Summaries

A group of French soldiers during WWII are captured by German troops and sent to a POW camp. There they have to make use of his best resources to stay alive - and sane, while at the same time scheming a way out.

With the onset of World War II, Frenchmen from all walks of life enlist in the army. The war is short-lived however as the Germans quickly defeat them and Marshall Petain signs a peace agreement with the invaders. The troops surrender but rather that being repatriated to their homes as expected, they all find themselves in a POW camp. Conditions are difficult with little food and poor medical treatment. The men resist as best they can and for some, like Paul, they are prepared to spend time in solitary confinement and be subjected to beatings if need be. For others, such as Duval, collaboration with their German jailers is the route to an easier life. The men find solace in the company of Father Sebastian, a priest who was also in the army. He counsels them wisely and in the case of Paul, gives him strength to face the daily challenge of simply living. When Paul gets an opportunity however, he helps his fellow prisoners escape. When they liberate a village, they all realize that there is only one option left for them and the villagers.—garykmcd

Details

Keywords
  • vigilante justice
  • territory name in title
  • loss of faith
  • foreigner playing french character
  • cross of lorraine
Genres
  • Drama
  • War
Release date Nov 11, 1943
Motion Picture Rating (MPA) Approved
Countries of origin United States
Language English German
Filming locations Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA
Production companies Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Box office

Budget $1010000

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 30m
Color Black and White
Aspect ratio 1.37 : 1

Synopsis

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