All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film: 152 Minutes (Restored Verson: 133 Minutes)

Rated: Passed

Genre: Drama, War

Director: Lewis Milestone

Starring: Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, John Wray, Arnold Lucy, Ben Alexander, Scott Kolk , Owen Davis Jr., Walter Rogers,William Bakewell

IMDB Rank: 8.1 /10

Part 1 Time:  N/A Minutes (Restored Verson: 72 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  N/A Minutes (Restored Verson: 80 Minutes)

***The orignal theatrical release was in silent film format with a total runtime of 152 minutes. Currently the last restoration of the film by the Library of US congress has slated a total runtime of 133 minutes. Since many scenes were either lost or unable to be restored the restored verson is the most common verson available.

Where does the first part end?  The second company prepare to leave the trench bunker and press the attack.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Right on time, better get ready boys” Kat (Lois Wolheim) speaks to group as they prepare to leave the bunker and press the attack.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “I’m wounded, I’m wounded” Himmelstoss (John Wray) faking an injury, shouts to Paul (Lew Ayres).

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, at this point in the film we have seen the brutality of war, with some new recruits already having lost their lives. Which each pressing attack the second company loses more men. Will the second company survive this offensive?

Which part is better? Both parts have highlights. In part one, we see brutality of trench warfare and the physical and mental toll it takes on the soilders. Part two is given a slight edge, as we get to see how Paul is treated by those not partaking in the war and the internal struggles he deals with after years of many years of fighting.

Academy Awards: Best Director, Best Picture, Best Writing- Achievement (Nominated), Best Cinematography (Nominated).

National Film Registry: 1990