Powerful look at men in battle under trench warfare...

Rating: 7/10 (9 December 2005)

PATHS OF GLORY provides an interesting glimpse into wartime conditions during World War I when trench warfare was the common way to fight the enemy. The story concerns a self-serving French General (George MacReady) who believes that cowardice must be punished by randomly choosing three soldiers to face the firing squad. KIRK DOUGLAS is outstanding as the officer sympathetic to the men's plight who decides to defend them against a Court Martial.
The supporting cast is studded with excellent performances. WAYNE MORRIS is especially good in a deeper than usual role for him as the real coward of the company chosen by Douglas to lead the firing squad. And ADOLPHE MENJOU is devious and cunning as the back-stabbing General who lets MacReady know that he too is going to be scrutinized by the authorities for conduct Douglas has made known to Menjou.
Gripping war drama full of realistically filmed battle scenes guaranteed to make anyone understand how men become shell-shocked under constant enemy bombardment.
The performance of KIRK DOUGLAS is another milestone in his career. Never has he seemed more defiant and courageous than he does here. My only quibble with the film is that its ending is just a bit murky as to intent and could have used a more satisfying wrap-up to the story.