Escape to Victory

Escape to Victory

Any film that allows Bobby Moore, Osvaldo Ardiles and Pele to share screen time with Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone works for me. It doesn't take Mark Kermode to realise football films just don't get any better than this. Set in a German prison camp during World War II, it's basically The Great Escape with footballers. Caine plays a former West Ham star turned coach who can't believe his luck when Pele, Ossie, Moore and Kazimierz Deyna turn out to be more than useful squaddies. An exhibition game with the Germans provides the perfect opportunity for the Allies to escape through the bath at half-time, only for Russell Osman - yes, THE Russell Osman - to pitch up with 'But we can win this' and professional pride takes over. Bonus points for those of you that can spot cameo appearances from John Wark, Soren Lindsted, Paul Van Himst, Werner Roth, Mike Summerbee, Hallvar Thorsesen, Kevin O'Callaghan, Co Prins, Laurie Sivell, Robin Turner, Kevin Beattie and Paul Cooper.