A classic anti-war film

Rating: Null/10 (22 July 2004)

A faithful and inspired adaptation of the classic pacifist novel. Set in the First World War  and made in 1930, when Europe was starting to slide towards the Second  it follows a group of German schoolboys inspired to enlist by their zealous teacher. Their own patriotism is quickly crushed by the brutal reality of war. As their leader Lew Ayres puts it: "We live in the trenches and we fight. We try not to be killed. That is all." Though veteran soldier Louis Wolheim takes them under his protection, the seeds of eventual tragedy are sown right from the start. The film, lavish for its day, doesn't always work. Some scenes are clumsy and Ayres gives a slightly strange performance. But the innovative camera work of director Lewis Milestone is generally impressive, especially during the battle scenes. The blood and guts of later war films may be lacking but he invokes a pervasive, unforgettable mood of horror.