Literature-Based Movies for World War One History Classes

World War One is probably the most overlooked, least explored war in American history classes. Europeans know more about WWI because many countries such as France, England and Germany were involved in conflict for a longer period of time. Ironically most historians agree that World War One, called then the Great War, and ‘ the war to end all wars’ was the catalyst for WWII. It is believed by many scholars that had WWI been resolved more effectively we would not have had to suffer through the second world war. Had the ‘losers’ (I.e. Germany) not had their country cannibalized by greedy ‘winners’, had the German economy, natural resources and population not been stripped of its wealth and dignity, perhaps vicious militant nationalists like Hitler, Himmler, Goering and Goebbels would not have been able to whip the defeated nation into a vengeful frenzy.

In history classes, it is essential to explore the climate of Europe during and after WWI. Although it is a war that Americans were less involved in, it is crucial nevertheless to understand this precursor to WWII. Here are some literature based films to help students grasp the significance and impact of
WWI. Literature connections give us an insider’s look at history.

All quiet on the Western Front (Erich Maria Remarque) All Quiet is a must -read; this story is narrated by a young German Paul Baumer, who enlists in the first world war. All the older men in his town, as well as his schoolmaster Kantorek, tout the glory and honor of war, but the experience is much different. This book and movie explores the theme of loyalty, bravery, friendship, sacrifice and unlikely mentor Kat’zinsky a older Polish soldier. The 1930 version, starring Lew Ayres won four academy awards and is my favorite; it moves like a play and being in black and white, lends an air of ‘film noir’. The 1974 version features Richard Thomas (‘John boy Walton’), Ernest Borgnine, Ian Holm and Donald Pleasance are noteworthy actors and give compelling performances. Curiously, the fact that this book is written from ‘the enemy’s’ perspective brings us full circle to the universality of common life themes.

Johnny Got his Gun (Dalton Trumbo) This book should be read by all Americans, but especially young men in high school. It is a compelling expose on death, injury, arrested youth and the bleakness of war. Joe, a young American soldier in WWI steps on a land mine on the last day of the war and loses both arms and legs, as well as his eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Johnny is not a pretty, patriotic book, but a stark confrontation with destruction of life, not just in death but in suffering of soldiers returning from war. In fact, author Dalton Trumbo was blacklisted as a writer in Hollywood during the Red Scare of the 40’s. Interestingly, this staggering WWI psychodrama was just remade and is coming out in 2008. The 1971 version is equally powerful, coming out as it did smack in the heat of Viet Nam.

It would be useful to students to read both All Quiet and Johnny and then compare the similarities of point of view, despite being on opposite sides of the trenches and barbed wire. some very productive dialog, debate and writing could ensue from an exploration of both of these remarkable works of literature. Happily both works have been made into viable and worthwhile movies as well.

Reference:

• imdb.com