One of the greatest war films ever made and starring the legendary KIRK DOUGLAS! WWI. Colonel Dax (KIRK DOUGLAS) is to attack "Ant Hill," a seemingly impossible task. Two soldiers whisper about their fear of dying in a fascinating exchange in the trenches before the attacks.
"Most of us are more afraid of getting hurt then of getting killed." - Professor
"If you were really afraid of dying you would be living in a funk for the rest of your life because you know you've got to go someday, any day. And besides, if it's death that your really afraid of...why should you care about what it is that kills you." - Professor
"You're too smart for me professor, all I know is that nobody wants to die." - Soldier
It is one of the best war dialogue scenes I have ever seen becuase it is SIMPLE and REVEALING.
Prior to the attack, we see Douglas walking to the front of his line, ready to lead the troops in battle. This sequence is LONG and both a beautiful point of view shot and a tracking shot of Dax are used to place us in this moment of courage.
When they get pinned down before they can even get half-way through no man's land, the troops begin to retreat and many of them do not even leave their trench to engage the enemy. This spurs us into a courtroom drama as three men are chosen to be executed for cowardice. Dax attempts to fight for his men and ultimately fails.
