The feature film The great escape was based on this true event. Over six hundred Allied prisoners dug three highly sophisticated tunnels in a plan to escape from Stalag Luft III. On the night of March 24, 1944 two hundred prisoners began their escape. The German guards spotted the seventy-seventh man coming out of the tunnel, but seventy-six prisoners made their escape.

Special DVD-ROM features: printable materials for educators in pdf format, access to Nova web site.

Introduction --Prisoners of war at Stalag Luft III -- Digging Tom, Dick, and Harry -- Escape equipment and supplies -- Excavation -- The great escape.