Paths of Glory (1957)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Starring: Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou

After a failed attack on a German position, a general orders three soldiers, chosen at random, court-martialed for cowardice and their commanding officer must defend them.

‘Paths of Glory’ is not so much a war movie as it is a court room drama. It’s a bit of both almost in equal proportions, and captivating throughout. In a time before CGI, the battle scenes had to be done practically on location. These scenes are so well done, and realistic. The film’s sound and lighting are very good, as well.

Set during World War 1, General Paul Mireau (George Macready) is ordered to take Anthill, which is defended by the Germans. Mireau visits the trenches and orders Col. Dax (Kirk Douglas) to take Anthill, even if it means half the men in his regiment might die.

Mireau turns out to be an antagonist far worse than the enemy, when he orders the artillery to shoot on their own men to force them onto the battlefield, even though the mission is clearly a failure. To pass the blame for his failure, he orders 100 men chosen at random to be court-martialed for insubordination and cowardice in the face of the enemy. Dax convinces him to reduce the number to only three men.

Three men are chosen at random and the film then proceeds with the court case, with Dax trying to defend them. Every time I watch a war movie, I realize the incredible and unnecessary loss of lives. In many instances – as illustrated here – men with authority were responsible for many deaths. Thought-provoking indeed.

Would I watch it again? No.