Based on the novel, "Paths of Glory" by Humphrey Cobb.

Originally produced as a motion picture in 1957.

Special features: 4-page booklet on the making of the film, theatrical trailer, scene access.

Photographer, George Krause ; film editor, Eva Kroll ; art director, Ludwig Reiber ; music, Gerald Fried ; costume designer, Ilse Dubois ; military adviser, Baron v. Waldenfels.

Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, George Macready, Wayne Morris, Richard Anderson, Joseph Turkel, Susanne Christian, Jerry Hausner, Peter Capell, Emile Meyer, Berl Freed, Kem Dibbs, Timothy Carey.

The desolation, cynicism, and futility of war are embodied in this film based on a novel that took as its subject a real incident from World War I. Three innocent French soldiers are tried and convicted of cowardice, after their battalion fails to take a heavily fortified German position. Colonel Dax, a lawyer in civilian life, attempts to defend the men, who were chosen by a random drawing of lots. The General Staff, comfortable and safe behind the lines, demands they be executed to inspire the troops remaining in the trenches. Critical of the military hierarchy, and the class divisions that inspire the antipathy of common soldiers for the officer class, the film is renowned for its depiction of the callous treatment of the condemned men, taking their lives in so arbitrary a fashion.

MPAA Rating: Not rated; Canadian Home Video Rating: Rated PG.

DVD; Region 1; Dolby Digital mono.; full screen presentation, preserving the aspect ratio of the original theatrical exhibition.

In English or dubbed French with optional subtitles in English or French; closed captioned.

National Film Registry selection.