What happens when Allied POWs take on Nazi Germany... in a football match? Escape to Victory (1980) — directed by John Huston and starring Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone and Pelé — brings together war film, sports movie and propaganda spectacle.

We look at the true story behind Escape to Victory, including the so-called “Death Match” in occupied Ukraine, and whether Stallone really could have scored the winning goal, despite being a goalkeeper.

Plus: how many goals would VAR have overturned, Michael Caine’s questionable fitness, and the reason why there are SO MANY Ipswich Town players in this movie!

📩 Got theories about Pelé’s tactical genius or Stallone’s goalkeeping credentials? Drop us a line at historicalmoviespodcast@gmail.com or @hmpodcast.bsky.social.