At a British military prison in North Africa during World War II, convicted British soldiers face harsh conditions and an even harsher staff. For Trooper Joe Roberts - reduced in rank from Sergeant Major and imprisoned for striking an officer - the going is particularly difficult. Sharing a cell with four other men, they are under the command of Staff Sergeant Williams, a particularly cruel task master who takes pleasure in imposing harsh punishment especially making the men run up and down the "hill" until they collapse from heat exhaustion. No matter the excesses, the prison Sergeant Major will always back up his men. When one of the prisoners dies however, there is an opportunity to expose Williams' for what he is.

In Sidney Lumet's autobiography "Making Movies", the director recalled suffering through the horrendous heat of the location and asking Sean Connery if he was urinating at all, to which Connery's reply was "Only in the morning".

Regimental Sergeant Major Bert Wilson:
Then there's the Commandant. The Commandant signs bits of paper. He'd sign his own death warrant if I gave it to him.

Crew or equipment visible: During the opening credits the shadow of the rig is clearly visible as the camera performs a 360 degree shot from the top of the "hill".