During the late 1920s-1930s, something unusual happened in Hollywood as well as Europe...films began to be released which depicted war as hellish. And, in these dramas set during WWI, there was a strong sense that the war was stupid and wasteful. Realistic? Absolutely...but far from the super-heroic look many later war films depicted.
"The Road to Glory" is about an outfit of French soldiers who are constantly given the roughest missions. Its leader, Captain LaRoche (Warner Baxter) seems tough and indifferent to his men's suffering...a brave front he puts on to deal with the impossible orders he's given. A new officer, Lt. Denet (Frederic March) is assigned to the unit. The film depicts both the suffering of the men as well as the woman that LaRoche and Denet both want.
The acting is very good in this one, which isn't surprising since March and Baxter are among the best (and most underrated) actors of the era. They're also helped along by many character actors who play various soldiers. Overall, with a gritty story and wonderful acting, this film is worth seeing....though I must warn you it's very depressing...which, if you think about it, it should be!
"The Road to Glory" is about an outfit of French soldiers who are constantly given the roughest missions. Its leader, Captain LaRoche (Warner Baxter) seems tough and indifferent to his men's suffering...a brave front he puts on to deal with the impossible orders he's given. A new officer, Lt. Denet (Frederic March) is assigned to the unit. The film depicts both the suffering of the men as well as the woman that LaRoche and Denet both want.
The acting is very good in this one, which isn't surprising since March and Baxter are among the best (and most underrated) actors of the era. They're also helped along by many character actors who play various soldiers. Overall, with a gritty story and wonderful acting, this film is worth seeing....though I must warn you it's very depressing...which, if you think about it, it should be!