This Deep Focus discussion in our Hollywood Classics series is led by Hannah Jack (writer for Turner Classic Movies). Recorded on May 10, 2022. Set in the trenches of WWI, Kubricks's first major commercial success follows a group of French soldiers sent by General Mireau to attack a German fortification with the odds absurdly against them. After the failure of the attack, General Mireau court martials some of his soldiers for what he claims to be cowardice. Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglass), who previously displayed bravery in the hopeless attack and was a criminal defense lawyer before the war, offers to defend the men. Douglass's performance is remembered as one of the best of his illustrious career.