Based on a novel by Martin Albrand, Desperate Moment is set in postwar Germany.  Simon van Halder (Dirk Bogarde) serving a life term for murder, escapes to prove innocence.  After linking up with his girlfriend Anna de Burgh (Mai Zetterling), Simon relates, in flashback, the events leading up to his current dilemma.

He also explains why he initially confessed to the crime.  To tell more would be to tell all.  It's rather enjoyable to watch the hero and heroine outwitting both British and German authorities, who aren't depicted as stupid, simply not equipped for so resourceful a fugitive.  Billed at the bottom of the cast list, Theodore Bikel has a pivotal role.