27 Aug Paths of Glory
Paths of Glory, WWI Movie starring Kirk Douglas
(1957) Paths of Glory is the story of a World War I regiment of French soldiers who are ordered to proceed with what could only be described as a suicide attack. Their commander, played by Kirk Douglas, is a former criminal lawyer.
The movie is based on a 1935 novel by Humphrey Cobb. According to the TCM article, it was inspired by true events. Kirk Douglas wanted to do the movie and worked hard to push it through.
The film was not well received in France because of its portrayal of the French military leadership. I’ll admit that I was comparing the story with that of the nonfiction book and made-for-television movie starring Martin Sheen, The Execution of Private Slovik. Sadly, that one happened not in the French military but in ours.
Both were compelling anti-war movies. Neither one had a happy ending.
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