Paths Of Glory Was Loosely Based On A Tragedy That Left Four Soldiers Dead

The basic plot of the movie is this (warning, spoilers ahead): French General Georges Brourlard, tucked safely away in a fancy house far from the action, orders French troops to take a coveted German position known as the Anthill (via Roger Ebert). Because as we know, unpleasant things generally roll downhill, the responsibility for carrying out Brourlard's crazy request is passed down the ranks. Brourlard knows many people will die, but he offers no plan or strategy. He simply suggests that his subordinate, General Mireau, use the men as cannon fodder on the off-chance it might work.

Mireau, aware of the risks but hoping for professional recognition, relays the order to Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas). Dax is concerned by the order but does as he is told — instructing his men to charge into the enemy guns. Everybody involved knows the attack is a terrible idea and lots of people die needlessly.

After a bloody opening, the second wave of French troops refuses to follow their compatriots to certain death, staying put in the trenches. General Mireau responds to this disobedience by asking the French artillery to attack their own men — an order they mercifully refuse to carry out (via The Guardian).

When this doesn't work Mireau demands his troops be court-martialled for cowardice. The rest of the movie focuses on the absurd trial and execution of three unlucky soldiers, who take the blame for refusing to follow poorly thought-out and suicidal commands.