When a coal mine collapses on the frontier between Germany and France, trapping a team of French miners inside, workers on both sides of the border spring into action, putting aside national prejudices and wartime grudges to launch a dangerous rescue operation.

An early look at the impact of mass media in the public arena, featuring the story of a cynical and manipulative journalist. When a man is trapped alive in a mine collapse, an amoral, down-on-his-luck reporter takes over and prolongs the rescue effort in order to make a name for himself.

Two miles into the earth, nine Appalachian miners struggle to survive after a methane explosion leaves them with one hour of oxygen.