Italy in late 1943: Three Allied prisoners of war, one British, one American, one Russian, escape and hide from the German and Italian fascist troops in
Rome, helped by a young Roman couple, Esperia and her communist fiancé Renato. Shortly after secretly celebrating Christmas together, Esperia, Renato and Russian Sergeant Nazukov are arrested by German troops, denounced by fascist collaborator Tarcisio. Nazukov is shot during the arrest, and Renato tortured and later executed. Major Pemberton and Lieutenant Bradley first find shelter in the house of Prince Antoniani and later in the Catholic convent of Don Valerio. Bradley leaves with intent to join the American troops in the South, while Pemberton stays at the convent until the priests are denounced by Tarcisio for hiding fugitives in their midst. Pemberton returns to Esperia's flat, who grieves over Renato's death. When the German troops leave Rome due to the advancing Allies, Tarcisio shows up at Esperia's apartment to talk her into coming with him to the North. Esperia pours boiling water over Tarcisio, and Pemberton kills him. Afterwards, they confess their deed to Don Valerio. Esperia accuses herself of being a spy as well, because she denounced Pemberton and Bradley to save Renato. From the building's roof, Esperia, Pemberton and Don Valerio watch the Allied troops enter Rome. ==Cast==