Paths of Glory

Description

The events take place in 1916 on the Western Front. For two years, the Allies have been trying to turn the tide of the war with the Germans. The head of the corps, General Brulard (Adolphe Menjou), orders Major General Miro (George Macready) to attack an impregnable enemy position, nicknamed Ant Hill. The operation is entrusted to Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas), who commands an infantry regiment. The failure of the operation is obvious at first, but when the attack ends in complete failure, the general orders three men chosen at random to be tried and shot for cowardice. Colonel Dax tries in vain to protect his soldiers. They gave their lives to cover up the stupidity and ambitions of their superiors.