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Kirk Douglas was a Hollywood legend, with many of his movies about war and military-related topics. He began his career in 1946 after serving with the US Navy during the Second World War. During the conflict, Douglas served as a communications officer in anti-submarine warfare aboard the USS PC-1139 and was discharged in 1944 after suffering injuries in a depth charge explosion.
After serving his country, Douglas brought his military experience to the big screen. The following are the war movies that helped make Kirk Douglas one of the genre’s best.
The Juggler (1953)
The Juggler (1953) follows Hans Müller (Kirk Douglas), a Holocaust survivor haunted by the traumatic memories of his wartime experiences. He arrives in Israel as a displaced person and tries to rebuild his life while struggling with psychological scars. He discovers his talent for juggling, which becomes both a livelihood and a way to cope with his inner turmoil.
The movie explores the challenges faced by survivors of the Holocaust as they tried to integrate into a new society and grapple with their past experiences. Douglas delivers a poignant performance as a man struggling to find a sense of normalcy amid the lingering horrors of the Second World War.
Paths of Glory (1957)
Paths of Glory (1957) is an anti-war movie directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas in the lead role of Col. Dax. The film, set during the First World War, is based on the novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb, which itself was inspired by the Souain Corporals Affair.
The story revolves around Dax, a French Army officer assigned to lead his men on a seemingly impossible mission to capture a heavily fortified German position known as “Ant Hill.” Despite his reservations about the mission’s feasibility and the potential loss of life, he’s ordered to proceed by his superiors, who are more concerned about their own reputations than the well-being of their troops.
When the attack fails and results in significant casualties, Brig. Gen. Paul Mireau (George Macready) decides to court-martial 100 soldiers. This is lowered to three – one from each company – who will be executed. Dax, appalled by the injustice and the callous disregard for his men’s lives, defends the accused in a court-martial trial.
Douglas delivers a powerful performance as Dax, portraying a leader torn between loyalty to his superiors and a deep sense of justice and compassion for his troops. The character’s journey becomes a point of moral conflict in the film, highlighting the inherent dehumanization and absurdity of war and military bureaucracy.
The Devil’s Disciple (1959)
The Devil’s Disciple (1959) is the film adaption of the George Bernard Shaw play of the same name. Directed by Guy Hamilton of James Bond fame, the movie stars Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster and Laurence Olivier.
Set during the American Revolution, the plot revolves around the small New Hampshire town of Websterbridge. Due to his unconventional beliefs and lifestyle, the principled yet somewhat irreverent Richard Dudgeon (Douglas) is considered the black sheep in this setting. Despite his rebellious nature, Dudgeon becomes unexpectedly entangled in the events of the war.
Douglas’ portrayal of Dudgeon brings a mix of wit, defiance and underlying moral integrity to the character. His performance stands out as he navigates the complex web of relationships and ethical dilemmas presented by the unfolding events.
Operation Petticoat (1959)
Operation Petticoat (1959) is a comedy directed by Blake Edwards and starring Cary Grant and Tony Curtis. The film is set during the Second World War, and combines elements of drama and humor.
The movie takes place aboard the fictional US Navy submarine USS Sea Tiger, which is in need of repair after suffering damage. Grant plays Lt. Cmdr. Matt T. Sherman, the vessel’s captain, who is determined to get her back into operational condition. Curtis portrays Lt. Nick Holden, a mischievous supply officer with a knack for improvisation.
Kirk Douglas only appears in this war-era movie as a welding seaman and is ultimately uncredited for his part.
Spartacus (1960)
Spartacus (1960) is a historical epic directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. The film is based on the events of the Third Servile War, a slave revolt against the Roman Republic led by the gladiator Spartacus. The movie’s production was notable for its scope and scale, featuring large-scale sets, impressive costumes and a memorable cast that included Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, and Peter Ustinov.