As the Allies begin to push the Nazis back toward Germany, U.S combat pilot Col. Joseph Ryan (Sinatra) is shot down and placed in a prison camp. Initially he's more concerned with surviving than escaping, earning him the insulting nickname "Von Ryan". But in time, Ryan takes over from the commanding British officer and masterminds a daredevil race for freedom that involves commandeering a train and getting it across Italy to Switzerland with the Nazis in hot pursuit. Then it's all blazing action, hair-raisins chases and spectacular Italian scenery in this Oscar nominated adventure that runs full speed until the nail-biting finale!