World War II's Effects on Kirk Douglas's Filmed Career
Though he was a name connected with Hollywood's golden age, Kirk Douglas wasn't always a larger-than-life leading man. He served his country in World War Ii before his breakthrough on film. Though it left him injured, this encounter would influence his cinematic decisions and enable him to build a remarkable Hollywood legacy.
World War Two Service of Kirk Douglas
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Kirk Douglas signed on in the United States Navy in 1941. During anti-submarine warfare, he sent vital messages helping to hunt down enemy submarines as a communications officer. A premature depth charge explosion left severe abdominal injuries requiring five months of hospitalization in San Diego while stationed in the Pacific. Additionally afflicted with chronic amoebic dysentery was he. This led to his medical discharge from the Navy in 1944 under lieutenant's designation (from Navy Times).
From WWII Veteran to Hollywood Legend
Before he enlisted, he had only minor roles on Broadway; but, he became rather successful after returning. Up until his big-screen debut with The Strange Love of Martha Ivers in 1946, he worked in radio and advertising. His character embodied the exact opposite of the roles he would later perform. Still, at the time critics saw his promise. He also starred in many Westerns during his 1950s and 1960s prime years of success.
War Movie Legacy of Kirk Douglas
President of the Motion Picture Association of America Jack Valenti said Kirk Douglas had "an overpowering physical presence" on film, which fit the several outstanding war films he starred in. Douglas portrayed many military figures with varied personalities. Top Secret Affair (1957); Spartacus (1960); Town Without Pity (1961); The Hook (1963); Seven Days in May (1964); Heroes of Telemark (1965); In Harm's Way (1965); Cast a Giant Shadow (1966); Is Paris Burning (1966); The Final Countdown (1980). The anti-war movie Paths Of Glory (1957) is one especially important success.
Roads of glory: a monument to Kirk Douglas's dedication
Stanley Kubrick's Paths Of Glory features Colonel Dax (Douglas) leading a hopeless French attack on the highly fortified German position, Anthill. Driven between loyalty and compassion, Dax starts to represent the cruelty of war and the tools used to destroy mankind. Douglas noted, "I loved it even though I knew it would never be a commercial success" (via Archive.org). Inspired by the actual tragedy of the Souain corporals, Humphrey Cobb's book of the same name Four French soldiers were executed under General Réveilhac in 1915, during World War I, for disobedience of orders.
Kubrick's Vision and the Effect of Paths of Glory
About his choice to create a war film, Kubrick said:
"One of the attractions of a war or crime story is that it offers almost unique opportunity to contrast an individual or our modern society with a solid framework of accepted value."
from Salon
Paths of Glory is a potent and ageless examination of war, society, and military discipline despite government censure and strong public reaction for its anti-military consequences. Although its critical posture reduced the movie's initial box office performance, it is evidence of Kirk Douglas's actorial ambition. His dedication to the project went beyond mere lead performance since Bryna Productions, his production company, supported the film's production.
Important Learning Points
Experiences during World War Ii greatly influenced Kirk Douglas's cinematic career. His war movie performances exuded a special authenticity that produced unforgettable characters appealing to viewers. As demonstrated in Paths of Glory, his dedication to questioning war narratives solidified his reputation as a multifarious actor utilizing his stage to investigate difficult subjects.
