Imprisoned during World War II in a German POW camp, a group of Allied soldiers plan an ambitious escape to draw Nazi forces away from battle. Among the prisoners determined to break out are American Captain Virgil Hilts (Steve McQueen), American Flight Lieutenant Bob Hendley (James Garner) and British Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett (Richard Attenborough). Outwitting their captors by digging a tunnel out of prison grounds, the soldiers encounter stakes much higher that they could have imagined.

Loosely based on true events, this action classic – celebrating its 60th anniversary – went on to become one of the biggest films of the decade.