"Paths of Glory" is a 1957 anti-war film directed by Stanley Kubrick. Set during World War I, it follows a French army unit ordered to undertake a suicidal attack on a well-fortified German position. When the mission fails, the commanding officer, Colonel Dax, played by Kirk Douglas, faces the challenge of defending his men against charges of cowardice. The film explores themes of military injustice, the absurdity of war, and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers. It is based on the novel by Humphrey Cobb and is noted for its powerful performances and striking cinematography, making it a significant work in the war film genre.