A scene from Paths of Glory 1957
Dax

They're not cowards, so if some of them didn't leave the trenches, it must have been because it was impossible.

Mireau

They were ordered to attack. It was their duty to obey that order. We can't leave it up to the men to decide when an order is possible or not. If it was impossible, the only proof of that would be their dead bodies lying in the bottom of the trenches. They are scum, Colonel, the whole rotten regiment; a pack of sneaking, whining, tail-dragging curs.

Dax

Do you really believe that, sir?

Mireau

Yes, I do. That's exactly what I believe. And what's more, it's an incontestable fact.

Dax

Then why not shoot the entire regiment? I'm perfectly serious...If it's an example you want, then take me...One man will do as well as a hundred. The logical choice is the officer most responsible for the attack.

In this scene

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