《光荣之路》经典观后感集
《光荣之路》是一部由斯坦利·库布里克执导，柯克·道格拉斯 / 拉尔夫·米克 / 阿道夫·门吉欧主演的一部剧情 / 战争类型的电影，文章吧小编精心整理的一些观众的观后感，希望对大家能有帮助。
《光荣之路》观后感(一)：Paths of Glory
1916年，第一次世界大战期间的法国，德法两军的战争如火如荼。值此关键时刻，法国陆军将军布洛拉德（Adolphe Menjou 饰）向陆军上尉达克斯（柯克·道格拉斯 Kirk Douglas 饰）率领的部队下了一道命令：不惜一切代价攻下德军占领的安特山。军令如山，即使前方刀山火海，战士们仍拼死向前冲去。结局可想而知，在敌人密集的炮火下，法军冲锋失败，伤亡惨重。为了掩盖自己的指挥失误，布洛拉德抓捕三名无辜士兵作代罪羔羊，以临阵脱逃等罪名将他们判处死刑。为了士兵的利益，达克斯上尉奋力争取，却在这一过程中渐渐看清军官和战争的丑恶……
本片根据汉弗雷·科比（Humphrey Cobb）1935年的小说《光荣之路》改编荣获1959年意大利国家影评人协会银带奖最佳外语片导演奖、1958年芬兰影艺学院奖最佳导演奖。©豆瓣
《光荣之路》观后感(二)：光荣之路，愚蒙之路，死亡之路
爱国主义是流氓最后的庇护所——《狂热分子》
那个胖胖的将军说，军队就像小孩子一样，将军就像一个爸爸，为了管理好孩子，你必须经常杀几个人。
兵者，器也。需则用，不需则弃。
最强大的军团——最不讲人性的军团，对”敌人“是，对自己人也是。古代中国，前队冲刺，中队其后，前队若停，中队斩前队，中队若听，后队斩中队。
少数的利益集团，圈起巨大的斗兽场，用热乎乎的生命玩一场类似于魔兽争霸式的即使战略游戏。
少校对那个胖乎乎的将军说：i pity you!
强国出强人，强人拍猛片，五十年代出的电影，怎一个猛！
《光荣之路》观后感(三)：公务员式的危机公关
我在不知剧情的情况下看了《光荣之路》，被影片的几个突转嘲弄了。
柯克道格拉斯是个理想主义者！但是一个理想主义者有什么好表现的呢？与斯巴达克斯一样，达克斯上校也是个正面人物，有同情心，有正义感，有些谋略，容易动情。找谁来演？道格拉斯僵硬的面庞如同终结者施瓦辛格州长，“恰如其分”地表现出一个清心寡欲的高尚者的形象——是的，他似乎什么都不需要，他是个英雄。（关于道格拉斯与库布里克，有不少轶闻可以翻出来的，资料不在手头，暂且不谈。）
这部片子比稍后的《斯巴达克斯》带有更多库氏印记，虽然库氏在宣传后者时说了相反的意见。
开篇在战壕中的视察，进化为《全金属外壳》中的训话，徐徐退后的摄影机，搞笑的士兵。
注意到了么？库布里克比大多数导演都偏爱在取景框中留出更大空白，人像因此显得更小一点，空间显得更大一点。而且，除了《2001》，他没有用过太宽的银幕。
尤其是影片的结尾，像极了《大开眼戒》的结尾：死亡/处决，谈话/教育，和谐/回归原点。
其中，“教育”这个情节，是用来揭示影片意义所在的。在《大开眼戒》中也是。
请先允许我再次说明库氏电影的分裂性主题（库布里克式拼贴）。《光荣之路》是多重反讽：对满足欲望的战争的讽刺&对理想主义/浪漫主义拯救之道的讽刺。《大开眼戒》的主题则是：个人的性幻想和性探索&对虚伪社会的批判。
因为主题的二重性，所以“教育”只揭示了影片意义的一个方面。
（齐格勒教育比尔：行了，你别再问了，知道了对你有好处么？为自己和家人想想吧。
小胡子司令教育达克斯上校：我看你是个人才，我来帮你晋升，你怎么不领情？什么？你不想晋升？那你想干什么？理想主义何用？
比尔是个没啥理想的普通人，普通到没有个性。达克斯是个有魅力的人，但影片忘记交代他为何要去参战——根据他引述的萨缪尔约翰逊对爱国主义的讽刺，他应该是反战的。
但是他们都被上层阶级“教育”了。
比尔面对齐格勒的威胁，慌里慌张到失了神，哪里还敢越过阶级界限半步。
达克斯面对小胡子司令的奚落，辩解是如此无力：“你不知道这个问题的答案……我可怜你。”随即转入下一个镜头，想来是大家都觉得理想主义无论如何也狡辩不赢的吧。）
影片对战场上人的懦弱讽刺得不轻。这前半部是影片最精彩的部分，和《全金属外壳》一样。后面的情节也很好，但是前半部太出彩了，因此显得头重脚轻。库布里克经常给我们太好的开头。
第一段的讽刺：“一名士兵的生命对我而言胜于任何勋章。”
军事法庭差一点就成了另一部《十二怒汉》，可惜那是军事法庭，上级说了算。换言之，《十二怒汉》太理想了。
其中一个被处决的汉子表情甚是超前啊，我头一次在黑白片中看到在这样拉风的表情帝。
处决一段，有一个是在担架上，可能借鉴了海明威的那一篇短篇小说（处决时有军官是重病不起的）。
处决那一段是个反高潮，看惯了最后一分钟营救的我，还希望在“瞄准”之后，有人大吼一声：住手！……结果什么也没有发生。接踵而至的是“教育”一场戏，而这场戏也出乎我的意料。我以为这是一个阴谋，没想到这是一个正常的、公务员式的处理方式！
胡子司令是一个军人、暴君、运动员、村干部，他只会说大话、唱高调，道貌岸然，遇点麻烦就气急败坏，用命令来压制言论，用无辜来掩饰责任。
小胡子司令就是政府高级工作人员咯。人家懂得利用诱惑将不可能的人物委派下去。人家知道大政方针不能改，杀人不能留情，但也不能因为杀人影响下属的情绪。人家知道一般人想的都是升官发财，可惜达克斯竟然不食人间烟火。人家懂得就事论事，因此人家步步为营，啥都没做错！
这无疑是所有库布里克电影中最为“阴谋论”的一部了。仅仅因为这小胡子司令，仅仅因为他（故意！）晚一点查处胡子司令，理想主义者就成了为了抢位置而背后捅刀子的人，成了给下属希望却看着他们送死的人！小胡子站在全局工作的高度，先牺牲了几个小兵，又牺牲了一个司令，顺带牺牲了一个上校！这就是政府的力量啊！
影片结尾的德国女人，唱的是一首德国歌曲么？然而所有法国人都跟着哼唱起来了！
对比：昨天《建党伟业》结尾，王学兵起头的是一首法国歌曲么？然而所有中国人都跟着哼唱起来了！
（后来看了影评才知道，原来那德国姑娘是库布里克的老婆啊！怪不得呢！换了别人演，看下面一群法国人的流氓样儿，库布里克这大色鬼肯定要来点重口味了！）
麦格芬：ANT HILL！到了影片中段以后，打不打，打赢没，都无所谓了！本来就没啥危险的，为什么要打？为什么明知取不下还要打？为了看自己人有谁是懦夫？为了搞掉胡子司令？没人记得了。
或者用阴谋论来解释攻击命令？这就更反映出库氏的悲观倾向：我们的生命是被阴谋所决定的。
看了《库布里克的电影》后，补充几点。
本片根据1935年的同名畅销小说改编。原来只是围绕三个士兵的冤案，电影把达克斯上校和将军们从幕后拉到台前。对比本片中主题的二重性，亦即我总结的“库布里克式拼贴”，这次是在小说改编过程中产生的，与《大开眼戒》一样，导演意图在小说主题之外另加一个主题。
本片和同时代的《二十二条军规》很相像。体制是荒谬的。
而达克斯妄图在体制之内寻求正义，只能是一个荒唐的英雄。
最后一幕，敌国的歌声很快就被接受，伙伴被处死的军人纵声欢笑。加上片中对“爱国主义”的讨论，这些都是对战争目的何在的讽刺。他们不过是任人摆布的棋子，即将踏上另一场不知目的的战斗，成为炮灰。有着一丝人道主义精神的达克斯上校说：允许他们多呆一会儿吧。——这只能是个无奈的结局。
《光荣之路》观后感(四)：The road to death
I'm not afraid of dying tomorrow,only of getting killed.
我不害怕明天就将死去，我只是害怕被杀
这部影片给我的第一感觉——太短了。在整整一个小时二十多分钟之后，我原本以为还会发生些什么，也许会有什么其他的转机，可是一切截然而止。“上级命令我们立刻返回前线。”“再给他们几分钟时间吧。”巨大的【The End】，仿佛是达克斯的无奈。腐败的制度，冷漠的军官，坚信上帝的神父，一切的一切，从影片初始贯穿尾末，都是一个巨大的讽刺。
光荣之路？也许对米罗来说，是真的光荣吧。一场无数士兵为之牺牲的战争，只是他通往权力欲望，通往第十二个勋章的牺牲品。只有他们奋战而死，不把生命看做生命，才能不被称作懦夫吧；只有他们将无厘头的命令看做人生的至高无上的法则，才配被称之为勇敢的soldier吧。
光荣之路？够是嘲讽吧。达克斯将有关米罗的证据交给布娄拉德，企图改变三个士兵的命运，挽救他们的生命。可是直到三个士兵分别用不同的姿势，不同的形态走上死亡之架，当达克斯频频用眼神示意布娄拉德，换回了什么？三个士兵的死亡甚至都不配作为General们饭后的谈资，也仅仅是检察官连起诉书都不用准备的简单陈述下直截了当的懦夫罢了。可笑了吧？究竟谁才是真正的懦夫呀？可是，这就是军官，这就是阶层，这就是几句话就可以决定你死亡的人。我心里想着【你行你上啊，有本事你去打仗，有本事你不要躲在战壕，有本事你也踩着队友的尸体，走出我方的铁丝网，走向炮火连连的无人区，走向Anthill。你行吗？你过得去吗？最重要的是，你敢吗？】更可笑的是，当其中一个士兵被送上刑场时，哭着念叨着“为什么是我？为什么是我去死？”神父只是沉默地说着“这是上帝的安排，这是上帝赋予你的命运，你要接受它。"
呵呵，让我来告诉你，上帝赋予你的命运是什么？你是一名战士，一名光荣的士兵。你可以为了国家而死，为了自己而死，却不能为了这莫须有的懦夫罪名和懦弱的军官统治者而死。你可以服从命令，但更重要的是看清局势学会选择，选择一条成本最小效益最大的路，而不是上前做根本带不来好处的牺牲。你可以像董存瑞炸碉堡一样，他的牺牲换来的是敌人的无所应对，敌人的损失惨重，这就是有利的牺牲。但你绝不能像飞蛾扑火那样奔向炮弹奔向覆灭。你可以害怕死亡畏惧死亡，因为这个世界上没有人不怕死亡，再伟大的哲人，再英勇的士兵，也必须承认他对死亡的恐惧，这没什么大不了的。你是国家的士兵，为了国家的未来，为了身后妇女儿童的幸福而战，你上场了，那就是光荣的，你战斗了，那就是无悔的，踏出一米和踏出一百米又有什么区别呢？Just go ahead.
写到这里，没有什么多余的话想说了。Then just go ahead.去前线吧，去迎接接下来的战争吧，去改变这该死的社会制度吧，去吧。
【Where have I done wrong？】
【Because you don't know the answer to that question...I pity you.】
I pity you.
《光荣之路》观后感(五)：库布里克，你的电影在撒谎！
命令执行不下去，该谁受罚，其实是大家是知道的，这是一个简单的不能再简单的问题。让将军愤怒到要炮轰自己阵地的就是那堆挤在战壕里看着其他战友冲锋送死而不帮助的士兵。将军绝对不会忘掉这群把他气的要死的士兵。
但电影中，将军却忘掉了，事后对这帮士兵提都不提，却非得和三个抽签出来的士兵较上劲。最后即使知道其中一名士兵是最勇敢的，冲到了所有人的前面，他仍然坚决的要这名士兵去死。而把他肺都气炸了的那些躲在战壕里不执行命令的士兵，他完全忘记了。
而最后，这群没有受到任何处罚的懦夫士兵却把将军送上了审判台，因为他曾经要炮轰他们。
这是多么可笑和荒谬，这在现实的即使发生了，那也一定只是极端的不正常的个例，完全不能真实表现真正的一战军官情况。
正象电影中阿道夫将军最后总结的：我们是在打一场战争，我们要的是胜利。那些人没有战斗，所以要被枪决！
将军说的没有错，但错误的是，他们枪决的竟然是战斗了的士兵，而那些没有战斗躲在战壕里拒绝战斗的士兵，他们看到了，却当做没有看到。是谁让这些军官没有看到？是导演，是编剧！他们在电影中努力表现的那些不公正的军官，其实是导演，编剧自己丑恶嘴脸的写照，而不是真实的一战法国军官的形象。
当然，如果他们枪决的是没有跳出战壕的士兵，这部电影的受害者也就不值得观众同情了。因此，他们先是肆无忌惮的大大贬低了军官的智商，然后通过军官的愚蠢来造成这起冤案，最后用冤案来搏取观众的同情。
电影演到这里，我看到一种伪善，为了表现自己对战争残酷的思考，而不顾事实对军官进行污蔑，法国禁演这部电影我觉得是对的。
库布里克，你的电影在撒谎！
本来很好的电影，但是因为犯了一个逻辑大错误，我实在是看的难受。
枪毙士兵的直接原因是有一部分士兵没有跳出战壕，那军官们为什么不选择一直藏在战壕中的那些士兵中的几个人来枪毙以提高士气？却选择了三个勇敢的士兵？（至少有两个士兵已经证明了他们不是懦夫，还有一个士兵至少跳出了战壕，爬到了已方的铁丝网，比那些躲在战壕的士兵强多了）
军官们一再提到有一些士兵没有跳出战壕，在电影中多次提到，一再的强调这就是他们要枪毙三名士兵的原因。但他们就是不对那些没跳出战壕的士兵进行任何惩罚，没有一个人提到说受处罚的士兵只能从这帮没有跳出战壕中的士兵中选择。
事实上被选择枪毙的三个士兵中，有一个人和他的战友两个人已经冲到了所有人的最前面，直面着敌人的机枪，甩在他后边的是其他战友的尸体。在审讯中，这个事实已经清晰的传达给了各级军官。这样的英雄也要枪毙，这些军官都是傻逼么？
另外有一些士兵没跳出战壕的原因也很简单，就是那们那个懦夫上士决定的。这根本不用查，事实就清晰的摆在前面，只有他的部队没出去。那直接枪毙他就行了，干嘛要抽签？
我对一战非常感兴趣，一战的武器性能大幅提升但战术却没有变化，因此死伤程度非常惨烈，怯战和退缩情况非常常见。也因此一战对怯战士兵的枪决也非常的普遍和严厉，但是也形成了一套辨别方法，不会象电影表现那样，明摆着躲在战壕里的士兵和军官却啥事没有，非得枪毙几个抽签出来的人，那顶个屁用。在成百上千的士兵瞬间变尸体的一战中，抽个签才会被枪毙，和跳出战壕被打死的概率相比是小到完全可以接受的。这种抽签惩罚方式，只能下次战争中所有的士兵都藏在战壕中，然后抽签（或者是用赌博的方式）决定谁是倒霉鬼。
最后的总结是：明明知道谁是逃兵，谁是懦夫，却不处罚这些懦夫和逃兵，非得抽签，结果把跳出战壕冲到最前方的士兵给毙了。这种傻逼式的决定，我想导演绝不是反映现实，而是一种污蔑了。
因此，这部电影为了表现士兵的无辜，他的确做到了；这部电影为了表现集权者的丑恶，导演也做到了。但导演没有做到的是，让人感觉这部电影表现的东西是真实存在的。
在真实的情况中，当权者为了达到自己的目的，完全可以用一个更公平更简单更让人信用的办法，即：枪毙躲在战壕里的士兵。但是他们却愚蠢枪毙了三个冲上前线的士兵（那个因为被砸伤而没有跳出战壕的士兵，在前一天晚上的侦察中表现了他的英勇）。就算真有这样的一批傻逼军官，也只是极端的个例，既然只是极端的个例，又怎么能代表反战？
《光荣之路》观后感(六)：“光荣之路的尽头是阴森的墓地”
文_发不沾霓
［光荣之路］的主演柯克·道格拉斯在自己的回忆录中写道：“当初看了［光荣之路］的剧本后我就对斯坦利说，‘这是个铁定赚不了钱的片，但我们必须得把它拍出来。’”故事说的是在一战期间，法国与德国之间打得难解难分，一日法军参谋部下令针对德军的要塞“蚁丘”发动一次“不可能的袭击”，结果由于两军战力相差悬殊，法国部队不得不进行撤退，而指挥的将军却以“懦夫、逃兵”作为借口，下令将炮口对向自家人，遭到拒绝之后仍然“挑选”了三名士兵作为他本人昏庸决策的牺牲品。事实正如道格拉斯所言，由于［光荣之路］展示了法国将领的冷血奸诈，法国军方表示了强烈不满，甚至呼吁全欧洲一同抵制这部影片——直到1975年法国人才解除了对［光荣之路］的禁令；瑞士在之后很长的一段时间内也以“污蔑法国军方形象”为由禁止影片在瑞士发行；就连德国也一度迫于法国方面的压力而禁止［光荣之路］出现在柏林电影节上。不过，唱赞歌的人也有——意大利电影人对这部影片追捧有加（他们于1959年将最佳外语片颁给了［光荣之路］），而西班牙的超现实主义大师布努埃尔也曾表示，自己是［光荣之路］的死忠。 百转千折 时间得先回到［杀戮］上映之后。尽管该片在票房上没有什么建树，但在好莱坞圈内却收获了良好的口碑，米高梅当时的总裁多尔·沙里也盯上了库布里克这个潜力无限的新人，经过一番劝诱，沙里成功将“哈里斯-库布里克制片公司”招入麾下。而有了米高梅这个强有力的靠山，库布里克与哈里斯对未来自然是充满了信心，立马思索新片的拍摄方向。 兴许是对战争题材的迷恋加之［恐惧与欲望］的不尽其意，库布里克希望再拍一部战争电影，他想起了高中时期看过的一本小说《光荣之路》，书中对战争的诘问令库布里克着迷。在哈里斯的大力支持下，他们向多尔·沙里提出了［光荣之路］的拍摄计划。但不巧的是，在当时，米高梅所发行的几部战争片都在票房上铩羽而归，沙里哪里敢再接这个烫手的山芋，当即否决了库布里克的提议。 不过逆来顺受向来不是库布里克的风格，他表面上接受了沙里的提议，在米高梅的图书管里挑了本名叫《锁不住的秘密》的小说进行改编，暗地里却继续捣鼓着《光荣之路》的改编工作。到了交稿的当天，库布里克没能完成《锁不住的秘密》的改编不说，更是因私下操作《光荣之路》的事迹败露而被迫同米高梅终止合作关系，再加上多尔·沙里也在人事变动中被解雇，加入米高梅后发生的这一切之于库布里克就好像：辛德瑞拉还未在王子面前试穿水晶鞋，午夜就已经降临。但这反倒令库布里克的思路变得清晰了起来——先全身心投入到《光荣之路》的改编中去再说！ 完成改编后，自然是拉赞助的资金，但这也没能难倒从处女作开始就事必躬亲的库布里克，他找来一些朋友扮演法国士兵，以树林为背景拍了张“伪剧照”贴在剧本的封面上，并拿去给联美公司看。联美公司一开始并不是很动心，几番刁难下，［光荣之路］险些胎死腹中，幸好“救世主”柯克·道格拉斯出现了。早在看过［杀戮］之后道格拉斯就为库布里克的才华所折服，与库布里克会面之后，他爽快地答应了合作的事宜，并说出了本文开头的那段话。 嘲讽自由 军队是自由的坟墓，战士们的个性受到约束，原本独立的个体在战争中沦为一个又一个炮灰，比如被安排进行侦察任务的帕里斯下士和被自己人炸死的勒热内，又比如受命突击“蚁丘”的整个团。库布里克是国际象棋的发烧友，在他的［杀戮］里就曾出现过国际象棋的戏份，［光荣之路］里军事法庭黑白格子相间的地板宛若一张棋盘，受审的士兵站在其中便好比任人摆弄的棋子，此等暗示更加深了“被剥夺的自由感”。而［光荣之路］里库布里克对于自由的嘲弄还远不仅于此。在开头布罗拉得将军向米罗将军传达参谋部的决议之时，米罗是有拒绝的自由的，但这拒绝的可能性却因为他没能抵住利荣誉的挑逗而成为泡影。一个类似的场景紧接着出现：米罗对达克斯上校下达偷袭“蚁丘”的命令，虽然达克斯也有选择的自由——接受任务或者被革职，但显然他不愿让别人带着手下去送死，选择之于他也成了虚妄。在战前检阅的桥段里，库布里克着重展现了达克斯凝重而无可奈何的神情，而由达克斯的视角望出去的，尽是蜷缩在战壕里即将赴死的士兵。电影中，荣耀感和责任感都成了谋杀自由的凶手，将领之间的谈笑风生左右着千万人的生死，库布里克对战争的荒谬进行了强有力的控诉。 调侃平等 ［光荣之路］里的对比贯穿全片：米罗将军奢华考究的办公室与前线荒蛮泥泞的战场、米罗将军检阅士兵时的轻松昂扬（配乐十分滑稽，米罗就像马戏团表演时的小丑）与达克斯上校检阅时的沉重紧张（在整个过程中只听得见炮弹的爆炸声）、热闹气派的舞会与死刑前士兵所处的牢房……库布里克极力制造反差来展示上、下级之间的不同处境，这种默认的不公正与战争同时进行着，人性中无情、无耻、无赖的一面都经由他的镜头被无限放大。三名士兵分别从三个连中被挑选出来接受审判，而他们被挑选出来的方式可谓讽刺到了极致：一位是以抓阄的方式；一位是因为“不受欢迎”；一位是由于握有上司的把柄。在影片精彩的法庭戏中，台词的设计更是精妙绝伦，把“随便定个罪草草了事”的审判长和辩护律师同“一个比一个冤枉但就是不得不认罪”的被告们之间的对话拍得妙趣横生，好一出黑色幽默。你瞧，就连代表正义与公正的法庭都只是走个过场，［光荣之路］不仅彰显了战争的残酷无情更是把公义人权也踩得粉碎。 挖苦博爱 达克斯上校作为全片绝对的主人公，他的身上兼具理想主义者的浪漫和军人的使命感，所以当他一步步看清这个世界、看清将军们的嘴脸，便也就成为了一个悲剧角色，对这个体制他既不能抽离又难以反抗，他最后对布罗拉得的愤怒咆哮也显得相当无力。在那个他带领部下向“蚁丘”进军的镜头里，柯克·道格拉斯吹着口哨，高举着枪向着目的地进发，但由于军力悬殊最终死伤惨重，这也暗示了他终将倒在理想主义的道路上无法前行，就像在法庭上的那段总结陈词——纵然慷慨激昂有理有据，但下一个镜头库布里克就给到了准备执行死刑的枪手们——直接令达克斯上校为挽救那三名部下所做的一切努力化作乌有。在［光荣之路］里，正义没能得到伸张、同情怜悯没有得到释放，它展现的是一个现实、冷漠、功利的世界，在这里善良被埋没、真实的声音无法传播，所有试图进行的拯救行为都以失败而告终。参谋部的决策是由于受到了压力（所以要将功补过重树军威）或是贪功（所以急功近利获得认可），库布里克的矛头甚至指向了制造舆论压力的整个社会。另外，全片没有出现一个敌人，这种“死亡来自自身”的暗示与库布里克“在恐惧与欲望的驱使下，自己往往将自己送上绝路”的主题也是一脉相承。 毫厘丝忽 库布里克为了追求真实，苦心钻研一战历史以及堑壕战的细枝末节，他随后将自己对战场的理解都搬到了拍摄现场，包括侦查那一段中所看到的飞机残骸，也是库布里克精心设计的“道具”，他说那是为了体现战场的残酷（那架飞机还冒着烟）。此外，为了爆炸的逼真效果，在拍摄爆炸场面时库布里克从来都是质量为先，普通导演一遍即过的爆炸场面，库布里克都要拍到满意为止。此外，库布里克对细节的极致雕琢更是体现在那片搭建出来的“战场”上，就像他在1957年面对《新闻周刊》的采访时说道：“挖好弹坑和壕沟后，我们在那里放置了许多细小的道具——散落在弹坑里的丢弃的枪支、士兵的军装等等。你虽然未必看得见它们，但你能感受到。” 在片中扮演布罗拉得将军的阿道夫·门吉欧曾经说过，“库布里克会成为最优秀的十名导演之一。”［光荣之路］之后，可以说，库布里克已经无限地趋近于这个称号。 刊载于《看电影·午夜场》2014年三月号
《光荣之路》观后感(七)：最难过的是无能为力
两轮库布里克影展，10部片子，使劲挤时间，也只是看了两场。Lolita微微有点失望，但是Paths of Glory却让我在90分钟内无语凝噎。
战争的残酷，就在于让我们无能为力，面对生命，面对家庭，面对爱情。又想起倾城之恋，香港的战火让流苏和范柳原踌躇反侧，死生契阔，与子相悦，执子之手，与子偕老是一首最悲哀的诗。生与死与离别，都是大事，不由我们支配的。比起外界的力量，我们人是多么小，多么小！可是我们偏要说：‘我永远和你在一起，我们一生一世都别离开’，好象我们自己做得了主似的。范柳原在电话里吐出这句话，那一瞬间，和片子最后的德国姑娘在酒馆里吟唱着歌，战士们流着眼泪，Dax在门外默默地注视着的场景，慢慢的在心里交融。
我们都太想改变一些事情，可是哪里有那么容易。我们在命运面前，就是那么渺小。明明想要在一起，明明想要保护的人，都在一瞬间被一种无力感所摧毁的山崩地裂。誓言最难过，山无棱，江水为竭，冬雷震震，夏雨雪，天地合，乃敢与君绝，许下的诺言，尽是些不能实现的难过事。可越是不能实现，我们却越要努力证明，可是言语证明了我们的决心，现实却证明了我们的无奈。
好多时候，我们想多爱一些人，有时候又想干脆不爱了，可是其实很多感情本身就是自私的，总是在想着：我对他好，他要对我一样好，可是我爱你，你却不爱我，我又能怎么样。就像是死亡，想要逃避它，可是却永远无法逃避，因为我们注定不能回避一些事情，要么放弃，要么接受，再或者，就只能让自己难过。
怪不得曹植说：愿为西南风，长逝入君怀。至少成风化雨还能切切实实在现实中感受到，还能期待下一世自己能实现这一世那些无能为力却又偏偏拼尽全力的事情，还能简简单单表明心绪而不是辜负彼此。
可是谁念西风独自凉，萧萧黄叶闭疏窗。等我吹来，你却不在。
《光荣之路》观后感(八)：天才的电影
这是一部伟大的电影，没有多余的情节，对话，每个场景都值得观众们细细品味。
影片一开始，布鲁拉尔将军要求米罗将军负责攻打蚁山，而米罗将军觉得这是个不可能完成的任务，于是布鲁拉尔就以升官晋爵作为交换条件。最终人性的贪婪难敌正义，虽然口中还念念有词，爱兵如子，米罗还是接下了这档任务。
紧接着的那段是米罗将军亲自去战地视察时与三名士兵的对话，他的问话和回答一模一样，展现出十足的政客嘴脸，让人觉得恶心，影片开始时候被他的谎言所蒙蔽而留下的些许好感也荡然无存。对待普通士兵可以简单粗暴，但说服兵团长达克斯却要用点策略，利用激将法让有明显抵触情绪的达克斯就范。米罗将军并非一无是处，知道因人而异，否则也无法爬到这么高的位置，这世界谁也不是傻瓜。
发动进攻之前有个小插曲，罗杰上尉和手下两名士兵去敌营阵地侦察，贪生怕死的罗杰误杀一名士兵后临阵逃脱。共同执行任务的另一个士兵，与罗杰一同念书随后参军的上士，义愤填膺，声称要告发罗杰，而罗杰却软硬皆施企图让他隐瞒真相。犹豫之间，上士错过了最好的告发时机，为日后埋下祸根。
进攻当天很不顺利，达克斯的兵团因为敌人的炮火凶猛根本无法前进，米罗将军对他们恼怒异常，甚至在战场上要求后方的炮兵轰炸达克斯兵团以给予惩罚。而炮兵上尉并没有执行这个荒唐的命令，最终攻打蚁山的任务宣告失败。
任务失败后当然要找责任人，布鲁拉尔和米罗权衡之下，决定从达克斯兵团的每个小队里面挑一个人杀鸡儆猴。似乎所有对于失败的处理都是一致的，既要找替罪羊又不能打击面过大怕影响士气。三个小队寻找替罪羊的方式各不相同，第一个小队长找了之前一起执行任务的上士，既完成任务又免除后患，可谓一箭双雕。第二个小队找了一个不合群的人，而第三个小队用抽签决定。
达克斯了解情况之后非常气愤，亲自出任三名士兵的辩护人，希望在军事法庭上能够说服法官，更加说明了他的理想主义色彩。最后在一场没有辩护词，没有记录，没有人证的审判中，达克斯完败，三名士兵被判有罪。审判后炮兵上尉找了达克斯，愿意提供证词，证明米罗下命令炮击自己人。于是达克斯抱着最后一丝幻想去找布鲁拉尔将军，无果。在布鲁拉尔看来，达克斯简直是幼稚，因为他需要替罪羊或者一个理由来解释这次行动的失败，而媒体和公众也需要一些素材来渲染这场旷日持久的战争，这一切都是达克斯无法控制的，他能做的，也只能利用自己的一点小小权利来惩罚公报私仇的罗杰，让他担任行刑队长来接受良心的谴责。
执行死刑的场景犹如作秀，有牧师祈祷，有记者拍照，有队列整齐的士兵以振军威。仅仅为了处决三名小兵当然不用费这么大的周章，主要目的还是为了制造深远影响，才把刑场做成了秀场。布鲁拉尔将军充分显示了他的老奸巨猾，在处决完士兵之后，又利用达克斯提供的证据排挤掉了米罗。而当他想进一步拉拢达克斯的时候，却没有奏效。这也许是整部电影中唯一的亮点，否则就太过黑暗了。
影片的结尾是达克斯在酒吧门口偷听聚在一起喝酒的士兵们和台上老板与歌女的对话，从一开始的满场口哨和此起彼伏的调戏，直到随着被俘德国歌女的歌声渐起之后全场跟着吟唱，说明人性的本恶还是可以被美好的事物例如歌声所唤醒。但很不幸的是，随着传令兵对着达克斯传达重上战场的命令，歌声嘎然而止，预示着刚被激发的美好人性又要再次面对丑恶的洗礼。
人性中有善有恶，很难控制，遇到美好的事物可能就会变得美好，而一旦遇到战争，那么人性中最丑恶的一面就会被充分地激发。导演并非简单地叫反战的口号，或是煽情，而是一个个场景地刻画人性。而拍电影的时不到三十岁的库布里克居然能够将人性的丑恶描绘得如此深刻，真是天才手笔。和平年代，我们是否也需要审视我们各类的政府，公司等，以确保他们能扬善抑恶。
《光荣之路》观后感(九)：卑微的高地,耻辱的光荣——通向“蚂蚁”(ant)高地的“光荣”之路
影片故事发生在一战期间的德法战场。在将军乔治以“达到你生涯的新高度”的诱惑下，将军米洛（mireau）接受了基本上不可能完成的任务——两天内，攻占一个名叫安特（音译ant，蚂蚁）的高地，而这座山峰实际上是已经数月久攻不下的。随即，米洛下令dax上校的军队强行进军，dax拒绝的话和米洛最初的理由基本相似，一方面旁证了任务的不合理，另一方面也是本片的一大特色——层次反复（稍后论述）。但在全团调离前线（以懦夫的名义，丧失荣光）的威胁下，dax上校接受了命令。结果进攻失败。Mireau将军为了向外界媒体和政府交代，决定挑出三名士兵以“懦夫”的罪名予以枪决（开始说100个，dax力争，改为3个）。于是三名无辜的士兵（其中两名冲在了最前面，一名刚开始战斗就被尸体砸中昏倒在战壕里）被挑选出来（一名抓阄中奖，一名因为上司为报私仇被挑中，一名因为上司看不上眼被挑中），其间dax上校想尽了一切办法（包括为士兵辩护，联系上级，报告将军的过失——炮击己方阵地等）挽救几名士兵的生命，但是毫无用处。故事的结局是，三名士兵被枪决，但米洛将军因另一事件（为掩盖失误，下令炮击己方阵地）被革职。不久后，dax上校又不得不率领剩下的士兵重上前线。
我要重点分析几个片段，这几个片段给不同身份级别的人处于同样位置的对比，通过反复，给影片的内容以多个层次的解释。
第一个片段：第10分钟，米洛将军在视察壕沟时，被邀请用望远镜观看将要攻打的安特高地，他刚登上瞭望台，身后抬过了一串伤兵（或尸体），但是米洛将军“用望远镜”正看着战略目标安特高地，没有看到身后的伤兵。库布里克很可能用这个镜头象征着米洛（第一个层次A）一心想着自己人生中的高地（乔治将军用晋升来诱惑米洛接受这个不可能打赢的任务），他的视野被限制在很小的一个范围里（望远镜视野的镜头），而无法注意到士兵的死伤。安特高地任务的无法完成或许也象征了这一人生高地（其实是欲望高地）的无法到达，可望不可即。这个片段的反战意义很明显——将军为光荣不顾士兵的死活；另一层寓意则是我们每个人再追求所谓“人生新高峰”（乔治对米洛所说的话，象征我们每个人的光荣）时，我们视野的狭隘，对损失与牺牲的忽视：这里牺牲的“伤兵”既是部队——属于“自己的”（象征意义丰富，如自己的健康、时间、情感等），同时也是生命——属于“别人的”（时间、情感等），而可悲的是追求的目标又是如此的无意义（ant，蚂蚁）。
第二个片段：dax拒绝，而后又接受任务。如前述，dax的拒绝理由基本是米洛的反复，旁证了任务的不合理。但是不合理的任务为什么还要接受呢？不仅仅是军令（因为本片中他们都有选择接受与否的过程与权力），更是因为他们都被光荣之名绑架了。（反复1：dax上校与米洛将军有不同的身份，但在荣誉诱惑（得到或避免失去荣誉）面前的软弱，使他们在不同的两次谈话中处于同样的地位）。
第三个片段：法庭辩论，充分表现了荒谬与无力感。一个细节：第53分钟，众军士列队行走的严谨与呆板，军事法庭上纪律的严肃感；与紧接着的一个中镜头：米洛在旁边的惟一沙发上翘着二郎腿玩手指头的毫不在意的对比。另外，dax最后的精彩陈词：“这些被你们称作懦夫的人们（指无辜的三个士兵）绝不是“法国国旗上的污点”（将军等语），而这个临时组成的法庭和你们将要做出的判决才是，希望你们手下留情。”可以说道出了反战层面的最强音。
第四个片段：片中有一段关于蟑螂的镜头。牢房里，Paris（三个士兵之一）看到桌上爬过的蟑螂，说道“明天它离我的妻子和孩子的距离比我离他们的距离要近。明天它还活着，而我已经死了。” 这时ferol（另一个）一掌拍死了蟑螂，说道：“现在你比它强了“。他们三个即将被处死的士兵强过蟑螂的地方，其实不过是他们比蟑螂更有“力量”，能够决定蟑螂的生死，正如而在军队中，他们的生命也是由他人操纵。那么其实推断下来，他们与蟑螂的处境其实没有什么不同。 这里我们就迎来了第二个反复（反复2：蟑螂象征着法庭上的士兵，士兵就象征着法庭上的将军）和第三个反复（反复3：蟑螂与士兵面临着共同的命运——来临着的死亡，就像第一个反复中dax与米洛面临光荣一样，处于同样的境地——毫无还手之力。）细心看的话，这里埋藏着一个欲扬先抑。因为由于身份的不同，士兵们失败的后果与长官们失败的后果更严重，而不论谁失败，死亡的总是士兵（无光荣者）。这里似乎是给光荣辩了一小护：光荣挡在死亡面前，是光荣者与死亡间的一层保护衣。但随着影片的推进，我们发现，并不是这样。
第五个片段：dax上校问连长：你选择paris做受死的人是不是和它有私怨？连长否认（其实是的，paris知道连长误杀士兵并逃跑的秘密）。dax接着问：那么你为何选paris做受死的人？连长说：没有办法，我总是要选择一个。dax说：那么，明天就由你带队执行死刑吧。连长拒绝（表情很痛苦，很不安）。dax随即重复了连长的原话：没有办法，我总是要选择一个。（反复4）
第六个片段：盛大的仪仗队伴着低沉的鼓声，三个士兵走向光荣之路的终点，三根光秃秃的木干，那就是死亡。他们被绑在木干上，其中一个叫做巴黎paris，士兵们接受了将军的命令后，朝着paris开枪，以爱国的名义，以法国国旗的名义，而法国的首都，就叫做巴黎。光荣之路上，其中一人不断抱着身旁的牧师哭泣，但是深陷在光荣之名下的人们，连神也无法拯救。随后在枪声与鼓声之中，三个军人死去了。
第七个片段：米洛与乔治吃饭，dax被乔治邀请而来。随即乔治宣布了dax之前为救无辜士兵而举报米洛的结果，米洛面临着军事法庭的审判。乔治对米洛笑道：“你不知道我听到这个消息时有多么高兴。"因为这样，乔治就可以推脱自己诱惑米洛出兵的责任。米洛愤怒地站起，说出了他在本片中最后的一句话：“你在利用我，我这里是最无辜的人。你不知道被你在背后捅刀子的——是、一个、军人（一字一顿）”场面神圣，表情严肃，如果只看结尾，一定会误以为米洛是无辜的。库布里克完全把米洛作为正义的指责者来拍这个画面，恰恰达到了最好的讽刺效果。他对乔治的控诉，正是士兵们对他没有说出的控诉。借米洛的口说出这句话，米洛面对乔治正如士兵们面对他一样无助，光荣之路上，光荣并不能给他任何保护，正向法庭辩论中dax要念颂三个士兵的过往战绩与荣光被法官制止并宣告无效一样。也道出了本片的寓意：在光荣之路上，任何过往的光荣都不能保护行路的人们，世界是荒谬的，一顿午餐上也可以上演一场战争，一个瞬间里就可以宣判一个人的命运。无论是在战争之内（士兵）还是战争之外（将军），已经获得的光荣并不能阻止光荣之路通向它必然的终点——那就是死亡。对光荣的追求，只不过加速了这一过程而已。（反复5）
库布里克在这部影片之中传达出来的不仅仅是反战的铿锵之声，更有讽刺光荣的嗤笑之声，以及对人生意义与目的的疑惑与质询。难道无数人的生命都只是在向着一个名为蚂蚁的卑微高地冲锋么？以蚂蚁为名的高地，以光荣为名的路途，是否就是每一个士兵生命的全部？是否就是我们每一个人生命的全部？
没有答案。
但在影片的结尾，库布里克尝试着做出探询：一个被俘虏的德国少女在法军士兵的起哄之下唱了一首德国的歌谣——忠诚的士兵（The Faithful Hussar），哄笑声渐渐平息，引起了每个士兵的共鸣。在生命的战场上，每个人都是自己的士兵，虽然生命荒谬，但一定要对自己忠诚。战争荒谬，我们可以反战争；生命荒谬，我们却不能反生命。有点像《七宗罪》的结尾所说：”Ernest Hemingway once wrote,’the world is a fine place and worth fighting for.‘I agree with the second part.“
——“海明威曾说过这样一句话：“世界是美好的 值得我们努力奋斗。”我同意后半句。”
影片的最后一句话是一个士兵来向dax报告新的调兵命令，dax淡笑着回答：“再给他们一些时间……”
不仅仅是反战。影片拍摄时正值存在主义哲学在西方占主要地位，这或许也是库布里克对存在的荒谬的答案。
存在主义说：世界是荒谬的。
海明威说：值得我们努力奋斗。
dax说：再给他们（我们）一点时间……
《光荣之路》观后感(十)：对着剧本，才能发现这部片隐匿的精彩
基于本片的精彩程度，觉得单单在影像中欣赏回味已不足够，所以对着电影把对剧本逐字敲了出来。在文字的索引下，细细品味导演的用意，或许会发现一些不同的看法。废话不说了，上干活。
Film Name: Paths of Glory
COPYRIGHT MCMLVII HARRIS-KUBRICK PICTURES CORPORATION
Co-Starring.……………………………………………………………....Ralph Meeker and Adolphe Menjou
Featuring.………………..George Macready , Wayne Morris , Richard Anderson , Joseph Turkel
UNIT MANAGER.………………………………………….…..…………………………………Helmut Ringelmann
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS.………………………….…………..………………H.Stumpf,D,Sensburg.F.Spieker
CRIPT CLERK.………………………………………………………………..…………………………Trudy von Trotha
OUND. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Martin Muller
COSTUME DESIGNER. ………………………………………………………………………………………..Jlse Dubois
ECIAL EFFECTS. ………………………………………………………………………………………………Erwin Lange
MILITARY ADVISER.……………………………………………………………………………….. Baron v.Waldenfels
ASSISTANT EDITOR……………………………………………………………………………………….Helence Fischer
CAMERA GRIP………………………………………………………………………………………………….Hans Elsinger
MAKE UP…………………………………………………………………………………………………….Arthur Schramm
oduced at bavania.fumkunot.jundiou munich
APPROVED CERTIFICATE No.18707
Music :Gerald Fried
Art Director: Ludwig Reiber
hotographed by: George Krause
Camera operator : Hannes Staudinger
American Production Manager: John pommer
German Production Manager : George von Block
Film Editor : Eva Kroll
creenplay by : Stanley Kubrick, Calder Willingham and Jim Thompson
ased on the novel,”Paths of Glory” by Humphrey Cobb
roduced by : James B.Harris
Directed by :Stanley Kubrick
1
Caption : France 1916
Locale : barrack
Voice over : war began between Germany and France on August 3，1914. Five weeks later , the German army had smashed its way to within 18miles of Paris. There, the battered French miraculously rallied their forces at the Marne River, and in a series of unexpected counterattacks drove the Germans back. The front was stabilized, then shortly afterwards developed into a continuous line... of heavily fortified trenches… zigzagging their way 500 miles… from the English Channel to the Swiss frontier. By 1916， after two grisly years of trench warfare, the battle lines had changed very little. Successful attacks were measured in hundreds of yards, and paid for in lives by hundreds of thousands.
2
Locale : General Paul’s office
Guard: General Broulard, sir.
aul: Hello, George. How are you？
George: Paul, wonderful seeing you again. Really wonderful.
aul : well, this is splendid.
George : It’s superb. It’s grand, very grand.
aul : well, I’ve tried to create a pleasant atmosphere in which to work.
George : well, you’ve succeed marvelous. I wish I had your taste in carpets. And pictures.
aul : You are much too kind, George , much too kind. Sit down, George.
George : thank you.
aul : I really haven’t done very much. The place is much the same as it was when I moved in.
George : Paul, I’ve come to see you about something big. It’s top secret and must go no further than your chief to staff and not to him, unless you can trust his discretion.
aul: of course.
George : A group of armies is forming on this front for an offensive very soon. Headquarters is determined to make a complete breakthrough. Why are you smiling？
aul: I’m really sorry. I thought for just a moment I knew what you were going to say. Please go on.
George : I never knew you were a mind reader. What did you think I was about to say？
aul : Something about the “Anthill.”
George : You are a mind reader.
aul : well, it is a key position. It’s in my sector. To be perfectly honest, I’ve heard some talk. You know, there’s nothing really secret around headquarters.
George : Well, what do you think？
aul : It’s the key to the whole German position in this sector. They’ve held on to it for a year now… and it looks as though they’ll hold on to it for another year if they want to.
George : Paul, I have formal orders to take the Ant Hill no later than the 10th .that’s the day after tomorrow.
aul : That comes pretty close to being ridiculous, don’t you think？
George : I don’t imagine I’d be there if I really thought that. Paul, if there’s one man in this army who can do this for me, it’s you.
aul : It’s out of the question, George. Absolutely out of the question. My division was cut to pieces. What’s left of it is in no position to even to hold the Ant hill, Let alone take it. I’m sorry, but that’s the truth.
George : Well, Paul, there was something else I wanted to tell you. However, I’m sure that you’ll misunderstand my motives in mentioning it.
aul : What was it？
George : Oh. You’d be bound to misunderstand. However, as your friend, maybe I should tell you.
aul : What are you trying to say, George？
George : Paul, talk around headquarters is that you are being considered of the 12th corps.
aul : The 12th corps？
George : Yes, and with that, another star. Now, I’ve pushed it all I can. The 12th crops needs a fighting general, and you’re overdue on that star. Now, we both know that your record is good enough for you to refuse this assignment on the grounds you’ve stated, no one would question your opinion. They’d simply get someone else to do the job. So you shouldn’t Let this influence your opinion, Paul.
aul : Oh, I’m sorry. Have a cognac？
George : No, thanks, Paul, not before dinner.
aul : George, I’m responsible for the lives of 8，000 men. What is my ambition against that？ What is my reputation in comparison to that？ My men come first of all, George, and those men know it too.
George : I know that they do.
aul : You see, George ,those men know that I would never Let them down. That gose without saying. The life of one of those soldiers means more to me than all the stars and decorations and honors in France.
George : So… you think this attack is absolutely beyond the ability of your men at this time？
aul : I didn’t say that, George. Nothing is beyond those men, once their fighting spirit is aroused.
George : Paul, I don’t want to push you into it if you think it’s ill-advised.
aul : Don’t worry, George . you couldn’t do that if you tried. Of course, artillery would make an enormous difference. What artillery support can you give me？
George : Well, I’ll see.
aul : What about replacement？
George : We’ll see what we can do, but I feel sure that you can get along with what you have.
aul : Might just do it.
George : Oh, Paul. I knew that I was right to come to you. You are the man to take the Ant hill. Now, as far as that star is concerned… that had nothing to do with my decision.
aul : If anything, it would sway me to other way.
George : I realize that perfectly, Paul.
aul : Now, when do you say you see this coming off？
George : No later than the day after tomorrow.
aul : We just might do it.
3
Locale: Trench of France army
aul : Hello there, soldier. Ready to kill more Germans？
Ferol : Yes, sir.
aul : what’s your name, soldier？
Ferol : Sir, Private Ferol, Company “A .”
aul : Uh-huh. Are you married, Private？
Ferol : No. sir.
aul : Well, I’ll bet your mother’s proud of you.
Ferol : Yes, sir.
aul : Well, carry on, Private, and good luck to you.
Ferol : Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.
aul : Hello there, soldier. Ready to kill more Germans？
Lejeune: Yes, sir.
aul : Aha! Working over your rifle, I see. Well, that’s the way. It’s a soldier’s best friend. You be good to it ,and it’ll be good to you.
Lejeune: Yes, sir.
aul : Well, uh, good luck to you , soldier. Carry on.
Lejeune: Thank you, sir.
aul : Hello there, soldier. Ready to kill more Germans？ Well, is everything all right, soldier？
hell-shock victim : All right？ Yes, sir, I’m all right.
aul : Aha. Good fellow. Are you married, soldier？
hell-shock victim : Married？ Me, married？
aul : Yes. Have you got a wife？
hell-shock victim: A wife？ Have I got a wife？
Another soldier : Sir, he’s a bit shell-shocked.
aul : I beg your pardon, Sergeant. There is no such thing as shell shock. Have you got a wife, soldier？
hell-shock victim: My wife？ My wife. Yes, I have a wife. I’m never gonna see her again. I’m gonna be killed.
aul : Get a grip on yourself! You’re acting like a coward!
hell-shock victim: I am a coward, sir.
aul : Snap out of it, soldier! Sergeant, I want you to arrange for the immediate transfer of this baby out of my regiment! I won’t have other brave men contaminated by him!
ergeant: Yes, sir.
aul : Carry on, Sergeant.
Adjutant: You were right, sir. This sort of thing can spread if it isn’t checked. You know, general, I’m convinced that these tours of yours have an incalculable effect upon the morale of these men. In fact, I think the fighting spirit of the 701 st derives from it.
aul : No, no, Major. That spirit was just born in them.
4
Locale : a command post of France army .
Guard : The general is coming, sir.
aul : Always a pleasure to see you, Colonel.
Dax : I’m honored, General.
aul : It’s our privilege entirely. Well, quite a neat little spot you have here.
Dax : I reserve comment on the neatness, sir, but it is little. Pretty shy on seating accommodations though.
aul : More than enough for me. I never got the habit of sitting. Like to be on my feet. Keep on the move.
Adjutant : I can vouch for that, Colonel. Behind a desk long enough to sign an order.
aul : well, that’s the way I am, you know, Dax. I can’t understand these armchair officiers…fellows trying to fight a war from behind a desk, waving papers at the enemy, worrying about whether a mouse is going to run up their pants leg.
Dax : I don’t know, General. If I had the choice between mice and mousers, I think I’d take the mice every time.
aul : You’ll never make me believe that, Colonel. Seriously though, if a man’s a ninny, let him put on a dress and hide under the bed. But if he wants to be a soldier, then, by heavens, he’s got to be one. He’s got to fight, and he can’t do that unless he’s where the fighting is.
Out of the post.
aul :That’s my credo.
Dax : I think I have to agree with you, presenting you case so convincingly, sir.
Adjutant : And you’ve never failed to live up to it, sir.
Dax : I imagine you’d like a look around, wouldn’t you？
aul : Yes, Colonel.
Dax : Well, here’s something to see. The Ant hill. About as good a view as you can get without actually being here.
aul : Well, that won’t be long now, will it？ Ah… Ah. Yeah. Well, I’ve seen much more formidable objectives. Much, much worse.
omb……
aul : Well, not something we can grab and run away with, but certainly pregnable.
Dax : sounds kind of odd, though, doesn’t it？
aul : Why？
Dax : Well, like something to do with giving birth.
aul : Oh, yes. Quite. You’re right on your toes this morning, Colonel. Even sharper than usual. But we mustn’t forget, the Colonel was perhaps the foremost criminal lawyer in all France.
Adjutant : Of course, General.
Dax : Gentleman, you’re both much too kind.
ack to the post.
aul : Tell me, Colonel, how did your relief come off last night？
Dax : we drew some artillery. Twenty-nine casualties, sir.
aul : Yes, I noticed it on the road in. Utterly inexcusable. Stupid. All smarmed together like a bunch of files, just waiting for someone to swat’em.
Adjustant : Well, they never learn, it seems. They get in a tight spot under heavy fire, gang up every time. Herd instinct, I suppose. Kind of a lower-animal sort of thing.
Dax：Kind of human sort of thing, it seems to me or don’t you make a distinction between the two, Major？
aul : Oh, yes, uh, very regrettable, of course. Very. Yes, indeed. Uh, Major, would you be kind enough to excuse us for a few minutes？
Adjutant: Yes, sir. Of course. Colonel.(give a salute.)
aul : well, Colonel, what do you think of it？
Dax : what do I think of what, sir？
aul : The Anthill. Colonel, your regiment is going to take the Anthill tomorrow.
Dax : You know the condition of my men, sir.
aul : Oh, naturally, men are going to have to be killed. Possibly a lot of them. They absorb bullets and shrapnel… and by doing so make it possible for others to get through.
Dax : What support will we have？
aul : I have none to give you.
Dax : What sort of casualties do you anticipate, sir？
aul : Hmm, say, five percent killed by our own barrage. That’s a very generous allowance. Ten percent more in getting through no-man’s-land, and twenty percent more getting through the wire. That leaves 65% with the worst part of the job over. Let’s say another 25% in actually taking the Anthill. We’re still left with a force more than adequate to hold it.
Dax : General, you’re saying that more than half of my men will be killed.
aul : Yes, it’s terrible price to pay, Colonel, but we will have the Anthill.
Dax : But will we, sir？
aul : I’m depending on you, Colonel. All France is depending on you. Am I amusing you, Colonel？
Dax : I’m not a bull, General. I don’t need a flag waved in front of me to get me to charge.
aul : I don’t think I like your comparison, of the flag of France to a bullfighter’s cape.
Dax : I meant nothing disrespectful to the flag of France, sir.
aul : Patriotism may be old-fashioned, but show me a patriot, and I’ll show you an honest man.
Dax : Not everyone has always thought so. Samuel Johnson had something else to say about patriotism.
aul : And what was what, may I ask？
Dax : Nothing really.
aul : what you do mean, ”Nothing really？”
Dax : Come on, sir, nothing really important.
aul : Colonel, when I ask a question , it’s always important. Now, who was this man？
Dax : Samuel Johnson, sir.
aul : All right. Now, what did he have to say about patriotism？
Dax : He said it was the last refuge of a scoundrel, sir. I’m sorry. I meant nothing personal.
aul : You’re tired, Dax. You’re very tired. It’s you who are exhausted, not your men. And it’s my fault. I’ve given you one impossible task after another. You need rest. You need it badly.
Dax : I haven’t said anything about needing rest, sir.
aul : And you never would either. Therefore, you’re not going to have any say-so about it, Colonel. As from right now, I’m ordering you on indefinite furlough.
Dax : General, you can’t take me away from my men. You can’t do that to me, sir.
aul : Not to you, Dax. For you. For your good and for the good of your men.
Dax : The good of my men, sir？
aul : if a commanding officer lacks confidence, what can we expect of this men？ Naturally, I don’t want to relieve you, but I must have your enthusiastic support. Not once have you said that your men can take the Anthill.
Dax : we’ll take the Anthill. If any soldiers in the world can take it… we’ll take the Anthill.
aul : And when you do, your men will be relieved and get a long rest.
5
Locale : on a dugout of the trench.
Time : night.
rivate Lejeune : Corporal Paris and Private Lejeune reporting, sir.
Lieutenant : You took your time about it.
rivate Lejeune : We prepared as quick as we could, sir. We had to alert the sentries.
Lieutenant: All ritht. You men, at ease. This is a reconnaissance patrol, German wire, machine gun posts…identification of bodies. There will only be the three of us, and we’re avoid a fight if we can. We go out to the left, and we come back through Post 6 on the right. Is everything all clear at Post 6？
rivate Lejeune : All the sentries have been warned up to here. Number 6 will send up flares at 10-minute intervals starting at 4：00.
Lieutenant: I wanted them every five minutes.
rivate Lejeune : I told them that, sir. The Sergeant says every five minutes is too much. He says it’s certain to draw artillery.
Lieutenant: Quite a strategist, this Sergeant. What’s his name？
rivate Lejeune : I don’t know, sir.
Lieutenant: All right. You men wait outside. I’ll join you in a minute.
rivate Lejeune : Would you mind telling us the password, sir？
Lieutenant: Calais.
rivate Lejeune : Yes, sir.
Out of the office.
Corporal Paris : He’s fortifying himself.
rivate Lejeune : It smelled like heaven.
Corporal Paris : I can always tell when he’s had a few. He gets sarcastic.
rivate Lejeune : Well, at least he could have passed IT around, the pig. Hey, what’s he got against you anyway？
Corporal Paris : We went to school together before the war. He thinks I don’t have enough respect for him. He’s right.
Lieutenant: If you gentlemen are ready.
Come across Colonel Dax.
Lieutenant: Colonel.(give a salute)
Dax : Everything clear and understood？
Lieutenant: Yes, Sir.
Dax : The lane through our wire is right out in front here. Machine guns are pointing at the opening. Good luck, men.
Lieutenant: Thank you, sir. All right, men. Let’s go.
6
Locale : enemy’s land.
Time : night
Lieutenant : What’s that？
rivate Lejeune: I don’t know.
Lieutenant : Lejeune, move out and look that over. We’ll cover you.
Corporal Paris: Split up a night patrol？
Lieutenant : Move out, Lejeune.
Flash bomb shining, and the machine gun ranging.
Lieutenant : I don’t like this. Let’s get out of here.
Corporal Paris: We haven’t given him enough time.
Lieutenant : If we wait any longer, they’ll get us too.
Corporal Paris: We’ve got to wait for him.
Lieutenant : He must be dead. Where is he？
Lieutenant threw his grenade and ran away.
7
Locale : office
Time : night
Corporal Paris: Well, surprised, Lieutenant？
Lieutenant : Yes, I am. Happily surprised. I thought you’d been killed.
Corporal Paris: You didn’t wait around to find out, did you, Lieutenant？
Lieutenant : Now, look here. What do you mean？
Corporal Paris: I mean, you ran like a rabbit after you killed Lejeune.
Lieutenant : killed Lejeune？ What are you talking about？ I don’t think I like your tone. You’re speaking to an officer. Remember that.
Corporal Paris: Oh, well, I must be mistaken then, sir. An officer wouldn’t do that. A man wouldn’t do it. Only a thing would. A sneaky, booze-guzzling, yellow-bellied rat…
Lieutenant : now-
Corporal Paris: -with a bottle for a brain and a streak of spit where his spine ought to be.
Lieutenant : That’s enough, Corporal!
Corporal Paris: You’ve got yourself into a mess, Lieutenant.
Lieutenant : Oh, I have, have I？ well, you’ve got yourself in a worse one. First, general insubordination. Second, threatening your superior officer. Third, refusing to obey an order and inciting others to do the same. Now, how do you think those charges are gonna look on paper？
Corporal Paris: Not half as bad as these. Endangering the lives of your men through recklessness. Drunk on duty. Wanton murder of one of your own men, and cowardice in the face of the enemy.
Corporal Paris: Philippe, have you ever tried to bring charges against an officer？ It’s my word against yours, you know. And whose word do you think they’re gonna believe？ Or l-let me put it another way. Whose word do you think they’re going to accept？ Now, I’ll tell you what I’m willing to do. So far, all I have written in this report is that you and Lejeune were killed while out on patrol. I’ll fix this to read that you made your way back after becoming separated during the skirmish. That will end the matter once and for all.
Corporal Paris: You killed Lejeune. You know that, don’t you？
Lieutenant : I’m sorry. It was an accident.
Corporal Paris: You threw that grenade and killed him.
Lieutenant : I’d give anything in the world if it hadn’t have happened, and that’s the truth. Honestly, I know you don’t like me, but what kind of a man do you think I am？
Colonel Dax coming.
Lieutenant : Oh, good morning, Colonel.
Dax : At ease, men. I’ve been waiting for your report, Lieutenant.
Lieutenant : Well, I think we found out a thing or two.
Dax : Everything go well？
Lieutenant : No, sir. Private Lejeune was killed.
Dax : How’d it happen？
Lieutenant : It’s all right here in the report, sir.
Dax : Well, let’s have it.
Lieutenant : Oh, it isn’t quite finished yet, sir. That’s all, Corporal. You did a good night’s work. should feel very proud of yourself. Go get some sleep.
Corporal Paris: Yes, sir.
Dax : How’d you lose Lejeune？
Lieutenant : Machine gun fire, sir. He coughed. Almost got us all killed.
Dax : Finish that report and get it to my dugout immediately.
Lieutenant : Yes, sir.
8
Locale : Dax’s dugout.
Time : At dawn.
Dax : The artillery starts at 0515. First battalion will move out at 0530. When the leading elements have cleared the German wires, the second wave, consisting of the Second and Third Battalions minus two companies in reserve… will move out… in no case later than 0540. Well, that’s it, gentlemen. Are there any questions？
Lieutenant : Sir, is 15 minutes of artillery preparation all that we can expect？
Dax : The feeling is that any more than that will give them too much time to get organized.
ome officer : What’s weather supposed to be like tomorrow, sir？
Dax : Too good.
Lieutenant : No chance of rain or fog？
Dax : The forecast is for sun all day.
ome officer : If, uh… perhaps I should say when we take the Anthill, how long do we have to hold it before we can expect any support？
Dax : Well, General Mireau, who ,by the way, will be personally observing the attack, has promised us support from the 72nd by sundown tomorrow, which means, of course, that we’ll have to hold all day. Are there any more question？ Well, gentlemen, good luck, and I’m sure you’ll come through as you always do. Let’s get some sleep.
10
Locale : in the barrack
Time : night
rivate Arnaud : I’m not afraid of dying tomorrow, only of getting killed.
oldier B : That’s as clear as mud.
rivate Arnaud : Which would you rather be done in by, a bayonet or a machine gun？
oldier B : Oh, a machine gun, naturally.
rivate Arnaud : Naturally. That’s just my point. They’re both pieces of steel ripping into your guts. Only the machine gun is quicker, cleaner and less painful, isn’t it？
oldier B : What does that prove？
rivate Arnaud : That proves that most of us are more afraid of getting hurt than of getting killed. Look at Bernard. He panics when it comes to gas, but gas doesn’t bother me a bit. He’s seen photos of gas cases. Doesn’t mean anything to me. But I’ll telling something though, I’d hate like the devil to be without my tin hat. But on the other hand, I don’t mind not having a tin hat for my tail. Why’s that？
oldier B : You ought to. That’s where your brainstorm are.
rivate Arnaud : Because I know a wound to the head will hurt much more than one in the tail. The tail is just meat, but the head… ah, the head is all bone.
oldier B : Ah, speak for yourself.
rivate Arnaud : Tell me this. Aside from the bayonet, what are you most afraid of？
oldier B : High explosives.
rivate Arnaud: Exactly! And it’s the same with me. Because… because I know that it can chew you up worse than anything else. Look, it’s just like I’m trying to tell you, if you really afraid of dying, you’d be living in a funk all the rest of your life, because you know you’ve got to go someday, any day. And besides, if it’s death that you’re really afraid of, why should you care about what it is that kills you？
oldier B : Ah, you’re too smart for me, Professor. All I know is nobody wants to die.
11
Locale : Paul’s dugout
Time : day
Dogrobber : Through to Division, sir. Through to Polygon. Everything quiet. All units report themselves ready. Zero-minus two.
aul : May I offer you gentlemen some cognac？
Adjutant : Thank you, sir. After you, sir.
aul : Ha-ha, to Frances.
12
Locale : trench of France army
Time : day, when the attack began
Dax walked through soldiers, and the bomb was shouting.
oldier : Minus 15, 14, 13, 12… 10, 9, 8, 7… 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0!
Dax : Shh! Shh!(whistle)
Attack began, soldiers rushed out the trench and assaulted.
Dax : Sergeant, where’s “B” Company？
ergeant : I don’t know, sir.
13
Locale : Paul’s dugout.
Time : during the attack.
aul : Where in heaven’s name are they？
Adjutant : On the left, sir.
aul : where are the rest？ Zero-plus one, and they’re still in the trenches! They’re not advancing. Miserable cowards. They’re not advancing! The barrage is getting away from them! They’re still in the trenches!
Adjutant : Yes, sir.
aul : Captain Nichols.
ichols : Yes, sir？
aul : Order the 75s to commence firing on our own positions. Captain, do you fail to comprehend the meaning of my order？
ichols : No, sir, but I respectfully ask to…
aul : Captain, do you fail to comprehend the meaning of my order？
ichols : No, sir.
aul : Then carry it out, Captain.
ichols : Yes, sir. (calling…) Hello, Polygon. This is Division. Batteries 1 and 2 commence firing…on coordinates 32-58-78.
witch to the artillery position.
Dogrobber : Batteries 1 and 2 to commence firing…on coordinates 32-58-78. Over.
witch to Paul’s dugout.
ichols : General, the Captain Rousseau reports, those are out own positions. He says it must be a mistake.
auls : Confirm the order, Captain.
ichols : Yes, sir.
ichols : There is no mistake. The order is confirmed.
witch to the artillery position.
Dogrobber : Captain Rousseau respectfully reports he cannot execute such an order, unless it is in writing and signed by the general. Over.
witch to Paul’s dugout.
ichols : General, Captain Rousseau respectfully reports he cannot execute such an order, unless it is in writing and signed by the general.
aul : Give me that phone!
ichols : Yes, sir.
aul : General Mireau speaking!
witch to the artillery position.
Captain Rousseau : Captain Rousseau speaking, sir.
witch to Paul’s dugout.
aul : The troops are mutinying, refusing to advance. Fire as ordered until further notice!
witch to the artillery position.
Captain Rousseau : With all respect, sir, you have no right to order me to shoot down my own men, unless you are willing to take full and undivided responsibility for it.
witch to Paul’s dugout.
aul : Captain Rousseau, are you going to obey my order？
witch to the artillery position.
Captain Rousseau : I must have a written order before I can execute such a command, sir. Supposing you’re killed. Then where will I be？
witch to Paul’s dugout.
aul : You’ll be in front of a firing squad tomorrow morning! That’s where you’ll be! Hand over your command and report yourself under arrest to my headquarters!
14
Locale : on the trenches.
Time : during the attack.
Dax : Roget! Lieutenant Roget! Why are your men still in here？
Lieutenant :It was impossible, sir. Major Vignon is dead.
Dax : Get these men out of the trenches! Come on! Let’s get ready for another try! Get these men out of here!
Lieutenant : I’ve tried three times. Look at all the casualties.
Dax : All right! Let’s give it another try!
Lieutenant : it’s impossible, sir. All the men are falling back. Sir, I respectfully submit to the colonel… Pardon, your remarks to me were very unfair, sir. It’s just impossible! It’s just impossible.
15
Locale : Paul’s dugout.
Time : during the attack.
ichols : General, according to first reports, the attack has failed all along the line. The men are falling back to our own trenches.
aul : Major Saint-Auban, arrange for the immediate relief of the 701 st Regiment. Have them sent to the Chateau d’Aigle. Have Colonel Dax report to my headquarters.
Adjutant : Yes, sir.
aul : Major Couderc, assemble a general court-martial. Have it ready to meet at 3:00 tomorrow afternoon. If those little sweethearts won’t face German bullets, they’ll face French ones!
16
Locale : paul’s headquarters.
Time : day, after the attack.
aul : I order an attack. Your troops refused to attack.
Dax : Our troops did attack, sir, but they could make no headway.
aul : Because they didn’t try. Colonel. I saw it myself. Half of your men never left the trenches.
Dax : A third of my men were pained down because the fire was so intense.
aul : Don’t quibble over fractions, Colonel. The fact remains that a good part of your men never left their own trenches. Colonel Dax, I’m going to have 10 men from each Company in your regiment tried under penalty of death for cowardice.
Dax : Penalty of death？
aul : For cowardice! They have skimmed milk in their veins instead of blood.
Dax : then it’s the reddest milk I’ve ever seen. My trenches are soaked with that red skimmed milk.
aul : That’s just about enough out of you, Colonel!
Dax : I’m not gonna mince words and stand on protocol…
aul : Colonel Dax, if you continue in this manner, I shall have to place you under arrest.
General George : I believe the Colonel has a point, even though he makes it rather bluntly. This is not a trial, but it does bear certain aspects of one. And Colonel Dax, technically, is cast in the role of the defense. In view of the gravity of the charges a court of law would grant him all possible latitude in presenting his case.
aul : Latitude is one thing. Insubordination anther.
General George : I am merely offering an opinion, General. Please do not feel constrained to accept it.
aul : I am perfectly willing to accept it, General Broulard.
Dax : I’m sorry, sir. I certainly didn’t intend to be insubordinate. My only aim is to remind you of the heroism these men have shown on every occasion in the past.
aul : we’re not talking about the past. We’re talking about the present.
Dax : But don’t you see, sir？ They’re not cowards. So if some of them didn’t leave the trenches, it must have been because it was impossible.
aul : They were ordered to attack. It was their duty to obey that order. We can’t leave it up to the men to decide when an order is possible or not. If it was impossible, the only proof of that would be their dead bodies lying at the bottom of the trenches. They’re scum, Colonel. The whole rotten regiment… A pack of sneaking, whining, tail-dragging curs.
Dax : Do you really believe that, sir？
aul : Yes, I do. That’s exactly what I believe. And what’s more, it’s an incontestable fact.
Dax : Then why not shoot the entire regiment？ I’m perfectly serious.
General George : (laughing) Now, Colonel, you’re missing the point entirely. We don’t want to slaughter the French army. All we want to do is to set an example.
Dax : Oh, well, if it’s an example you want, then take me.
General George : Take you？
Dax : Yes, sir, if it’s an example you want… one men will do as well as a hundred. The logical choice is the officer most responsible for the attack.
General George : Come now, Colonel. I think you’re overwrought. This is not a question of offices. Paul, we don’t want to overdo this thing. Suppose we just make it a dozen.
aul : I was talking of a hundred men, and now we’re down to 12.
General George : Paul, let’s not haggle over this thing anymore! Let’s get it settled once and for all so that we can all live with it.
aul : Well, perhaps I was a bit too anxious to see proper justice meted out. I’ve spent my entire life in the army. I’ve always tried to be true to my principles. That’s the only mistake I can ever be accused of. I’ll settle for this, have the Company commanders select one man from each Company in the first wave, three in all.
General George : Well, that’s very reasonable of you, Paul.
aul : The court-martial will meet at the chateau at 3：00 this afternoon. Will that be convenient for you, General？
General George : I won’t be there, Paul.
aul : you won’t be there？
General George : No, I think it best that you handle this matter on your own.
aul : Probably so.
Dax : General Mireau. If it’s at all possible, I’d like to be appointed counsel for the accused.
aul : I’ll take the matter into consideration.
General George : I think we can permit that, can’t we, Paul？ Of course we can. Consider it settled,.
Dax : Thank you General.
General George : Well, noon straight up, Paul. I hope that you can stay for lunch, Colonel.
aul : George, I’m afraid the Colonel won’t have time.
General George : Don’t deny it, Paul. You’ve been hiding this man, keeping him for your own. I think that was very selfish of you.
Dax : Thank you for courtesy, General, but I’m afraid there isn’t much time between now and 3：00.
General George : Of course, Colonel. I shall look forward to the pleasure of seeing you again.
17
Locale : out of Paul’s headquarters.
Time : just after the meeting.
aul : Yes, Captain？ What is it？
Captain Rousseau: You ordered me to report to you here, sir. Captain Rousseau, battery commander, sir.
aul : Yes, Yes, of course. I wanted to speak to you about some of your shells falling short. I haven’t time to go into it now. report back to your command until further orders.
Captain Rousseau : Yes, sir.
General George : Bad stuff. Demoralizes the men.
aul : I quite agree with you. And the best solution is to shelve him to another outfit.
General George : A court of inquiry ought to roast him a bit first.
aul : Well, in cases like this … shells falling short… I … I always try to avoid an inquiry. It gets around among the men and makes a bad impression. No, shelving will be the best discipline for him, in my opinion.
General George : Well, perhaps you’re right.
aul : Oh, uh, would you excuse me for a moment？ A regimental matter I want to mention to the colonel.
General George : I’ll join you in the dining room.
aul : Splendid. In a moment.
18
Locale : on the ladder outside the headquarters.
Time : after the conversation between Paul and Captain Rousseau.
Dax : That will be Captain Sancy, Captain Renouart and Lieutenant Roget.
Dogrobber : Yes, sir.
Dax : Have them meet me at regimental headquarters in half an hour.
Dogrobber : Yes, sir.
aul : Colonel Dax.
Dax : Yes, sir.
aul : I’d like a word with you.
Dax : Certainly, sir.
aul : Let’s be sensible about this.
Dax : Sensible, sir？
aul : Listen to me, Dax. Drop this fancy talk with me, understand？ General Broulard seems to think you’re funny. I don’t. Now, I want you to droop this affair.
Dax : I beg your pardon, sir. Is that an order？
aul : Colonel Dax, when this mess is cleaned up, I’ll break you. I’ll find an excuse and I’ll break you to the ranks. I’ll ruin you. And it’ll be just what you deserve showing such little loyalty to your commanding officer. That’s all, Colonel.
19
Locale : at Dax’s headquarters.
Time : half an hour later.
Guard : Detail, halt!
Dax : General Mireau feels that the attack on the Anthill yesterday morning failed because of an inadequate effort on the part of the First Battalion. Each of you is to select one man from your company, place him under arrest and have him ready to appear before a general court-martial no later than 15：00 hours this afternoon. The charge is cowardice in the face of the enemy. You have your orders, gentlemen. Let’s carry them out.
20
Locale : on the prison
Time : 15：00
Corporal Paris : But Lieutenant Roget killed Lejeune on that patrol, and then blackmailed me into keeping quiet about the whole thing! That’s why he picked me.
Dax : Corporal, I understand your feelings. But that story has nothing to do with the charges you’re being tried for.
Corporal Paris : Don’t you believe me, sir？
Dax : Yes, I do, but who else will？ You’ve got no witnesses. Besides, such charges against an officer would only antagonize the court. When we get clear of this, I’m going into the story of that patrol again.
rivate Arnaud : Sir, in my case, Captain Renouart had the Sergeant draw lots. I was picked purely by chance.
rivate Ferol : You’re lucky. Look at me. I was picked just because Captain Sancy said I was a social undesirable. Me, a social undesirable, Colonel.
rivate Arnaud: I didn’t act like a coward. Picking by lots, is it fair？
Dax : Gentlemen! You’re all got to understand that the reason you were picked is immaterial. Whatever the reason, you’re on trail for your lives. Stick to the stories you’re told me, and don’t Let the prosecutor shake you out of them. Now remember, you’ll be soldiers in the presence of superior officers. So act like what you are… soldiers. And brave ones at that. Now, I’ve been in the room you’ll be sitting in. The afternoon sun will be in your faces, so don’t Let it seem as if you’re dropping your eyes in a hangdog manner. When you answer questions, look the judges in the eye. Don’t whine, plead or make speeches. That’s my job. Simple statements … short … but make them so they can be heard all over the room. And try not to repeat yourselves. I’ll do that for you when I sum up. Now I haven’t much time. The court-martial begins in about an hour, and I’ve got notes to look at. Good luck.
oldier all : Thank you, sir.
21
Locale : court-martial
Time : afternoon
Captain : On the left, ho! Detail, halt! On the left, ho! On the left, ho! Left face!
resident : The court-martial is open. The prisoners may be seated. This is a general court-martial. We shall therefore dispense with unnecessary formalities. These men are charged with cowardice in the face of the enemy… and will be tried for that offense. Mr. Prosecutor.
rosecutor : Call the accused… Private Ferol.
Dax : Mr. President. Will the Prosecutor question the witnesses without even reading the indictment？
resident : Please don’t take up the court’s time with technicalities. The indictment is lengthy, and there’s no point in reading it.
Dax : The defense has a right to know the exact accusations…
resident : The indictment is that the accused showed cowardice in the face of the enemy during the attack on the Anthill. Proceed, Mr. Prosecutor.
rosecutor : Call the accused … Private Ferol. Private Ferol.
rivate Ferol : Yes, sir？
rosecutor : Were you in the first wave during the attack on the Anthill？
rivate Ferol : Yes, sir.
rosecutor : Did you refuse to advance？
rivate Ferol : No , sir.
rosecutor : Did you advance？
rivate Ferol : Yes, sir.
rosecutor : How far did you advance？
rivate Ferol : To about the middle of no-man’s-land, sir.
rosecutor : Then what did you do？
rivate Ferol : There were machine-gun bullets landing all around…
rosecutor : Answer the question. What did you do？
rivate Ferol : Well, I saw that me and Meyer, sir…
rosecutor : I didn’t ask you what you saw. The court has no concern with your… visual experiences.
rivate Ferol : My what, sir？
resident : Prisoner will reply to the question.
rivate Ferol : Yes, sir. What question was it？
resident : You advanced to the middle of no-man’s-land. What did you do then？
rivate Ferol : Then, sir？
resident : Did you go back or forward？
rivate Ferol : I went back, sir.
rosecutor : In other word, Private Ferol, you retreated.
rivate Ferol : Yes, sir.
rosecutor : That’s all. The accused may return to his seat.
Dax : Just a minute. Mr. President, I’d like to question the witness if I may.
resident : Proceed, Colonel.
Dax : Thank you. Now Private Ferol, when you reached the middle of no-man’s-land… were you alone with Private Meyer？
rivate Ferol : Yes, sir.
Dax : Well, what happened to the rest of your company？
rivate Ferol : Well, I don’t know, sir. I guess the rest of them had been killed or wounded.
Dax : And you found yourself in the middle of no-man’s-land-land alone with Private Meyer.
rivate Ferol : Yes, sir.
Dax : Why didn’t you attack the Anthill single-handed？
rivate Ferol : ( shook his head )
Dax : Why didn’t you storm the Anthill alone？
rivate Ferol : Just me and Meyer？ You’re kidding, sir.
Dax : Yes, I’m kidding, Private Ferol. Thank you. That’s all.
resident : I don’t see the point of this line of questioning.
Dax : Well, I’m attempting to indicate, sir… utter absurdity of the line of questioning used by the prosecutor.
resident : Mr. prosecutor？
rosecutor : So you freely admit, Private Ferol, that you retreated.
rivate Ferol : Yes, sir. Me and Meyer both. I knew we should’ve took Anthill, but we came on back.
rosecutor : That’s all.
resident : The accused may return to his seat.
22
Locale : court-martial
Time : afternoon
rosecutor : Private Arnaud, did you advance？
rivate Arnaud : Yes, sir, until I was ordered back to the trenches by Captain Renouart.
rosecutor : How far did you advance？ Into the wire, sir.
rosecutor : The, uh, enemy wire, I suppose. No, sir. It was our wire. You mean to tell me that you didn’t advance any further than our wire？
rivate Arnaud : No, sir, I didn’t.
rosecutor : How far would you say that was？ How many meters？
rivate Arnaud : Well, I advanced as far as I could.
rosecutor : How many meters？
rivate Arnaud : Not many.
rosecutor : “ Not many.” Now, Private Arnaud, before you were ordered back did you urge your fellow soldiers forward？
rivate Arnaud : Most of them were dead or wounded. Before they got three. Steps beyond the trenches.
rosecutor : Reply to the question.
rivate Arnaud : I didn’t urge them on . No, sir.
rosecutor : Thank you.
Dax : Private Arnaud … At ease, please. Aside from your sad failure to give throat to spirited battle cries was your behavior different in any respect from that of the other men in your company？
rosecutor : Objection. That’s a matter of conjecture.
resident : Sustained.
Dax : Did any men in your Company get beyond our wire？
rivate Arnaud : No, sir.
Dax : is it true that you’ve been designated a coward simply and purely because you drew a slip of paper marked “X “？
rivate Arnaud : Yes, sir.
resident : I don’t see that that’s significant. It’s accepted practice in the French army to pick examples by lot. And since this entire Company advanced only a few meters, picking by lot was eminently fair in this case.
Dax : Well, I’d like to point out that this soldier has distinguished himself in some of the bloodiest battleship of the war. With the court’s permission I’ll read citations for bravery that he’s already earned on two occasions. First, citations in the Orders in the Army for bravery…
resident : That’s immaterial, Colonel. The accused is not being tried for his former bravery, but for his recent cowardice. Medals are no defense.
Dax : May I call witnesses to his character？
resident : You may not. But you may call witnesses to the effect that he reached the German wire. Mr. President, no one in the entire regiment got anywhere near the German wire, including myself.
resident : Call the next accused if you’re through, Colonel.
Dax : Thank you.
resident : Prisoner may return to his seat.
23
Locale : court-martial
Time : afternoon
rosecutor : So you never even left the trenches.
Corporal Paris : No, sir.
rosecutor : That’s all.
Dax : Corporal Paris, why didn’t you leave the trenches？
Corporal Paris : Major Vignon was shot, and he fell back on top of me, sir, and knocked me cold.
Dax : And were you lying unconscious in the trenches during the entire attack？
Corporal Paris : Yes, sir.
Dax : That’s all.
resident : Have you any witnesses to that？
Corporal Paris : No, sir. I guess everybody was too busy to notice me. And there were so many others lying dead anyway.
resident : But you have no witnesses.
Corporal Paris : No, sir. I only have a rather large cut on my head, sir.
resident : That could have been self-inflicted later. Thank you. You may stand down. Mr. Prosecutor, you can make your plea now.
rosecutor : Gentlemen of the court, this case speaks for itself. All of us witnessed the regrettable attack yesterday morning. And I submit that that was a stain on the flag of France … a blot on the honor of every man, woman and child in the French nation. It is to us, that the sad, the distressing, repellant duty falls, gentleman. I ask this court to find the accused guilty. And impose the penalties prescribed by the Code of Military Justice.
resident : Thank you, Mr. Prosecutor. Mr. Colonel, would you like make your plea？
Dax : Gentlemen of the court, there are times when I’m ashamed to be a member of the human race and this is one such occasion. It’s impossible for me to summarize the case for the defense since the court never allowed me a reasonable opportunity to present my case.
aul : Are you protesting the authenticity of this court？
Dax : Yes, sir. I protest against being prevented from introducing evidence that I consider vital to the defense. The prosecution presented no witnesses. There has never been a written indictment of charges make against the defendants. And lastly, I protest against the fact that no stenographic records of this trial have been kept. The attack yesterday morning was no stain on the honor of France, and certainly no disgrace to the fighting men of this nation. But this court-martial is such a stain and such a disgrace. The case made against these men is a mockery of all human justice. Gentlemen of the court, to find these men guilty, would be a crime to haunt each of you … till the day you die. I can’t believe that the noblest impulse of man his compassion for another … can be completely dead here. Therefore, I humbly beg you… show mercy to these men.
resident : The accused will be escorted back to the guardroom. The hearing is closed. The court will now retire to deliberate.
24
Locale : outside
Time : day
Captain : There will be a guard of six men under arms rifles loaded, bayonets fixed … two men to each prisoner. Any sign of trouble, the prisoners will be instantly covered. And if the trouble doesn’t subside at once, the Prisoner will be shot on the spot. Everything must go off without a hitch with the least possible delay, but it shouldn’t be hurried. There must be no fumbling around. I’ve been put in charge and made personally responsible for any lack of order or for any mistakes. But you can take it from me that I shall pass on any blame and with interest to any one of you who fails in his duties. Execution will take place at 7：00, according to the verdict of the court-martial. Detail, attention! Dismissed!
25
Locale : at the prison
Time : night
Chef : This is compliments of General Mireau .
rivate Ferol : Duck!
Chef : Well, tell him thanks. Oh, don’t blame me , soldier.
rivate Ferol : Hey, ugly, what are we supposed to eat this with … our fingers？
Chef : The guard says you can’t have any knives or forks.
Corporal Paris : Is this supposed to be our last meal or something？
rivate Arnaud : It isn’t “ Supposed to be “ our last meal. It is our last meal.
rivate Ferol : Hey, this duck is terrific. You suppose they put anything in the food？
rivate Arnaud : First they poison us, then they shoot us？
rivate Ferol : I think they put something in it.
rivate Arnaud : like what？
rivate Ferol : Like, uh… like something or make us groggy or something.
rivate Arnaud : What would be wrong with that if they did？
rivate Ferol : Maybe nothing for you, but I’m gonna get out of this somehow… and I don’t wanna be drugged.
rivate Arnaud : How are you gonna get out, chew your way through that stone wall？
Corporal Paris : Arnaud…
rivate Ferol : Colonel Dax, he’ll-he’ll … he’ll see us through.
Corporal Paris : Listen, we gotta get out of here. They’re gonna kill us in a few hours if we don’t .
rivate Arnaud : Have you got a idea？
Corporal Paris : No, but there’s gotta be a way. How many guards you think they’ve got out there？
rivate Arnaud : They may have a couple of squads. That’s what it sounded like this morning.
Corporal Paris : Maybe they’re some of our friends.
rivate Ferol : That’s the Third Battalion. Anyway, right now, we have no friends.
rivate Arnaud : Why kid yourself？ We’re not gonna get out this. Maybe you’re not, but I am. I’ll guarantee you of that.
Corporal Paris : You see that cockroach？ Tomorrow morning, we’ll be dead and it’ll be live. It’ll have more contact with my wife and child than I will. I’ll be nothing, and it’ll be alive.
rivate Ferol : (shot the cockroach )Now you got the edge on ‘im.
26
Locale : at the prison.
Time : after the meal.
Father : Good evening, my sons. I’m Father Dupree.
Corporal Paris : Is there any news？
Father : Yes. I’m afraid I bring you very bad news. You must prepare yourselves for the worst Colonel Dax asked me to tell you so.
rivate Ferol : Oh, mercy! No!
Father : he’s been in telephone contact with army headquarters, but unable to speak to General Broulard or, for that matter, to anyone in authority. Same way at Division. No one wants to be found.
rivate Arnaud : How much time do we have？
Father : You have plenty of time yet. Certainly more than enough to prepare yourselves.
27
Locale : at the prison.
Time : at night.
Father : In nominee Patris … in the name of the Father, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
Corporal Paris : Father, will you take this letter for me, please？
Father : Of course, my son.
Corporal Paris : It’s to my wife. She won’t understand this, and I tried to explain it to her.
Father : I’ll see that she gets it. Do you want me to hear your confession？
Corporal Paris : Well, Father, to tell you the truth, I’m not very religious. I know you’re trying to help, and I appreciate it, but if I started praying now, I’d feel like a hypocrite.
Father : Oh, that’s an error, my son. God is always ready to listen to your prayers.
Corporal Paris : All right, Father. Will you please hear my confession now？
Father : Yes. Have faith in your Creator, my son. Death comes to us all.
Corporal Paris : In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
rivate Arnaud : That’s really deep. “Death comes to us all.” That really is deep. Say, Ferol, what’s the matter afraid your luck isn’t going to hold out？ Well, look. This is … this is my religion. O Great Bottle, forgive me my sins, for now I lay me down to sleep, Bo peep. May I drink of you first？ Thank you. Amen.
Father : I understand your anguish, my son, but you must not let it harden your heart.
rivate Arnaud : May I tell you something, Father？ Back in my hometown, there was a certain little café, with an amusing sign over the bar. It read, “Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite.”
Corporal Paris : Come on, Arnaud, sit down. You’re drunk. Come on. Sit down.
rivate Arnaud : Oh, Paris, leave me alone. (look at Father)And you, get out of here with your sanctimonious Pat answers. What are you hanging around for … to torture us？
Father : No. To help you with all my power.
rivate Arnaud : Your power？ You have no power!
Father : No, but Gad has power.
rivate Arnaud : Does he？ What a laugh!
Father : You can be saved.
rivate Arnaud : Saved？ I’ll be saved! (rushed to give Father a punch )
Corporal Paris : Cut it out, Arnaud!(give Arnaud a punch) … Father ,get a doctor. Quick.
28
Locale : at the prison
Time : night , when the doctor came.
Doctor : That should keep him quiet long enough. That’s a nasty skull fracture though. He may not live out the night.
Captain : What are we supposed to do with him？
Doctor : My advice is to tie him to a stretcher. So that he won’t slip when you tilt it vertically.
Father : Surely they won’t execute a man in that condition.
Doctor : I’m sorry, Father. The sentence will be carried out. I’ve already checked with the general on it. If he’s still alive in the morning, pinch his cheeks a couple of times before you take him out on the field. It may make him open his eyes. The general wants him to be conscious.
29
Locale : Dax’s bedroom
Time : at dawn.
Dax : Yes？
Lieutenant Roget : Lieutenant Roget reporting, sir.
Dax : Come in, come in.
Lieutenant Roget : Sergeant Boulanger said that you wanted to see me, sir.
Dax : Yes, Lieutenant. Looks as if we have a pretty unpleasant thing on our hands in a few hours, doesn’t it？
Lieutenant Roget : You mean the execution, sir.
Dax : Yes, I mean the execution.
Lieutenant Roget : Yes, sir. It’s very unfortunate.
Dax : Oh, very unfortunate. That’s just how I feel about it.
Lieutenant Roget : None of us are happy about it, sir.
Dax : How’d you happen to pick Corporal Paris？
Lieutenant Roget : Well, I … I had to pick somebody, sir.
Dax : That’s right. You did. Of course, you had no personal motive in picking Paris, did you？
Lieutenant Roget : Oh, no, sir.
Dax : You picked him because he was a coward, didn’t you？ Well, did you or didn’t you？
Lieutenant Roget : Oh, yes, sir, I did.
Dax : Well… like you say, somebody had to be picked.
Lieutenant Roget : Oh, it was quite a problem, sir.
Dax : Yes, I have the same kind of problem. I have to pick someone to be in charge of the firing squad tomorrow. Do you have any objections to taking the job？
Lieutenant Roget : Me, sir？
Dax : Yes, you. Well … what’s the matter？ Don’t you feel well？
Lieutenant Roget : Well, no … Yeah, I –I feel all right, sir. It’s just that I …
Dax : is it too hot in here？ Would you like me to open a window？
Lieutenant Roget : No, sir. No, sir. Oh, Well, it’s just… it’s … that I’ve never been in charge of a firing squad before, sir.
Dax : Oh, there’s nothing to it. First, you help the Sergeant tie the men to the posts. Of course, you offer the men blindfolds. And, well, if they want them, you tie them on, see？ Now, you… you take your position with the firing squad, you raise your sword … “Ready, aim, fire.” Then you draw your revolver out, you walk forward and put a bullet through each man’s head.
Lieutenant Roget : Sir, I request that I be excused from this duty.
Dax : Request denied.
Lieutenant Roget : Colonel, I …
Dax : you’ve got the job. It’s all yours. That’s all, Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Roget : Colonel, if you could just …
Dax : That’s all, Lieutenant!
omeone knocked the door.
Dax : Yes？
Captain Rousseau : Excuse me, sir. Colonel Dax？
Dax : Yes.
Captain Rousseau : My name is Rousseau, sir, Captain of Artillery.
Dax : what is it, Captain？
Captain Rousseau : I have something to tell you, sir, that may have a great bearing on the court-martial.
Dax : Come in, Captain.
30
Locale : at a bankrupt hall
Time : night
General George was dancing with a lady, an officer came through people and talked to him. After a while, General walked away with the officer.
witch to General’s study. And Dax was waiting there.
General George: Well, Colonel, good evening.
Dax : Good evening, sir.
General George: Good evening. Come and sit down.
Dax : Thank you, sir. I… I am really sorry to intrude on you in this way.
General George: Not at all. Always delighted to see you, Colonel Dax. Will you have a cigar？
Dax : No, thank you, sir, but… Well, I …
General George: I think you’ll find it delicious. I must apologize for not inviting you to join the party downstairs tonight… but I’m afraid that it’s, uh, a dress affair.
Dax : Well, thank you, sir, but I must confess that, uh, this is not entirely a social visit.
General George: Oh, come, Dax, let’s not go over all that ground again. Though, uh, I must admit that, judging from the casualties the efforts of your regiment must have been considerable.
Dax : Now, how can you understand that and allow these men to be shot tomorrow？
General George: Oh, Colonel, you’re choosing to take a rather simple view of this thing.
Dax : The attack was impossible from the start. The General Staff must have known that.
General George: Colonel Dax, we think we’re doing a good job running the war. You must be aware of the fact that the General Staff is subject to all kinds of unfair pressures from newspapers and politicians. Maybe the attack against the Anthill was impossible. Perhaps it was an error of judgment on our part. On the other hand, if your men had been a little more daring, they might have taken it. Who knows？ In any case… why should we have to bear any more criticism for failure than we have to. Aside from the inescapable fact that a good many of your men never left the trenches … there’s the question of the troops’ morale. Don’t forget that.
Dax : The troops’ morale？
General George: Certainly. These executions will be a perfect tonic for the entire division. There are few things more fundamentally encouraging and stimulating … than seeing someone else die.
Dax : I never thought that, sir.
General George: You see, Colonel, troops are like children. Just as a child wants his Father to be firm, troops crave discipline.
Dax : I see.
General George: And one way to maintain discipline is to shoot a man now and then.
Dax : May I ask … do you sincerely believe all the things you’ve just said？
General George: it’s been a pleasure discussing this whit you, Colonel, but I’m afraid that I’d better be getting back to my guests.
Dax : Forgive me for having kept you from your party. Oh, by the way, sir, have you heard that General Mireau ordered his own battery commander, Captain Rousseau to open fire on his own positions during the attack？ Well, of course the Captain refused without a written order… but General Mireau demanded that he commence firing on our own trenches. Again Rousseau refused without an order in writing, but again he was ordered, and again he refused, all in front of witnesses.
General George: Do you actually believe this fantastic story？
Dax : here are copies of the sworn statements from all the principals involved. Battery Commander Rousseau, Captain Nichols, the artillery spotter, the telephone clerk and, uh, my own deposition.
General George: What has all this got to do with the charge against the condemned prisoners？
Dax : A general in a tantrum over the failure of an impossible attack … orders his artillery to fire on his own men. Now, this same officer on the same day … orders a court-martial in which three of his men are sentenced to be shot. General, what would your, uh, newspapers and your politicians do with that？
General George: Colonel Dax, are you trying to blackmail me？
Dax : Sir, that’s an ugly word, but you are in a difficult position. Too much has happened. Someone’s got to be hurt. The only question is who. General Mireau’s assault on the Anthill failed… and his order to fire on this own troops was refused. But his attempt to murder three innocent men to protect his own reputation will be prevented by the General Staff.
General George: Will you pardon me, Colonel Dax？ I’ve been rude to my guests too long.
31
Locale : outside the prison
Time : morning
A group of soldiers came with guns and a stretcher.
Captain : Detail, halt! Order arms! Fall out!
witch to the inside.
Father : Courage, my son. The worst is over.
Captain : Good morning, Paris.
Corporal Paris : Good morning, Sergeant. How are you today？
Captain : Not too bad. How are you？
Corporal Paris : You missed some good chow in here last night.
Captain : What’s you have？
Corporal Paris : Have you got a drink for us？
Captain : Take a swig of this.
Corporal Paris :(wry smile) It just occurred to me … A funny thing. I haven’t had one sexual thought since the court-martial. It’s pretty extraordinary, isn’t it？
Captain : Pull yourself together. Act like a man. Listen, Paris. Are you listening to me？
Corporal Paris : (cry )Yes.
Captain : There will be a lot of dignitaries, newspapermen out there. You’ve got a wife and family. How do you want to be remembered？
Corporal Paris : I don’t wanna die.
Captain : Many of us will be joining you before this war’s over.
Corporal Paris : I don’t care. I don’t wanna die. Please save me, Sergeant. I can’t save you. No one can now. this is the last decision you’ll have a chance to make on earth. You can pull yourself together, act like a man, or we’ll have to drag you out of here. In the end, it’ll all be the same. It’s up to you. Well, let’s get busy. You and Ferol take your coats off. It’s no use hanging around here.
32
Locale : execution ground.
Time : morning
oldiers and the people stand on both sides , prisoners came, with guards behind.
rivate Ferol : …. With the help of thy grace to do penance, and to amend my life. (cry).
Father : Amen …
rivate Ferol : Why do I have to die？ For what？ Why do I have to die？ Why？ I didn’t do anything.
Father : We do not question the will for God, my son.
rivate Ferol : But I fought. I fought. I fought on the battlefield. Why don’t they die？ Why not put them to death？
Father : You showed courage in the face of the enemy, my son. Show it now before your own troops.
rivate Ferol : But I’m scared . I’m scared. Oh, Father, I’m scared. Oh, my God(cry).
Father : Courage. Brace yourself, man. Brace yourself. He said, “ this day, thou shalt be with me in paradise.”
rivate Ferol : Really, Father？
Father : Yes.
rivate Ferol : I don’t understand why … I’ll never see nobody again, Father. Please.
Father : Courage, man. Brace yourself.
rivate Ferol : I can’t help it.
Father : Brace yourself.
rivate Ferol : I can’t help is, Father.
Father : O God, O Almighty God…
rivate Ferol : Oh, Christ! Christ…
Father : Strengthen me, God! Please strengthen me!
rivate Ferol : (cry all the way )Why do I have to die, Father？ Why do I have to die, Father？
Lieutenant Roget : About face! Secure prisoners! Detail, attention! Forward march!
A grope of executioners came.
Lieutenant Roget : Detail, halt! Left face!
rivate Ferol : Please don’t. please choose me to…
rosecutor :