During World War I, commanding officer General Broulard (Adolphe Menjou) orders his subordinate, General Mireau (George Macready), to attack a German trench position, offering a promotion as an incentive. Though the mission is foolhardy to the point of suicide, Mireau commands his own subordinate, Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas), to plan the attack. When it ends in disaster, General Mireau demands the court-martial of three random soldiers in order to save face.
Battle scene of a massive and lengthy troop charge at an unseen enemy during which many soldiers are seen collapsing dead from being shot (though no bullets are seen hitting the body) or from explosions. Little, if any, blood is seen and the violence is not explicit.
An execution in which men are shot. Not graphic, but somewhat disturbing.
Scene of dead man with smoking holes.
profanity
A couple uses of very mild language (hell)
alcohol
Several scenes of alcohol consumption.
frightening
There is an intense scene at the end of the film where three men are executed by firing squad.
Suggested MPAA rating: PG-13 for some war violence, thematic material, and brief language. Recommended for 13 and up.
