Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
Paths of Glory is a 1957 American anti-war film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb. The film is set during World War I and offers a scathing critique of military hierarchy and the brutality of war. It focuses on a group of French soldiers who refuse to continue a suicidal attack and the subsequent court-martial that follows.
The Suicide Mission
The film opens with French General Mireau (George Macready) being ordered by his superior, General Broulard (Adolphe Menjou), to launch an attack on a heavily fortified German position known as the “Anthill.” Despite knowing the attack is doomed to fail, Mireau agrees, motivated by the promise of a promotion.
The Attack and Its Failure
Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas), a former lawyer and the commanding officer of the soldiers ordered to attack the Anthill, protests the mission but is overruled. The attack is predictably disastrous, with heavy casualties and the soldiers unable to advance. In the aftermath, General Mireau, seeking to cover up his own failings, demands that 100 of the soldiers be court-martialed for cowardice.
The Court-Martial
Under pressure, Mireau reduces the number to three men, one from each company: Corporal Paris (Ralph Meeker), Private Ferol (Timothy Carey), and Private Arnaud (Joe Turkel). Colonel Dax volunteers to defend the men in the court-martial, arguing that they were chosen arbitrarily and highlighting the impossibility of the mission. Despite his impassioned defense, the court is biased, and the men are sentenced to death.
The Executions
The condemned soldiers spend their final night reflecting on their fate, with Dax making a last-ditch effort to appeal to General Broulard for clemency. Broulard dismisses Dax’s appeal, and the executions proceed. The men are executed by firing squad, highlighting the futility and injustice of the proceedings.
The Aftermath
In the film’s closing scenes, General Broulard offers Dax Mireau’s position, believing Dax engineered the events to gain a promotion. Dax rejects the offer, expressing his contempt for the corrupt system. The film ends with Dax watching a group of soldiers briefly finding solace in a tavern, singing along with a captured German girl, before being ordered back to the front lines.
Movie Ending
The film concludes with a poignant scene where Dax, disillusioned by the military’s corruption and cruelty, witnesses the fleeting humanity of his soldiers. This ending reinforces the film’s anti-war message and critique of military hierarchy.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in Paths of Glory.
Type of Movie
Paths of Glory is a war drama and anti-war film that delves into themes of military injustice, the futility of war, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in the face of corrupt authority.
Cast
- Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax
- Ralph Meeker as Corporal Paris
- Adolphe Menjou as General Broulard
- George Macready as General Mireau
- Wayne Morris as Lieutenant Roget
- Richard Anderson as Major Saint-Auban
- Joe Turkel as Private Arnaud
- Timothy Carey as Private Ferol
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Gerald Fried, whose music underscores the film’s intense and dramatic moments.
Filming Locations
The film was shot primarily in Germany, including:
- Bavaria Studios in Geiselgasteig, Munich: For indoor scenes.
- Schleissheim Palace near Munich: For the court-martial scenes.
- Fields and forests around Munich: For the battle sequences.
Awards and Nominations
Paths of Glory received critical acclaim and several prestigious awards, including:
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film from any Source.
- National Board of Review: Named one of the Top Ten Films of the Year.
- Bodil Awards: Won Best American Film.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Kirk Douglas was instrumental in getting the film made, using his star power to secure funding and support for the project.
- Stanley Kubrick’s meticulous attention to detail and innovative filming techniques are evident throughout the film, particularly in the battle scenes and courtroom sequences.
- The film faced significant controversy and was banned in several countries, including France and Germany, for its critical portrayal of military leadership.
Inspirations and References
The film is based on Humphrey Cobb’s 1935 novel, which was inspired by true events during World War I. The narrative highlights the moral complexities and injustices of military command.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of Paths of Glory closely follows Stanley Kubrick’s vision. While there are no widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes, special editions may include behind-the-scenes content and interviews.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film stays largely true to Cobb’s novel but condenses some elements for cinematic purposes. The core themes and critique of military hierarchy are faithfully preserved.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The disastrous attack on the Anthill.
- The selection of the three soldiers for court-martial.
- Colonel Dax’s defense of the soldiers in the courtroom.
- The execution of the three condemned men.
- The final scene in the tavern, highlighting the humanity of the soldiers.
Iconic Quotes
- “There are times when I’m ashamed to be a member of the human race, and this is one such occasion.” – Colonel Dax
- “The men died wonderfully! There’s always that.” – General Mireau
- “If those little sweethearts won’t face German bullets, they’ll face French ones!” – General Mireau
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The use of real locations and extras who were actual soldiers added authenticity to the battle scenes.
- The final scene in the tavern, where the German girl sings, reflects Kubrick’s interest in humanizing the enemy and highlighting the common humanity shared by all sides in a conflict.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was around $1 million, and it grossed modestly but became critically acclaimed over time.
- Stanley Kubrick, known for his perfectionism, shot multiple takes of key scenes to achieve the desired effect.
- The title Paths of Glory is derived from Thomas Gray’s poem “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard”: “The paths of glory lead but to the grave.”
Why Watch?
Paths of Glory is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a compelling critique of war and military injustice. Its strong performances, masterful direction, and enduring themes make it essential viewing for fans of classic cinema and war dramas.
Director’s Other Movies
Stanley Kubrick also directed:
- Dr. Strangelove (1964)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
- A Clockwork Orange (1971)
- The Shining (1980)
- Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Recommended Films for Fans
- All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
- The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
- A Man Escaped (1956)
- The Thin Red Line (1998)
- Full Metal Jacket (1987)
