Steve Mcqueen's Motorcycle In The Great Escape
The Great Escape is a classic film that was released in 1963. It is based on the true story of a group of Allied prisoners who attempted to escape from a German POW camp during World War II. The movie was directed by John Sturges and starred Steve McQueen as Captain Virgil Hilts, a role that would become one of his most iconic. However, it was not just McQueen's acting that made the film memorable, but also the motorcycle he rode in the movie. In this article, we will take a closer look at Steve McQueen's motorcycle in The Great Escape.
The Motorcycle
The motorcycle that Steve McQueen rode in The Great Escape was a 1961 Triumph TR6 Trophy. This motorcycle was manufactured by the Triumph Engineering Company in England. It was a single-cylinder, four-stroke motorcycle that was known for its reliability and durability. McQueen's character in the movie, Captain Virgil Hilts, rides the motorcycle throughout the film, including during the iconic scene where he attempts to jump over a barbed wire fence to escape from the German soldiers.
The Stunts
The stunts performed by Steve McQueen in The Great Escape are some of the most memorable scenes in the movie. One of the most iconic stunts was the motorcycle jump over the barbed wire fence. This stunt was performed by McQueen himself, without the use of a stunt double. The jump was actually a combination of two jumps, with McQueen being catapulted into the air by a hidden ramp. The scene was shot using multiple cameras, and the footage was later edited to create the illusion of a single jump.
In addition to the jump scene, there were several other stunts performed by McQueen on the motorcycle. For example, there is a scene where he rides the motorcycle through a field, with German soldiers in hot pursuit. This scene required McQueen to ride the motorcycle at high speed, while performing various maneuvers to avoid obstacles and keep ahead of the soldiers.
The Legacy
The 1961 Triumph TR6 Trophy that Steve McQueen rode in The Great Escape has become an iconic motorcycle in its own right. The motorcycle was already a classic when it appeared in the movie, but its association with McQueen and the film has made it even more legendary. Today, the motorcycle is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the stunts performed by McQueen on the motorcycle have become some of the most iconic scenes in movie history. The jump scene, in particular, has been parodied and referenced in countless other movies and TV shows. It is a testament to the enduring popularity of The Great Escape and Steve McQueen's performance in the film.
Conclusion
Steve McQueen's motorcycle in The Great Escape is one of the most iconic vehicles in movie history. The 1961 Triumph TR6 Trophy that he rode in the film has become a classic in its own right, and the stunts performed by McQueen on the motorcycle have become legendary. The jump scene, in particular, is one of the defining moments of the movie, and it is a testament to McQueen's skill and courage as an actor and stuntman.
