The Seventh Cross (1944)

100% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
65% of users liked it
(252 ratings)

Fred Zinnemann directed this World War II drama, considered one of the best anti-Nazi dramas produced by Hollywood during the war years. The story concerns seven prisoners in a Nazi concentration camp who manage to elude the guards and the Gestapo. The commandant, in a rage over their escape, nails… More Fred Zinnemann directed this World War II drama, considered one of the best anti-Nazi dramas produced by Hollywood during the war years. The story concerns seven prisoners in a Nazi concentration camp who manage to elude the guards and the Gestapo. The commandant, in a rage over their escape, nails crosses to seven trees, planning to crucify each of the prisoners as they are captured. Gradually six of the prisoners are discovered by the Gestapo and crucified. The one remaining escapee, George Heisler (Spencer Tracy), has become embittered and cynical after his years in the concentration camp. But as an assortment of friends and strangers help him elude the Gestapo, Heisler finally makes it to neutral Holland, his faith in mankind restored. Jessica Tandy had her first screen appearance as Liesel Roeder, the wife of Paul Roeder (Hume Cronyn, Tandy's real life husband), one of the friends who helps Heisler make his way to freedom. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: Fred Zinnemann
Written By: Helen Deutsch
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Jul 24, 1944 Wide
On DVD: Oct 23, 1991

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
This is a film of fine performances.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
If you will accept this premise, despite the evidence of recent deeds, then you should be both moved and shaken by the better part of this film.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
One of the best of the swarms of anti-Nazi films Hollywood produced during the war years.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Spencer Tracy, usually solid, is miscast as a German who escapes from concentration camp, but then the whole saga is fake, compared to Zinnemann's later works.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
With Tracy heading the cast and a host of great character actors in support, it's hardly surprising that the performances are the most memorable aspect of Zinnemann's first major feature.
, Film4
Tracy is superb, while Zinnemann delivers a powerful piece of work that accurately captures the sense of time and place.