Paths of Glory
1957

Internet Movie Database Details

 

Regarded as Kubrick's breakthrough film, this chilling tale of a WWI battle was banned in France until the early 1970's. The film depicts Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax, who is ordered by his superiors to attack 'The Anthill' even though the attack is regarded as a suicide mission. After the first wave of troops storm the Anthill, the rest of the troops fall back. The attack fails and the Dax's superiors order an example to be made of one soldier per platoon. They are ordered to be executed for cowardice.

Kubrick's first film to deal with the fultility of war, which would become a central theme in Kubrick's later works.

 

Images

Scans of actual promotional stills

Coward
At the firing line for cowardice.

Hero
Kirk Douglas during the battle of the Anthill

 

Penalty of Death
.wav format, 219K

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