The Big Parade

The Big Parade is a 1925 American silent romantic war drama film directed by King Vidor. The film is based on a play of the same name by Frederick MacLean, which was a hit on Broadway in 1920. The story follows Lieutenant James Apperson, a young and carefree wealthy man from New York City, who joins the US Army's Rainbow Division at the outbreak of World War I. James, played by John Gilbert, is depicted as a shallow and naive man, spoiled by his family's wealth and privilege. However, after enlisting and being sent to France, he is thrust into a harsh new reality, where he is confronted with the brutalities and hardships of war. Upon arrival, James is assigned to the 167th Infantry Regiment, where he meets a group of young men from different backgrounds, including Jim Apperson (played by Jobyna Ralston's on-screen brother), the son of a poor family from Texas, and Oscar, a rugged and rough-hewn man from a similar background. The three men quickly form a bond, with James learning valuable lessons from the rough-around-the-edges soldiers, who show him what it takes to be a true man. Through his experiences in the trenches, James learns about sacrifice, courage, and loyalty. They face countless battles, including a desperate defense of their position against a German counterattack, and are haunted by the constant barrage of enemy fire and the ever-present threat of death. In the midst of this carnage, James falls in love with a French girl, Melisande de Beaulieu, played by Jobyna Ralston. She is kind, gentle, and beautiful, with a deep understanding of the horrors of war. James and Melisande form a deep connection, and their romance blossoms in the midst of war-torn France. Throughout the film, James undergoes a significant transformation, moving from a sheltered and selfish young man to a compassionate, courageous, and selfless leader. He begins to realize the importance of loyalty and friendship, both on and off the battlefield. The Rainbow Division, under James' leadership, shows incredible resilience and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. As the war rages on, James and his comrades face numerous challenges, from brutal raids to trench life. However, it is the relationships they form with each other and with the French people that give them strength and a sense of purpose. James learns to appreciate the value of friendship, sacrifice, and love, all of which have been stripped from his privileged life. In the final act, James becomes a decorated hero, earning the respect of his fellow soldiers and the admiration of Melisande. The war finally comes to an end, and the US Army is victorious, but not without great loss. The film ends on a poignant note, with James, now a seasoned veteran of the war, returning home a changed man. Though his relationship with Melisande is bittersweet, as she is now part of a conquered France, James is forever changed by the lessons he learned on the battlefields of World War I. "War is very unpleasant," the film says through James' character. "And I don't want any more of it!" The statement resonates throughout the film, emphasizing the devastating impact of war on its participants, and on those they meet. The Big Parade was a pioneering film that pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, using innovative camera techniques and a compelling narrative to tell a story of sacrifice, friendship, and love in the midst of war.