The Cross of Lorraine

As World War II erupts, men from all walks of life are drafted or enlist to fight. France mobilizes rapidly, facing the advance of German forces and a bleak future.

Defeated by the invading Germans in 1940, Marshal Philippe Pétain signs an armistice that partitions the country. Rather than returning home, the soldiers are shipped to a brutal prison camp, beginning their ordeal.

Captured soldiers are transported to a harsh camp where the guards' brutality and the threat of punishment loom large. The men must endure deprivations and separations that test their resolve early in captivity.

Father Sebastian, an army chaplain, counsels the prisoners and tries to keep their spirits intact. He provides wisdom and faith in the face of oppression, but his presence is abruptly cut short when he is killed.

Duval forms an uneasy alliance with the jailers to gain favorable treatment for himself and to recruit Paul into collaboration. His self-serving choices sow distrust among the prisoners and intensify the tension.

One night, the prisoners shove Duval into the yard, triggering the alarm. The guards shoot him by mistake as the camp cracks under mounting stress.

The Commandant orders the execution of every fourth prisoner, a cruel attempt to crush resistance. Paul witnesses this punishment from the Commandant's office and sees Victor, already in solitary, embody the damage inflicted by the system.

Victor has been broken by the relentless isolation and mistreatment in solitary confinement. His fragility becomes a stark symbol of the prisoners' struggle to remain human.

Paul takes over Duval's duties, helping to smuggle perfume, silk garments, and other luxuries for Lieutenant Schmidt from the hospital to Occupied France. The operation relies on deception and careful movement across controlled zones.

Paul helps organize the escape of 15 prisoners by mixing them with 150 Alsatians being repatriated, hoping the deception will pass during roll call. The plan depends on precise timing and the guards' momentary distraction.

A doctor sedates Victor and places him in the soldier's place to maintain the ruse during the escape. Paul warns that outside help is uncertain and that risk remains high.

The escape caravan is pursued as the border looms, and Paul kills Sergeant Berger to secure their chance to flee. He and a frightened Victor traverse the countryside for days, determined to reach safety.

A village boy challenges the travelers with a question about what cross they bear as they press on. They learn the Americans have landed in North Africa and find shelter at René's home in Cardignan, planning to join Cartier's army in the mountains.

Nazis arrive to conscript 50 men from the village, triggering a fierce confrontation. Paul is shot in the arm as Victor kills the senior officer, sparking a village revolt; the residents burn Cardignan to deny it to the German troops and flee toward the mountains.

The survivors join General Cartier's mountain army, continuing the fight against occupation. The film closes with La Marseillaise and the Cross of Lorraine raised over the French flag, signaling renewed resistance.