#3 THE SEVENTH CROSS (1944)

Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Producer: Pandro S. Berman, Edwin H. Knopf

Director: Fred Zinnemann

Awards: Nominated for best actor in a supporting role for Hume Cronyn

Interesting Fact: Hume's wife, in the film, was played by his real-life wife, British actress Jessica Tandy, making her first American film appearance. She went on to star in "The Birds" (1963), among others.

My favorite genre of all is World War II; whether it is on a battle field or in a concentration camp. Though this film does not have many tactics and escape plans, it digs deeper into the struggle within the mind & soul under such a time. Here is a movie that shines a light for all those who are afraid to overcome themselves.

Placed in 1936 at a concentration camp in Nazi Germany, seven men escape. Upon this discovery, the commander builds a cross for every man with the orders that each is to be filled. One by one, the crosses are occupied by another prisoner as the search continuous for the rest. Among them, the most unlikely survivor, George Heisler (Spencer Tracy), a beaten man, fearful to seek help from anyone. In order to survive, he is forced to face his fears leaving behind him hopefully a path of inspiration and an empty seventh cross.

*Here is an intense scene near the beginning of the movie.