Stalag 17

The film opens in Stalag 17, where 630 American airmen, all sergeants, are held captive. The strict oversight of Oberst von Scherbach sets a grim atmosphere for the camp as the men await their fate.

As Christmas draws near in December 1944, the inmates of Compound 4 plan an elaborate escape for fellow prisoners Manfredi and Johnson. Led by Hoffy and security officer Frank Price, they hope their plan would bring hope and freedom.

The escape plan ends in tragedy when both Manfredi and Johnson are killed during the attempt. This incident shatters the morale of the prisoners and leads to growing suspicion among them.

J. J. Sefton, a resourceful and skeptical prisoner, becomes the target of suspicion after the escape. Known for trading with the guards, his actions provoke doubts among his fellow prisoners, leading to increased tensions in Barracks 4.

To cope with their confinement, Sefton and his ally Cookie engage in a variety of odd activities, including rat racing and bootlegged liquor. They also use a makeshift telescope to observe Russian women, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.

A new arrival, Lieutenant Dunbar, accompanies Sgt. Bagradian and shares thrilling tales of his time bomb that destroyed a munitions train. However, this instills doubt in Sefton, who believes Dunbar's success comes from privilege.

As Christmas approaches, Schulz announces the upcoming visit of an inspector from the Geneva Convention. Sefton tries to leverage this opportunity to align himself with the guards, reflecting his cunning nature.

The excitement is short-lived when Schulz confiscates the prisoners' hidden radio. This action raises further doubts about Sefton's loyalty, leading to a brutal confrontation where he is violently beaten by fellow inmates.

The seasoned inspector arrives at Stalag 17, bearing Red Cross parcels that include 2,000 ping-pong balls, which the prisoners cleverly repurpose into smoke bombs. This unexpected bounty offers a glimmer of hope amid despair.

The inspector warns von Scherbach about the consequences of convicting Dunbar without evidence. Amidst the escalating tension, Dunbar is arrested on charges of sabotage, intensifying mistrust among the prisoners.

As tensions rise, Bagradian is coerced into revealing the secret behind Dunbar's time bomb. Sefton witnesses a secretive conversation between Price and Schulz, leading him to suspect that Price might be a traitor.

On Christmas Day, the SS arrives to escort Dunbar to Berlin, prompting Hoffy to devise a rescue plan. During this chaos, a riot erupts, and a smoke bomb ignites, providing the perfect cover for the escape attempt.

As the prisoners seek vengeance against Price, who is revealed to be a German spy, Sefton seizes the opportunity to save Dunbar. This act of redemption marks a turning point in Sefton's character development.

Price attempts to flee but is captured by the prisoners as they find out about his treachery. The situation escalates as guards are alerted by Price's noise, resulting in his tragic end from gunfire.

In the aftermath of the chaos, Sefton and Dunbar successfully escape from Stalag 17. As they slip away, Cookie's rendition of 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home' encapsulates the somber yet hopeful spirit of the surviving prisoners.