The Colditz Story

The Colditz Story

Year: 1955

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Guy Hamilton

WarDramaWar and historical adventureNazis and World War IIBravery in War

Allied prisoners of various nationalities pool their resources to plan numerous escapes from an “escape-proof” German P.O.W. camp housed in a Medieval castle.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Colditz Story yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Colditz Story (1955)

Trace every key event in The Colditz Story (1955) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Colditz becomes a high-security POW camp

Colditz Castle is transformed into a high-security POW camp, designated as Oflag IV-C to hold Allied prisoners who have attempted escapes from other camps. The Kommandant warns that escaping is verboten, but the inmates remain determined to try. Among the prisoners are British, Polish, Dutch and French officers, all under the watch of Priem, the efficient security chief.

World War II Colditz Castle
2

Nighttime escape attempts begin

Reid and a British group attempt to open a manhole cover during the night, hoping for a breakthrough. A simultaneous French attempt creates confusion, triggering alarms and alerting the guards. The lack of coordination underscored how fragile escape schemes could be inside the fortress.

Night Colditz Castle
3

Tunnels progress and a costly collapse

A British tunnel makes some progress but runs into Dutch efforts, and a collapse halts the operation. The setback demonstrates the dangerous and collaborative nature of multi-national escape plans. It also highlights how close the prisoners are to a breakthrough, only to be thwarted by structural failure.

During tunnel construction Colditz Castle
4

National escape officers to coordinate plans

Richmond proposes appointing an escape officer from each nationality to prevent cross-currents and interference. Reid accepts the British post, taking responsibility for coordinating British escape efforts. The idea is to streamline attempts and reduce competing ambitions within the camp.

After initial attempts Colditz Castle
5

Franz Josef impersonation plan takes shape

Richmond devises an elaborate plan to impersonate the German feldwebel Franz Josef, leveraging his resemblance to the former emperor to aid an escape. The scheme initially seems to be gaining traction, but trouble arises when the guards intervene. The ambitious ruse collapses at a critical moment.

Key moment Colditz Castle
6

Escape attempt ends with a gunfire incident

Harry Tyler, disguised as a German goon, is shot and wounded while the escape attempt unfolds. The guards' response foils the operation and raises the stakes for future plans. The incident underscores the personal risk each prisoner faces in every scheme.

During attempted breakout Colditz Castle
7

Solitary confinement for the escape team

Richmond, Reid, and about a dozen others are placed in solitary confinement for a month. The guard's concern about an informer grows, causing heightened paranoia and scrutiny. The punishment further sours morale among the prisoners.

One month later Colditz Castle
8

Winslow hides among palliasses; Polish officer colludes

After being released, Jimmy Winslow is hidden among palliasses being removed from the castle and avoids immediate capture. A Polish officer, whose family has been threatened by the Gestapo, is revealed to be collaborating with the guards, prompting the Kommandant to transfer him away at Richmond's urging.

Two weeks later Colditz Castle
9

Winslow recaptured; solitary and La Tour’s escape

Two weeks on the run, Winslow is recaptured and returned to Colditz in solitary confinement. During a physical exercise session, he talks with La Tour, who later, aided by a compatriot, leaps over the barbed wire and escapes in a subsequent attempt.

Two weeks after initial attempt Colditz Castle
10

Frustration grows over lack of a complete escape

Richmond expresses growing annoyance that no British officer has achieved a complete escape. The lack of a successful breakout weighs on morale and pushes the leadership to consider new tactics. The sense of urgency fuels further plotting.

Between attempts Colditz Castle
11

Mac McGill proposes a conspicuous new plan

Mac McGill approaches with a bold plan to disguise as German officers and approach guards from the German mess, claiming it could work if Reid is relieved from his duties so they can attempt together. The plan is controversial because of McGill’s tall stature and history of reckless behavior. Richmond weighs the risk and potential payoff before deciding how to proceed.

Lead-up to revue Colditz Castle
12

McGill’s fatal decision and death

Richmond decides McGill cannot be used effectively and asks him to stand down, a move that devastates McGill. The next day, McGill scales the wire in broad daylight and is shot dead by the guards. The event highlights the brutal costs of leadership choices in the escape efforts.

Following plan evaluation Colditz Castle
13

Reid joins the plan after initial reluctance

Reid initially refuses to join the new plan, but Richmond persuades him that McGill’s death would be wasted otherwise. He ultimately agrees to participate, and the group prepares to execute the escape during the planned theatre revue. The decision marks a turning point as the remaining inmates rally around a last major attempt.

Before the revue Colditz Castle
14

The escape during the theatre revue

During the theatre revue, Reid, Winslow, Tyler and Lutyens escape from Colditz. Tyler and Lutyens are soon recaptured, but the escape succeeds enough to deliver a message. A cryptic postcard later reaches Richmond, announcing that Reid and Winslow have crossed into neutral Switzerland, validating the risk and sacrifice of the attempt.

During the theatre revue; days after Colditz Castle

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:29

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Colditz Story

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Colditz Story in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Colditz Story is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Colditz Story Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Colditz Story, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Colditz Story Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Colditz Story

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Colditz Story. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Colditz Story

More About The Colditz Story

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Colditz Story: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Colditz Story

Similar Movies to The Colditz Story

Discover movies like The Colditz Story that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.