He also won the battle of top billing over James Garner. I've also heard that many of the older British actors, took exception to McQueen being a daily reefer smoker. James Garner was also a long time stoner. Steve McQueen was a complicated guy, never playing by the "rules" except his own. And most of the time it paid off.
Who else but Steve McQueen could solve the potential of The Great Escape becoming a pale or mediocre 60's homage to a WWII prison camp war movie ? ? ? What could have happened if William Holden hadn't played his to his full potential in Stalag 17 ? ? ? No Academy Awards and no multi-generational fans.
I'm convinced his influence made this film a classic.
Exactly 💯 😊
He also won the battle of top billing over James Garner. I've also heard that many of the older British actors, took exception to McQueen being a daily reefer smoker. James Garner was also a long time stoner. Steve McQueen was a complicated guy, never playing by the "rules" except his own. And most of the time it paid off.
Who else but Steve McQueen could solve the potential of The Great Escape becoming a pale or mediocre 60's homage to a WWII prison camp war movie ? ? ?
What could have happened if William Holden hadn't played his to his full potential in Stalag 17 ? ? ?
No Academy Awards and no multi-generational fans.