It remains one of the most beloved WWII war movies ever made, starring Steve McQueen and inspired by Paul Brickhill's real POW experiences – but the classic film initially faced lukewarm reviews upon release07:00, 04 May 2026View 4 ImagesThe film was a huge hit(Image: Mirisch/United Artists/Kobal/REX)A Second World War hero's powerful novel documenting his own ordeals as a fighter pilot and prisoner of war became the inspiration behind one of cinema's most iconic war epics.Australian Paul Brickhill worked as a journalist before signing up to serve after Germany invaded France. He was shot down over Tunisia in 1943 and taken...