The Great Irony
The entire story is, of course, an example—based on a true story—of tragic irony. In the film—as in real life—the overwhelming majority of those who took part in the great escape failed to actually escape and most returned home, if they returned at all, in a coffin.
The Tunnel King
Flight Lieutenant Danny Velinski earns the nickname “Tunnel King" alongside Flight Lieutenant William "Willie" Dickes. Best friends, Willie does his best to help Danny deal with the one ironic consequence that is certainly the least desired among those charged with digging the tunnel to freedom. Danny “Tunnel King” Velinski suffers from claustrophobia.
The Cruelest Irony: Part One
The cruelest irony—arguably, of course—results in the failure of Flight Lieutenant Andrew MacDonald to make good his escape. Earlier in the film, he admonishes a comrade for failing to maintain his German persona during run-throughs of the escape plan. Although he flawlessly maintains his persona when the real thing arrives, ironically MacDonald trips up just as he is about to make it by replying in English after having been speaking German.
The Cruelest Irony: Part Two
If not actually the most exciting sequence in the film, certainly the most memorable is the chase of Hilts on the motorcycle which peaks with a spectacular jump. While the jump is peak of the sequence, however, it is not the climax. The climax is the crash which leaves Hilts encumbered from success by getting caught up in a barbed wire fence. Ironically, this crash occurs just yards away from the assumed safety of the border with Switzerland and their recognized neutral status.
Beware What You Ask For
The Commandant of the German stalag urges the POWs to “devote your energies to things other than escape” such as sports and gardening. This turns out to be quite ironic advice as the prisoners take advantage of many of these exact same distractions to plan and carry out the escape plan. Of course, as mentioned, the irony boomerangs in the end.
