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Paths Of Glory | Year: 1957 Classification: Drama Actors/Actresses: - Stanley Kubrick - Kirk Douglas - Ralph Meeker CULT MOVIES 58 58. PATHS OF GLORY (war, 1957) France, 1916: During W.W.I Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas) is ordered by General Meraud (George McReady) to advance the enemy and take an important 'ant hill'. The General's orders prove suicidal as most of the advancing soldiers are killed. There is an inevitable retreat. Seeing this as an act of insubordination by Colonel Dax and his men he orders 3 men from each regiment be executed for mutiny. But Colonel Dax is determined to defend the men in court. Critique: Along with the legendary 'All Quiet on the western Front' this is considered as the most important war film made. Both take place in the mud-laden maze of trench warfare and deals with the inept attitudes of the military leaders. Whereas 'Western Front' deals more with the subject of innocent blood being taken to their slaughter by uncompromising Generals, 'Paths' delves into the political aspects and moral issues associated with war. Director Stanley Kubrick reveled in showing just how topsy-turvy authoritarian figures can be especially in times of war where all common sense disappears. He would take things to the absurd with 'Dr. Strangelove' and completely destroy social fabric with the pessimistic 'Clockwork Orange'. Every major Hollywood house initially turned down 'Paths' until Kirk Douglas stepped in and co-produced the project. The result was to prove Kubrick's first masterpiece establishing him as a major director. The film's many symbolic and outright topical points will remain important. 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." WAR IS HELL! A masterpiece by the visionary genius Stanley Kubrick dealing with the absurdity that takes place durning and after a war. General Broulard (Adolphe Menjou "A Woman of Paris") comes to General Mireau (George Macready) with a special mission, but one they both know will cost many lives. That is all spared, as if the mission goes thru General Mireau will be given yet another star. The strive for greed and power then sets the stage for one of the most powerful film ever made, whether by Kubrick or in general on the subject of war. Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas "Spartacus")right from the begining is all but too aware of the amount of lives this will cost. But is called a coward in the process, and is told to take time off if he can't pull thru. With that being said, he accepts command. The odd, or should I say the amazing thing about this story is the screenplay written by Jim Thompson, Calder Willingham, and Kubrick himself is all based on a book by Humphrey Cobb which is a true story! To think that these unprecedented acts actually occured to unbelieveable. There are Oscar caliber performances here by Douglas and Macready, who both went overlooked as well did the directing, screenplay,and photography! This is a one of a kind film that remains as one of the greatest of all time. A must for anyone's video collection whether your a Kubrick fan, war movie fan, or a fan of any of the actors in the movie (Douglas, Menjou). A powerful, raw, real movie everyone has to see! An unforgettable film! This is one the finest works of Stanley Kubrick. There are few movies in the cinema story so shocking like this. The nasty human condition and the greed of a General makes he sents a command under Kirk Douglas's service to a real suicide. It's imposible reach the desired goal. Buy Paths Of Glory at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Paths Of Glory Search with the Priority Search Engine on Paths Of Glory This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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