Where to Watch The Grand Illusion (1937) in the US

What it's about

At the height of World War I, the German ace aviator, Captain von Rauffenstein, shoots down the plane of the aristocratic French pilot, Captain de Boeldieu, and his co-pilot, the working-class civilian mechanic, Lieutenant Maréchal, during an air-reconnaissance mission. As the captured officers find themselves in the Hallbach POW camp for officers, they befriend the wealthy former Jewish banker, Lieutenant Rosenthal, and along with a handful of determined compatriots, they organise an escape. However, fate has other plans in store for them, and shortly before the implementation of the plan, they are transferred by train to the impregnable Wintersborn fortress-prison in Alsace, France, overseen by Rauffenstein himself. More and more, respect and appreciation bond von Rauffenstein and de Boeldieu. But, will this delicate relationship, and the grand illusion, stand in the way of breaking out?

Cast and crew

Director

Jean Renoir

Writer

Charles Spaak, Jean Renoir

Starring

Jean Gabin, Dita Parlo, Pierre Fresnay

Details

Release date

Sep 12, 1938

Language

French, German, English, Russian

Country

France

Awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 7 wins & 2 nominations total

Where to Watch The Grand Illusion (1937) in the US — common questions

Where to watch The Grand Illusion in the United States?

The Grand Illusion is available with a subscription or free with a participating library card in the United States. Watch the movie with a subscription on Darkroom (HD). Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Kanopy (HD).

Can I stream The Grand Illusion or do I have to rent it in the United States?

Watch the movie with a subscription on Darkroom (HD).

Can I watch The Grand Illusion for free in the United States?

Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Kanopy (HD).