All Quiet on the Western Front

Richard Thomas, famous for playing John-Boy on the TV drama The Waltons, stars as thoughtful young German scholar Paul Baumer in this 1979 TV-movie adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's anti-war classic. In the opening scenes, set in 1914, Paul is roused by paeans of battle glory from his patriotic schoolteacher (Donald Pleasence), and by the roar of flag-waving patriotism sweeping the city, to enlist in the German army and fight in World War I. All lofty ideals are dashed, however, when Paul and his friends enter basic training under the command of a sneering, sadistic Prussian officer (Ian Holm) who is more interested in rank and respect than military preparation, after which they are sent into the muck and misery of trench warfare. Ernest Borgnine costars as the battle-hardened platoon leader who teaches Paul and his schoolmates more practical survival skills. The original 1930 adaptation of the novel, starring Lew Ayres as the young German soldier, won the Academy Award for Best Picture. This version, directed by Delbert Mann (who made the Oscar-winning Marty in 1955), is not as lavish or dramatically intense, but it is a faithful adaptation, features fine performances (Borgnine and Patricia Neal, who plays Paul's mother, both earned Emmy Award nominations), and serves as a reminder of the horror and futility of war. Although made for TV in the U.S., the film played in theaters in Europe, and is presented here in widescreen. Extras include a photo gallery. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)