During World War II, 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.