A Man Escaped (1956)

In 1943, during a daring attempt to escape, Fontaine leaps from the vehicle transporting him to Montluc prison. Unfortunately, he is quickly apprehended by German soldiers, who subject him to a brutal beating before locking him away in a cell.

Fontaine endures the harsh realities of confinement, as the echoes of gunfire signify the executions of his fellow inmates. This grim backdrop haunts Fontaine as he desperately tries to survive and remain hopeful.

While initially isolated in his cell, Fontaine cleverly communicates with his neighbor by tapping on the wall. He also engages with Terry, a fellow inmate, who is allowed to exercise in the courtyard, creating a lifeline by delivering messages to the outside world.

After fifteen days in a ground-floor cell, Fontaine is transferred to a more isolated cell on the top floor. This new environment brings him relief as he is no longer handcuffed, allowing him to engage with another inmate, Blanchet.

In his new cell, Fontaine forms a bond with Blanchet, who initially does not respond to his attempts to communicate. As they work together on daily chores, Blanchet starts to engage with Fontaine, providing much-needed companionship during their grim imprisonment.

Fontaine begins to analyze the wooden door separating him from freedom and notices its structural weaknesses. Using a sharpened spoon, he sets out to chisel away at the joints of the door, meticulously ensuring he does not raise any suspicion.

As Fontaine works on his escape plan, he gathers various makeshift materials found in his cell to craft ropes. His resourcefulness in creating these tools is vital for facilitating a successful escape from his confines.

Orsini, another inmate who has been signaling guard movements for Fontaine, expresses a desire to join the escape plan. However, his impulsiveness leads to his capture during a reckless moment, resulting in a death sentence that shocks Fontaine.

Despite growing doubts among some inmates regarding Fontaine's escape plan, he receives unexpected support from Blanchet, who donates a blanket to aid in his rope-making efforts. This solidarity strengthens Fontaine’s resolve.

Fontaine’s situation becomes more complex with the arrival of new cellmate François Jost, who claims to have been charged with desertion. Suspicious that Jost might be a Nazi informant, Fontaine cautiously decides to build a rapport for survival.

Realizing the urgency of their predicament, Fontaine reveals his escape plan to Jost, who agrees to assist him. Together, they strategize further, crafting additional ropes necessary for their escape under the dire circumstances they face.

Under the cover of darkness, Fontaine and Jost execute their well-planned escape attempt. They ascend into the hallway, reaching the roof through a skylight while the sounds of trains below provide a helpful distraction.

Upon reaching the rooftop, Fontaine faces a pivotal moment of hesitation before he finally musters the courage to shimmy across a rope he made. With a deep breath, he descends into the vibrant streets of Lyon, leaving Montluc prison behind.

After months of harrowing imprisonment and meticulous planning, Fontaine finally experiences the exhilarating sensation of freedom. The bustling atmosphere of Lyon welcomes him as he steps into a new life, far from the confines of his past.