Released – August, 1930 

Directed By - Lewis Milestone

Starring – Richard Alexander (Westhus), Ben Alexander (Franz Kemmerich), Lew Ayres (Paul Baumer) Louis Wolheim (Stanislaus Katczinsky).

Description – A realistic and harrowing account of World War I depicting a young soldiers profound disillusionment of war. Talked into enlisting at the beginning of WWI, a group of German schoolboys witness death and mutilation all around them. 

All preconceptions of who is ‘right or wrong,’ and who is ‘the enemy’ disappear as the experiences of the young German recruits highlight the tragedy of war.

NOTABLE: This film was the winner of two Oscar’s; one for Best Picture and also for Best Director. It also received two other nominations; Best Writing, and Best Cinematography.

In 1990, the film was also selected and preserved by the United States Library of Congress’ National Film Registry.

During the films release in Germany, the Nazis (not yet in full power) interrupted showings of the film by shouting martial slogans and releasing rats and stink bombs into the movie theaters.

The film was delibertly made without music so as to not detract from its seriousness.

The film was banned in Italy until 1956.

Personal Comment: This is probably one of, if not the greatest anti-war movie every made. It’s look may be a little dated (though the 1998 restored version is better), but the vivid and moving presentation of mans inhumanity to man is unforgettable. A great film.

All Quiet on the Western Front (Universal Cinema Classics)

 Enjoy browsing the Hollywood Movie Memories Film Store