Michael Caine stars as veteran who escaped care home to join D-Day commemorations

Sir Michael Caine is starring in a new film about a Second World War hero who escaped from his care home to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France with fellow veterans.

New film ‘The Great Escaper’

Bernard Jordan famously snuck out of The Pines care home in Hove in 2014, sparking a police search. He managed to catch a train from Brighton to Portsmouth, before boarding a ferry to France to join his fellow veterans on a Normandy beach, in time for the 70th anniversary commemorations of the D-Day landings, which marked the beginning of the end of World War II.

The ex-naval officer Bernard Jordan, who lived at the care home, passed away in 2015 at the age of 90.

In a statement issued on his 90th birthday, Mr Jordan thanked thousands of well-wishers who had congratulated him on his trip. “I’m just one man and I’m nothing special,” he said. “Anyone would think I’d defeated Hitler on my own!”

Bernard’s adventure is echoed in the film 'The Great Escaper' which portrays his journey in 48 hours. In the film, Oscar-winning actors Michael Caine, aged 89, and Glenda Jackson, aged 86, star as husband and wife Bernard and Irene Jordan. They have been married for 60 years and in the film his journey coincides with their wedding anniversary.

Film producer seeks over 75s to star as war veterans

The Oscar-winning British actors last acted together 47 years ago.

Bafta-nominated Oliver Parker, who has worked on films such as An Ideal Husband, is the new film’s director. The script was written by Bafta-nominee William Ivory whose film credits include 'Made in Dagenham'.

Oliver Parker said: ‘No-one can resist a script that makes people both laugh and cry – I loved Billy’s writing and the story itself, so inspirational and so moving; to have Michael and Glenda – two iconic actors – agree to honour this story with their brilliance, it’s the cherry on the cake!’

The film includes scenes shot in Camber Sands in East Sussex and producers are looking for extras. Producers are seeking men and women aged 75+ to play fellow veterans who will star onscreen with Michael Caine.

If you think you or someone else you know who is aged over 75 would like to star in a film alongside the legendary Michael Caine, you can register interest by emailing paige@extra-people.com with current front, side and back images.