Paths of Glory (1957) - Movie Review

A classic movie review of Paths of Glory (1957) the World War One masterpiece starring Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, George Macready and Adolphe Menjou. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the film tells the story of 701st regiment on the Western Front. After refusing to attack an enemy position, a general accuses the soldiers of cowardice and their commanding officer must defend them.

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With his forth feature film and at just 29 years old, Kubrick teamed up with Kirk Douglas to make, what is possibly still the greatest world war one movie ever made, 1957’s paths of glory… the film deals with themes so controversial, that French authorities considered it an offense to the honour of their army and it was banned in France until 1975…
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Directed by Stanley Kubrick, *Paths of Glory* (1957) is a powerful anti-war film set during World War I. Based on the novel by Humphrey Cobb, the film stars Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax, a principled officer tasked with defending three soldiers accused of cowardice after a failed attack. The film explores the brutal and often senseless nature of war, highlighting the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those in power. Dax attempts to save the men from execution, but he must confront the corrupt, callous attitudes of his superiors, particularly General Mireau (George Macready), who is more concerned with personal ambition than human life. *Paths of Glory* critiques military hierarchy, the horrors of war, and the dehumanizing effects of authority. Its stark black-and-white cinematography and gripping performances, especially by Douglas, contribute to its enduring impact as one of Kubrick’s most compelling early works, widely regarded as a masterpiece of anti-war cinema.
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Steven at Reel Classic Films Reviews discusses the film, and how it has earned its place as one of cinemas great world war one movies...
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended.

[rolfagten]

A classic indeed, and long forbidden in France! Nice review sir.

[Reverend_Nada]

This was a good vid. Lots of tidbits I didn’t know. I have yet to see this one, but now am interested.

[mrterrymoore]

Thanks for the recommendation. Just watched on iPlayer. I wasn’t aware of this film. Sad story made sadder by the fact these events actually happened.

[kali]

I think this may be one of the best war movies, period. The relationship between Kirk Douglas and the generals, knowing he's on a fool's errand to defend the men the generals pretty much railroaded, is extraordinary. An interesting thing: I read a review of Paths a while back - don't remember where - and he ended his opinion with the suggestion that the "realistic" generals from Paths are little different from the crazy generals from Dr Strangelove. "You can't fight in here! This is the war room!"

EDIT: I remember now - it was Danny Peary's Alternate Oscars, in which he argued that Paths should have won Best Picture instead of Bridge on the River Kwai. Paths is definitely the better war picture IMO.

[Tempestzzzz]

Lt Roget was played by the late actor Wayne Morris... who played the coward French Officer who at the end was given charge of the firing squad.
Wayne Morris served in the Pacific as Naval Aviator during WWII. He flew a Grumman Hellcat off USS ESSEX and is credited with downing 7 Japanese aircraft. Real war hero..like Eddie Albert (Tarawa)...who also played a coward in ATTACK!

[terrijames]

Not a great lover of war movies but I think Kirk Douglas is a great actor.

[SuperGrumpyDaddy]

Paths of Glory is a film everyone should see. A fantastic film. Any film that gets banned is obviously doing something right!

[eastwoodlifefan]

Great review of a war classic, i"m actually not a big fan on Kubrick"s work, he"s made a few classics i like, but i do much prefer other greater directors personally.
Kirk Douglas in epic movies such as this are essential for any movie fan in my opinion, i guess you"ll be ordering a copy of "Champion" soon ?

[gibtaffy]

Not seen this before looks pretty good though!

[alg]

A few things struck me about this movie. The actors don't put on a fake French accent like you always see in war movies. They all speak like Americans. Second, the film is actually about responsibility. The higher ups are afraid of what the newspapers will say. Even in preparing for the execution, the one in charge says that if there are any slip ups he won't be to blame. The blame game goes up and down. Even Douglas said his men would take the Ant Hill when he is threatened by being replaced. Douglas is a major over actor and I never believed him in any film he made.