Video Vault: 'Paths of Glory'

Veterans Day is the perfect time for a World War I movie, and "Paths of Glory" is a truly great one, depicting not only the horrors of trench warfare but the reasons for such senseless loss of human life.

Directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1957, the movie tells the story of a unit that falls back during an impossible attack. The general (Adolphe Menjou) is furious and demands three soldiers be executed as an example. The unit's commander (Kirk Douglas) defends them in a military trial, but from early on you suspect this film won't have a happy ending. Still, the performances - especially Douglas' - are bracing, and the camerawork is often stunning. Kubrick was just starting out, but it was obvious he had talent to spare.

Keep an eye out for Christiane Harlan, the singer who performs during the film's touching final scene. The soldiers weren't the only ones charmed by her - Kubrick was, too. They met on this film and wound up being married for more than 40 years.

Will Pfeifer writes about new DVDs on Tuesdays and older ones on Sundays. Contact him at wpfeifer@rrstar.com or 815-987-1244.