The Cross of Lorraine (1943)

As the ominous clouds of World War II loom over France, men from every corner of the country, spanning diverse backgrounds, rally to the call of duty and enlist in the army. Their hopes of heroism are abruptly crushed when the formidable Nazis swiftly overtake them, and the pacifist Marshall Petain signs a peace agreement with the invaders. The surrendering soldiers anticipate a return to their homes but are instead thrust into the harsh reality of a military prison under Nazi control. In this unforgiving world of scant food and crude medical facilities, the men discover reserves of resilience they never knew they possessed. Some, like the indomitable Paul, opt for the path of resistance, willing to endure the brutality of solitary confinement and repeated beatings. Yet for others, like the pragmatic Duval, collaboration with their Nazi captors appears as the only pathway to survival. In the midst of this bleak existence, they find an unexpected beacon of hope in Father Sebastian, a priest-turned-soldier. His wise counsel and unwavering faith provide the men with the strength to endure the daily ordeal of their captivity. Particularly for Paul, Father Sebastian's guidance becomes a lifeline, fortifying him for the relentless struggle of survival. An unexpected opportunity arises, and Paul courageously orchestrates an escape for his fellow prisoners. Their liberation of a village marks a poignant turning point, where they, along with the villagers, realize there's only one viable option left for them. This tale of bravery and survival under the most brutal conditions weaves a compelling narrative of human resilience and the unyielding spirit of freedom.

The Cross of Lorraine is a drama movie featuring Jean-Pierre Aumont.

It is possible to buy The Cross of Lorraine on Amazon Video, Apple TV and DIRECTV.