily life, what happened to the Colditz spy, and how a syphilitic camel came to one man's rescue as he attempted to escape from Colditz.

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Channel 4 - Escape from Colditz (2000)

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Channel 4 - Escape from Colditz (2000)

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Channel 4 - Escape from Colditz (2000)

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Channel 4 - Escape from Colditz (2000)

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