At only 29 years of age and in only his second major studio release, Kubrick showed the world that he was a film making force to be reckoned with. Based on a true story, this gripping anti-war movie is a vivid and some times horrifying portrait of life on the battlefield. Starring Kirk Douglas, who actually bought the rights to the novel and was responsible for hiring the almost unknown director, the film's performances and photography are stunning and the overall result is a powerful piece of cinema.

Set in World War I amidst the incredibly destructive and futile trench warfare between France and Germany, the film stars Douglas as Frenchman Colonel Dax, who is ordered to make an impossible assault on a heavily-fortified enemy position.

The only reason this charge is being made is that his commanding general believes that capturing the position will earn him a promotion. When the assault fails, the infuriated general demands that three men be randomly chosen to stand trial for cowardice, an offence punishable by death. Col. Dax defends these men at their court-martial.

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