Ep. 276: All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

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This week, we turn our attention to the original movie adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's classic WWI novel, "All Quiet on the Western Front," directed by Lewis Milestone and starring Lew Ayres in his first major role.

We compare Milestone's groundbreaking, early-sound era (1930)film to the remake currently nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, analyze the films' political intentions, praise Milestone's innovative filmmaking techniques, discuss the original film's complicated reception, and much more.

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Links

“War Is War Is War: All Quiet on the Western Front (1930),” Morgan Leigh Davies, Bright Wall/Dark Room

“TIFF: Edward Berger on Why It Was Important to Make a German-Language Version of ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’,” Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter

“When Filmmakers Don’t Understand the Assignment,” Jamelle Bouie, The New York Times