The Big Parade (1925)

The idle son of a rich businessman joins the army when the U.S.A. enters World War One. He is sent to France, where he becomes friends with two working-class soldiers. He also falls in love... See full summary »

Director:

King Vidor

Writers:

Laurence Stallings (story), Harry Behn (scenario),

Stars:

John Gilbert, Renée Adorée, Hobart Bosworth

3 wins.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
John Gilbert	...	James Apperson
Renée Adorée	...	Melisande (as Renee Adoree)
Hobart Bosworth	...	Mr. Apperson
Claire McDowell	...	Mrs. Apperson
Claire Adams	...	Justyn Reed
Robert Ober	...	Harry
Tom O'Brien	...	Bull
Karl Dane	...	Slim
Rosita Marstini	...	French Mother

Storyline

The idle son of a rich businessman joins the army when the U.S.A. enters World War One. He is sent to France, where he becomes friends with two working-class soldiers. He also falls in love with a Frenchwoman, but has to leave her to move to the frontline.

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Plot Keywords:

world war one | france | lost technicolor scene | infantry | battlefield | 

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Taglines:

The epic of the American doughboy!

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | War

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Release Date:

1926 (Austria)

Also Known As:

Die Parade des Todes

Filming Locations:

Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$245,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

140 min 140 min 130 min 128 min (1988 TCM print)

Sound Mix:

Silent Mono (music and sound effects) (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White (with tinted sequences)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Officially MGM Released that Studio electrician Carl Barlow died during production when he slipped and fell off a platform. However what actually happened was a shelf collapsed above him and he was crushed to death by lighting equipment.

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Goofs

The three future recruits live in New York City (one works construction on a skyscraper, another works a bar in the Bowery), but during the recruitment parade, there are shots of wide avenues lined with low buildings and palm trees - clearly shots of 1920s Los Angeles.

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Quotes

James Apperson: Waiting! Orders! Mud! Blood! Stinking stiffs! What the hell do we get out of this war anyway!

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Crazy Credits

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer gratefully acknowledges the splendid co-operation of the Second Division, United States Army and Air Service Units, Kelly Field.

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Connections

Featured in St. Ives (1976)

User Reviews

a classic film set to beautiful music

I recently saw this film with the orchestral accompaniment composed and conducted by Andrew Davis (I think that was his name). Silent movie purists may disagree, but I thought the accompaniment was beautiful and greatly added to my appreciation of the film. There are many moments when the music perfectly matches the mood of the film. For instance, as Melisande and Jim are searching for each other right before the troops are sent away to the front the military style parade theme (brass and drums, very upbeat) is contrasted with the wailing violins playing the love theme beautifully and desperately. The themes struggle back and forth, at times drowning each other out until finally Jim and Melisande are united and the love theme breaks out triumphant.