A Timeless Film About World War I
By Karen Pier Hunt
On November 21, the Senate Theater will show the 1930 film, All Quiet on the Western Front, at 3 pm, followed by a book to film discussion at the 27the Letter Books down the street from the theater.
The film follows a group of idealistic German schoolboys, whose desire to enlist in the German Army during World War I is fueled by their pro-war schoolmaster. The leader of the boys is Paul, played by Lew Ayres, in his breakout role. Instead of the glory and excitement that the boys expected in the army, they find illness, despair and death, and they are shattered by their war service.
The film and the novel follows the philosophy of the Civil War General William Tecumpseh Sherman, who famously said that, “I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine…War is hell.” Its antiwar sentiment was so powerful that Hitler later banned the film.
“I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine…War is hell.” General William Tecumpseh Sherman
The film was based on the 1929 novel by German author Erich Maria Remarque, who himself was a WWI veteran. The novel was very successful, and led to its making as a film.
The film, like the novel, was both a popular and critical success
The film, like the novel, was both a popular and critical success, winning Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director, along with nominations for Best Writing (adaption) by George Abbott, Maxwell Anderson, and Del Andrews; and best cinematography by Arthur Edeson. It was the first sound film to win “Best Picture.”
The cinematography of All Quiet on the Western Front was different from many films of the early sound period. Instead of a set camera, showing the action like a stage play, Arthur Edeson used innovative techniques to create realistic and fluid shots that made the audiences feel connected to the actions and emotions of the screen. Edeson and Lewis Milestone used mobile cranes and tracks to follow action and to give the audience the sense of being in the battle along with soldiers. Additionally, close ups were used to give emotional punch at various times in the film.
Arthur Edeson was considered one of the most important cinematographers in Hollywood. He also worked on classics such as The Maltese Falcon and Casablanca. During this career, he received three Oscar nominations for cinematography.
Lewis Milestone, who directed the film, had already a long history in Hollywood as a director before this film. This was only his second sound picture, yet All Quiet on the Western Front, is considered his masterpiece
Lew Ayres was only 21 when he played the role of Paul. Ayres’s powerful portrayal of Paul and his gradual growth of his disillusionment and despair of war catapulted his career into stardom. This was only his fourth film and was his first talkie. He later was nominated for Academy Award for Best Actor in the 1948 film, Johnny Belinda.
The large cast was diverse. Beryl Mercer, who took over the role of Paul’s mother from Zasu Pitts, specialized in maternal roles.
Slim Summerville, however, specialized in comedies. He took the role of Tjardan, a fellow soldier. Summerville, a seasoned actor, played somewhat against type. Although there were moments that used his comic ability, there were many scenes that were more serious than his usual roles.
Ben Alexander was only 18 when he filmed the role of Kemmerich, a fellow soldier and schoolmate of Paul’s. Alexander was a popular child actor, this was his first adult role. Later on, he became known as Officer Frank Smith on the original Dragnet.
Although it's nearly 100 years old, All Quiet on the Western Front has held up over time
Although it's nearly 100 years old, All Quiet on the Western Front has held up over time. In 1990, it was selected and preserved by the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” It also made the American Film Institute’s “First 100 Years …100 Films” in 1997.” All Quiet on the Western Front has been remade twice, most recently in a German language version made in 2022.
Some interesting facts about the film:
Many of the extras were World War I veterans, and a number had fought for Germany. They also served as technical advisors and helped drill the rest of the extras.
A silent version, for U.S. theaters who didn’t have sound technology and for the foreign markets, was filmed at the same time as the sound version.
After the film was completed, Zasu Pitts, as Paul’s mother, was replaced as Beryl Mercer, for the sound version. Because Pitts was associated with comic roles, audiences laughed when she came on the screen.
Lew Ayres became a pacifist because of the film. He registered as a conscientious objector during World War II and became a medic during that war.
Lewis Milestone later directed another film based on a novel by Remarque, Arch of Triumph in 1948.
There was debate on the ending. The ending was filmed at the end after a final decision was made.
Patrons can buy a copy of the novel with a ticket for the film before the showing at the Senate at 27th Letter Books at 3545 Michigan Avenue. After the showing, a Senate Theater representative will lead the discussion at the book store.