Escape to Victory

John Huston directs an impossible premise — Allied prisoners of war coached by Michael Caine and starring Pelé, Bobby Moore, Stallone and a roster of real internationals against a propaganda match staged by the SS in occupied Paris. The escape plan dissolves the moment the players decide they want to win. A war film that decides the second half matters more than the tunnel, treated with the earnestness of a Boys' Own adventure.

• Directed by Casablanca's John Huston.
• Pelé choreographed all the football sequences.
• Features real internationals Pelé, Bobby Moore, Ardiles.
• Sylvester Stallone played goalkeeper despite no experience.
• Filmed in Budapest with the Hungarian national team.

• We can win this! Don't you see, we can win this!
• It's just a game of football.
• We have a chance. We must take it.
• Stallone, you're the goalkeeper. Try not to look like a boxer.
• Sometimes the only escape is winning.