During World War 2; a group of G.I. 's are thrown together in the notorious German prison camp Stalag 17. For the most part; they spend their time scheming ways to help each other escape. But when two prisoners are killed in an escape attempt; it becomes obvious that there is a spy among them. William Holden was awarded an Oscar for his performance as a cynical, sharp-tongued soldier who spends his time scheming up rackets and trading with the Germans for special privileges.