During World War II, a group of high-ranking Allied generals are captured and held prisoners in a luxurious Italian villa. The prisoners, being senior officers, struggle with a series of petty arguments and weak escape plans, prompting the Allied command to send in Private Harry Frigg, a slick and cunning soldier often caught escaping from military stockades. Frigg is given a field promotion to major to ensure the generals follow his lead. His mission: infiltrate the villa, organize an escape, and bring the generals back to Allied territory safely. His superiors hope his knack for breaking out of captivity will prove invaluable in freeing the compromised officers.

Once inside, Frigg discovers the situation is more complicated than expected, involving not just physical barriers but personal conflicts and morale issues among the captured soldiers. Despite the challenges, Frigg uses his charm, wit, and cunning to navigate his way through the confined quarters of the villa, forming unique strategies while maintaining his newfound authority. Amidst planning the intricate escape, he also finds unexpected romance with Countess Rosalba, which adds another layer to his mission. Tensions rise as time is of the essence, leading Frigg to rally the generals for a concerted effort at liberation.