TUNE IN TONIGHT

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STALAG 17

TCM, 8 p.m. ET

Turner Classic Movies is presenting a three-day mega-marathon of war movies in honor of Memorial Day, beginning in prime time tonight with this 1953 WWII film starring William Holden. Sit down and strap in, because there are plenty of terrific movies to come – including, tonight, the next two in this opening triple feature.

THE GREAT ESCAPE

TCM, 10:15 p.m. ET

The enjoyment of this 1963 movie is heightened with the knowledge that it’s based on a true story, of Nazis deciding to isolate all their most persistent POW escapees into one maximum-security facility, from which the Allied prisoners vow to escape. The ending, though, would be a lot less somber were this more of a fantasy. In any case, what a story, and what a cast: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Charles Bronson, James Coburn – and that’s just for starters.

THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI

TCM, 1:15 a.m. ET

Here’s William Holden again, this time with Alec Guinness in this 1957 movie about WWII prisoners – this time of the Japanese – forced to work in captivity, building a bridge across the River Kwai. Tense movie, fabulous character study… and unforgettable musical theme.