Ironic that the trivia here says Big X's role was cut short and that McQueen forced more screen time for Hilts. I've seen this movie a dozen times and I have always felt there was too much Hilts and not enough Bartlett. Bartlett was the brains behind the op after all. Arrogant schmuck.
shareThe history nerd in me agrees with you, the cinema nerd doesn't. There is no historical basis I can see for the McQueen character. Boosting Bartlett's role would make for a more accurate film. On the other hand it would also be much more downbeat. Most of the escapers caught, most of them murdered - The End. The motorcycle chase is brilliant cinema and McQueen's return to the camp, defiant, makes for a great movie ending.
"Chicken soup - with a *beep* straw."