In Nazi Germany in 1936 seven men escape from a concentration camp. The camp commander puts up seven crosses and, as the Gestapo returns each escapee he is put to death on a cross. The seventh cross is still empty as George Heisler seeks freedom in Holland.
If you will accept this premise, despite the evidence of recent deeds, then you should be both moved and shaken by the better part of this film.
– Bosley Crowther,
New York Times,
25 Mar 2006
fresh:
With Tracy heading the cast and a host of great character actors in support, it's hardly surprising that the performances are the most memorable aspect of Zinnemann's first major feature.