# Paths of Glory

> 1957 film directed by Stanley Kubrick

**Wikidata**: [Q747936](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q747936)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paths_of_Glory)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paths-of-glory

## Summary
*Paths of Glory* is a 1957 war film directed by Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas. It is a critically acclaimed anti-war drama set during World War I, exploring themes of military injustice and the futility of war.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: October 25, 1957 (premiere), with subsequent releases in December 1957 and early 1958 across multiple countries.
- **Director**: Stanley Kubrick.
- **Starring**: Kirk Douglas, who also produced the film.
- **Genre**: War film, drama, anti-war film.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Production Companies**: Bryna Productions (Kirk Douglas's company), United Artists.
- **Runtime**: 88 minutes.
- **Budget**: Approximately $935,000.
- **Box Office**: Grossed around $1.2 million (domestic).
- **Critical Reception**: Highly praised, with ratings including 9/10 (IMDb), 96% (Rotten Tomatoes), and 90/100 (Metacritic).
- **Awards**: Nominated for and won several accolades, though not major Academy Awards.
- **Legacy**: Considered one of Kubrick’s early masterpieces and a landmark in anti-war cinema.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424 (film class), with extensive structured data entries.
- **Sitelink Count**: 49 Wikipedia language editions.
- **Notable Cast**: Also features Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, and George Macready.
- **Setting**: World War I, French trenches.
- **Themes**: Military bureaucracy, injustice, the dehumanization of soldiers.
- **Preservation**: Part of the National Film Registry (U.S. Library of Congress) for cultural significance.

## FAQs
**What is *Paths of Glory* about?**
The film follows a French army unit during World War I, where three soldiers are court-martialed for cowardice after a failed attack. The story critiques the military’s disregard for human life and the absurdity of war.

**Who directed *Paths of Glory*?**
Stanley Kubrick directed the film, marking one of his early major works before *Spartacus* and *2001: A Space Odyssey*.

**What role did Kirk Douglas play in the film?**
Kirk Douglas starred as Colonel Dax, the moral center of the film, and also produced it through his company, Bryna Productions.

**How was *Paths of Glory* received critically?**
It earned near-universal acclaim, with critics praising its direction, performances, and unflinching portrayal of war. It holds a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

**Is *Paths of Glory* based on a true story?**
No, it is based on the 1935 novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb, which was inspired by real WWI court-martial cases but is fictional.

**Why was *Paths of Glory* controversial?**
Its anti-war stance and critique of military leadership made it contentious upon release, particularly in France, where it was banned until 1975.

**What awards did *Paths of Glory* win?**
While not an Oscar winner, it received nominations and honors from film festivals and critics' circles, solidifying its reputation as a classic.

**How does *Paths of Glory* compare to other war films?**
Unlike many war films of its era, it focuses on the psychological and moral toll of war rather than heroism, making it a precursor to later anti-war films like *MASH* and *Apocalypse Now*.

## Why It Matters
*Paths of Glory* is a seminal work in cinema for its bold anti-war message and Kubrick’s masterful direction. It challenges the glorification of war, exposing the brutality and injustice within military hierarchies. The film’s themes remain relevant, influencing later generations of filmmakers and shaping public discourse on war and authority. Its preservation in the National Film Registry underscores its cultural and historical significance.

## Notable For
- **Kubrick’s Breakthrough**: One of Stanley Kubrick’s first major critical successes, establishing his reputation as a visionary director.
- **Kirk Douglas’s Dual Role**: Douglas’s performance as Colonel Dax and his role as producer showcased his influence in Hollywood.
- **Anti-War Stance**: A rare 1950s film that openly criticized military leadership and the futility of war.
- **Cinematic Realism**: Kubrick’s use of long tracking shots and stark lighting created a visceral, immersive experience.
- **Cultural Impact**: Inspired later anti-war films and remains a staple in film studies curricula.
- **Banned in France**: The film was censored in France for nearly two decades due to its portrayal of the French military.
- **National Film Registry**: Selected for preservation by the U.S. Library of Congress in 1992 for its cultural significance.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Consistently ranked among the greatest war films ever made.

## Body
### Overview
*Paths of Glory* is a 1957 American war film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. Based on Humphrey Cobb’s 1935 novel, the film is a scathing indictment of military injustice during World War I. It follows Colonel Dax (Douglas), a French officer who defends three soldiers accused of cowardice after a failed assault on a German position. The film’s title is derived from Thomas Gray’s *Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard* ("The paths of glory lead but to the grave").

### Production
- **Director**: Stanley Kubrick, then early in his career, took on the project after his debut feature, *The Killing* (1956).
- **Producer**: Kirk Douglas, through his production company Bryna Productions, secured financing from United Artists.
- **Screenplay**: Adapted by Kubrick, Calder Willingham, and Jim Thompson.
- **Filming Locations**: Shot in Germany (Munich) due to budget constraints, standing in for French trenches.
- **Budget**: Approximately $935,000, modest for its time but efficiently used.
- **Cinematography**: Georg Krause’s black-and-white photography emphasized the film’s grim tone.

### Cast and Characters
- **Kirk Douglas** as Colonel Dax: A principled officer who defends his men against unjust charges.
- **Ralph Meeker** as Corporal Paris: One of the accused soldiers.
- **Adolphe Menjou** as General Broulard: A cynical high-ranking officer.
- **George Macready** as General Mireau: The antagonistic commander who orders the court-martial.
- **Supporting Cast**: Includes Timothy Carey, Wayne Morris, and Richard Anderson.

### Themes and Style
- **Anti-War Message**: The film critiques the dehumanization of soldiers and the absurdity of military bureaucracy.
- **Moral Dilemmas**: Explores the conflict between duty and ethics.
- **Visual Style**: Kubrick’s use of long takes and deep focus creates a sense of claustrophobia and inevitability.
- **Dialogue**: Sharp, philosophical exchanges highlight the film’s intellectual depth.

### Release and Reception
- **Premiere**: October 25, 1957, in the United States.
- **International Rollout**: Released in multiple countries through 1958, though banned in France until 1975.
- **Critical Response**: Praised for its direction, performances, and bold themes. It holds a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 90/100 on Metacritic.
- **Box Office**: Moderate commercial success, grossing around $1.2 million domestically.

### Legacy and Influence
- **Kubrick’s Career**: Marked a turning point for Kubrick, leading to larger projects like *Spartacus* (1960) and *Dr. Strangelove* (1964).
- **Anti-War Cinema**: Influenced later films such as *MASH* (1970) and *Full Metal Jacket* (1987).
- **Cultural Impact**: Frequently cited in film studies and military ethics discussions.
- **Preservation**: Added to the National Film Registry in 1992 for its historical and cultural significance.

### Related Works
- **Kirk Douglas’s Filmography**: *Spartacus* (1960), *Lust for Life* (1956), *20,000 Leagues Under the Sea* (1954).
- **Stanley Kubrick’s Filmography**: *Dr. Strangelove* (1964), *2001: A Space Odyssey* (1968), *A Clockwork Orange* (1971).
- **War Film Genre**: *All Quiet on the Western Front* (1930), *The Bridge on the River Kwai* (1957).

### Technical Details
- **Runtime**: 88 minutes.
- **Aspect Ratio**: 1.66:1.
- **Sound**: Mono.
- **Language**: English (with some French dialogue).

### Awards and Honors
- **National Film Registry**: Selected in 1992.
- **Critics’ Picks**: Featured in numerous "greatest films" lists, including *Sight & Sound* and AFI’s 100 Years...100 Movies.

### Trivia
- The film’s ending, featuring a German soldier singing to a captive French woman, is one of cinema’s most poignant anti-war moments.
- Kubrick’s meticulous direction included rehearsing the court-martial scene for weeks to achieve the desired tension.
- The film’s title was initially misunderstood by audiences, who expected a glorification of war rather than a critique.

### Availability
- **Home Media**: Released on DVD and Blu-ray, with restored prints available.
- **Streaming**: Occasionally available on platforms like Criterion Channel and Amazon Prime.

*Paths of Glory* remains a powerful and relevant film, its themes resonating in discussions of war, authority, and human dignity. Its place in cinematic history is secured by its bold storytelling and Kubrick’s uncompromising vision.

## References

1. The Encyclopedia of Stanley Kubrick
2. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. The Movie Database
5. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
6. The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures
7. Paths of Glory. Rotten Tomatoes
8. IMDb
9. Rotten Tomatoes
10. Letterboxd
11. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050825/releaseinfo)
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Paths of Glory
14. Kinopoisk
15. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/paths-of-glory/)
16. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
17. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/43878)
18. Online-Filmdatenbank
19. [Source](http://www.mecd.gob.es/cultura-mecd/areas-cultura/cine/industria-cine/calificacion/calificacion-por-meses.html)
20. Bechdel Test Movie List
21. mymovies.it
22. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/C73C-EEA2-4651-E084-0C1E-5)
23. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/87775)
24. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
25. TheTVDB
26. Trakt.tv
27. FilmVandaag.nl