Paths of Glory

Another great film from Stanley Kubrick. Set in WWI, the French high command decides to punish their own men for failing in an impossible attack. Loosely based on a real life incident. This practice actually dates back to at least the Romans. You've heard of the word "decimate"? The common definition being to cause great destruction and harm. In ancient Rome, when a legion disgraced itself in battle, the commanders would execute every tenth man as an example to the others.

Kirk Douglas plays the officer who must defend the three men chosen to be sacrificed. Kubrick met his 2nd (and final) wife on this picture. She's the young woman singing at the end. Excellent anti-war movie.