WIRRAL-born actress Glenda Jackson, who died in June, stars alongside Michael Caine in a new British-French drama film.

The Great Escaper, staring Michael Caine as Bernard Jordan, is based on a true love story that made national news in 2014.

In the summer of 2014, Bernard Jordan made headlines after he had staged a "great escape" from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades at the D-Day landings' 70th anniversary.

It was a story that captured the imagination of the world as Bernard embodied the defiant, “can-do” spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing.

But of course, it wasn’t the whole story. It was an inspirational but sanitised retelling of one man’s need to come to terms with the lasting trauma of war.

Bernard's adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Rene (Glenda Jackson).

Wirral Globe: Glenda JacksonGlenda Jackson (Image: PA)

Jackson was born at 151 Market Street in Birkenhead in May 1936. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Hoylake.

The screen star and former Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate won the Oscar for best actress in 1970 for Women In Love and again three years later for A Touch Of Class – although opted not to attend the ceremony on either occasion.

On June 15, Glenda's agent Lionel Larner confirmed her death, aged 87. 

He said: "Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award winning actress and politician died peacefully at her home in Blackheath London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side.

"She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine."

Directed by Oliver Parker, The Great Escaper celebrates their enduring love but always with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation.

The Great Escaper is in cinemas from today (Friday, October 6).