The film follows "Col. Dax" (Kirk Douglas), who is persuaded by "Gen. Broulard" (Adolphe Menjou) to lead his battle-worn regiment on what amounts to a near-fatal assignment in occupied France. Despite the obvious danger, their commanding officer, "Gen. Mireau" (George Macready), insists that they must achieve success at any price. The fighting begins, and it quickly becomes apparent that the French soldiers are confronting a well-equipped and unyielding German force, resulting in casualties or retreats. In an attempt to inspire his troops, “Mireau” issues an order that fortunately goes unheeded, and when the mission is declared a failure and many of the men have reached the relative safety of their trenches, he orders a court martial for cowardice against three of the survivors. "Dax" finds this deeply troubling, but a trial seems unavoidable... Is justice being served, or is the result predetermined? I watched a 16mm print of this intense and disheartening wartime story, which enhanced the feeling of danger these men experienced, showcasing incoming artillery fire, the confined conditions of trench warfare, and – without question – the abilities of their superiors. The film has a somber, damp, and realistic feel, and as it nears its conclusion, it clearly demonstrates the pointlessness of much of this period in the war. Kirk Douglas is featured prominently and performs acceptably, but George Macready truly stands out, while the director’s wife appears briefly as a German cabaret singer. I believe that film provides a better medium for experiencing this than television would, but regardless, it's an insightful depiction of conflict that remains relevant even decades later.

Source on TMDB