Great escapism: classic war films to be screened over four days

Ten of the greatest Second World War films are to be screened back-to-back in London as part of a four-day extravaganza.

The Weekend at War programme, which is being shown at the Stratford Picture House, will begin with The Great Escape, released in 1963, on July 4 to coincide with US Independence Day. Other featured classics will include The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), The Dam Busters (1955) and Battle of Britain (1969).

Frazer Nash, from online game developer Wargaming which is sponsoring the event, said: “The young generations will be able to watch them in the same way their parents or grandparents did.

“These films with classic heroes overcoming adversity at times of war have universal appeal.”

Tickets are available from May 31. Visit www.picturehouses.co.uk/stratford