Escape from East Berlin (1962): cast, story & where to watch

1962 · Film · ★ 5.8

Escape from East Berlin poster

Released in 1962, Escape from East Berlin is a thriller and drama film directed by Robert Siodmak, running about 96 minutes. “It's happening as you read this!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. East Berlin, shortly after the construction of the Berlin Wall. Kurt Schröder and his family dig a tunnel to escape to West Berlin as they struggle to overcome the obstacles blocking their underground path to freedom.

Who’s in it. Escape from East Berlin stars Don Murray as Kurt Schröder, Christine Kaufmann as Erika Jürgens, Werner Klemperer as Walter Brunner and Ingrid van Bergen as Ingeborg Schröder, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.8/10, Escape from East Berlin has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Escape from East Berlin page.

If you liked it. Fans of Escape from East Berlin tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Escape from East Berlin (1962)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Escape from East Berlin change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Escape from East Berlin worth watching?
Escape from East Berlin holds an audience score of 5.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in Escape from East Berlin?
Escape from East Berlin stars Don Murray, Christine Kaufmann, Werner Klemperer, Ingrid van Bergen and Edith Schultze-Westrum.
When was Escape from East Berlin released?
Escape from East Berlin was released in 1962, with a runtime of about 96 minutes.