McQueen's not really in it

I don’t disagree in regards to it not really being a starring role for McQueen, but there’s so much talent in this film that I’m happy to switch back and forth between so many great actors.

Why was McQueen sneaking around at night with white slacks on?

Um, ok, no one was really the main star here, maybe Attenborough. McQueen had a major role in the escape when he agreed to escape, gather information and then get caught to bring the import info back to the intelligence. Between his multiple escapes, his friendship with Ives, him being one of the only 3 Americans and his daring escape on motorcycle I would say he had a major role. It’s clear you fell asleep during the movie

McQueen wasn't THE star of every film he made, he played second fiddle to Yul Brynner and Paul Newman, respectively, in "The Magnificent Seven" and "The Towering Inferno". I don't know if he intended to play second fiddle in those films, but he did!

But here he obviously intended to work as part of a large ensemble, and made it work. He's good in his role, he steals a few scenes, he does his famous motorcycle stunt, but he doesn't make it *his* story. The fundamental story is of people working together, he doesn't overshadow that... and I guess some McQueen fans are disappointed by that. They should be proud instead, this is a film where McQueen shows that he's a real actor and not just a Movie Star, the way he both holds his own in an ensemble of top actors but doesn't stand out more than he should.

He thought the same thing. He saw the rushes and thought his part was minor and undeveloped. He was particularly upset that his character virtually disappears from the movie for about thirty minutes in the middle, so he walked out demanding re-writes. They hired an additional writer. But…. He’s the reason for the motorcycle chase which is a major part of the movie. “Steve McQueen accepted the role of Hilts on the condition that he got to show off his motorcycle skills. The motorcycle scenes were not based on real life.” He’s responsible for everything to do with that stunt. He did most of his own stunts if allowed. He personally attempted the jump across the border fence, but crashed. The jump was successfully performed by Bud Ekins, a friend of his. That whole part of the movie is because of McQueen.

I was surprised by the same thing. This is one of those movies I’ve always meant to watch but hadn’t until the other night.

Everything I’ve seen/heard about this movie prior to actually watching it revolved around McQueen, so I also expected him to have more of a leading role.

But I was happy with this “surprise” while watching it because I really enjoyed the ensemble situation. In fact I liked Attenborough, Garner & Pleasence way more than McQueen’s character scenes.

McQueen saw the original script and actually insisted on his part being expanded. So, what you see of him is more than what was originally intended for his character. Also, there was only one American in the actual number of soldiers who were part of the escape.

SM wasn't a star until the late '60s. This is an ensemble piece.