Cult Movies 57

Rating: Null/10 (2 February 2002)

57. PATHS OF GLORY (war/classic, 1957) France 1916: During WW1 Col. Dax (Kirk Douglas) is ordered by General Meraud (George McReady) to advance the enemy and take an important 'ant hill'. The Generals' orders prove suicidal as most of the advancing soldiers are cut down. An inevitable retreat ensues as the attack flounders. Seeing this as an act of insubordination by Col. Dax and his company, he orders the execution of soldiers from each failed unit. But Col. Dax is determined to defend his brave men.
Critique: Along with the legendary 'All Quiet on the Western Front' this is considered the most ardent and condemning of anti-war films. Both take place in the mud-laden maze of trench warfare and deal with themes of ineptitude and ignorance from military leaders. Whereas 'Western Front' deals more with the subject of lost youth, 'Paths' delves deeper into the political aspects & moral issues associated with tactics and military thinking.
Director Stanley Kubrick loved showing us how Topsy-turvy authoritarian figures can be, especially at wartime. He would take the subject into the absurd with 'Dr. Strangelove' and completely destroy social fabric and push violence in the cinema with 'A Clockwork Orange'.
Every Hollywood house initially turned down 'Paths' until Kirk Douglas lent his considerable talents and influence and stepped in as not only the main protagonist but as co-producer. The result proved Kubricks' breakthrough film. Its symbolic and rebellious spirit still remain as important and ethical today as ever.
QUOTES: Gen. Meraud: 'The men died wonderfully. There's always that chance that one of them will do something that will leave everyone with a bad taste. This time you couldn't ask for none better.'