The Return of Paul Jarrett (1998) User Reviews

A Heartfelt and Poignant Documentary

[daveh-25 · 10/10 · 17 June 2006]

An extremely heartfelt and poignant documentary of the return to France of the LAST American World War I veteran able to make the journey, and at the age of 93 years. Of the five million men who wore the uniform of America, there are perhaps 15 alive at this June, 2006 date of writing. in 1918. All are more than 105 years of age. A total of 75 World War I vets are alive worldwide. Clark Jarrett's film is a glowing tribute to the two million American soldiers who went "over there" in 1917-1918 to "make the world safe for democracy." There are two versions of this documentary--I would recommend the purchase of the longer version. This film is all you need to understand why America went to war with Germany in 1917. You'll also be amazed at the reactions of the French people to the presence in their midst of an ex-Lieutenant in the American 42nd Division, AEF. Lt. Paul Jarrett was no rear-area slouch--he was a combat officer who went "belly to belly" with the Germans. The French were so appreciative of Jarrett's presence that they named a village street after him. See and appreciate it all in "The Return of Paul Jarrett." Dave Homsher

WWI vet returns to WWI battlefields.

[stephslipp · 10/10 · 2 January 2005]

A very unique documentary that gives a lot of insight to people who don't know much about the First World War. I thought it was great the way the filmmaker used archival footage to make you really understand and see what it must have been like to fight in the muddy, rat-infested trenches of France in 1918. Plus, Paul Jarrett is an amazing man for 93 YEARS OLD!!!! I never knew that this war was so full of new weapons and devastation. Plus, it's full of interviews of wonderful old veterans from the war, including a few guys NOT from the American army. They were fascinating; especially the guy from Austria. This should be shown in every classroom in America no matter what age. I give it a 10!!!!!!!!!!

Excellent film

[dbohning · 10/10 · 17 June 2006]

Well done. The film, The Return of Paul Jarrett, obviously had the heart of it's author, Clark Jarrett, in it's making. Unlike most films of this nature, it contained personal interviews of Paul Jarrett and his comrades regarding the hardships of the fighting men of the Rainbow Division during Work War I. The flashbacks of trench warfare in 1917 France intermixed with the personal thoughts of Paul Jarrett were thrilling. In addition, the shots of modern day Neuvelle mixed with the still shots of the long ago battle worked perfectly. One can only imangine the horror thes men must have gone through in helping to save the area around Neuvelle from the German army. The conditions were miserable and Clark Jarrett captured those visions for the viewing public.

amazing life amazing film

[bstvintage · 9/10 · 17 June 2006]

The reality of what people like Paul Jarrett went through in WW1 is so far from my reality in 2006. My reality of a trench is one that is to be filled with flowers or vegetables or maybe a pipe to divert water but the thought of living, shooting, screaming, bleeding, and dieing in a trench makes my stomach turn. I send a prayer and a thank you to everyone who fought in one of those trenches and a prayer that trenches now only get used in a positive way. This film captures a time of true hardships and stories that I hope we will never forget. As the trenches are now covered over with dirt, weeds and time it is almost easy to think that those battles in the trenches never happened, with Mr. Jarretts comments and reflections those trenches are reopened. The modern wars and modern equipment still bring the same result...death and destruction. When will everyone in this world rise above hate and move forward in peace? Thank you for making this film! Alexa

WWI hero Lt. Paul Jarrett lives on in film.

[tdenham · 8/10 · 19 June 2006]

I enjoyed this film very much. Most of us are unfamiliar with this era in history, and I feel WWI is slowly fading from our national memory because at this point, there are no survivors left to relate their stories firsthand. This film documents one man's experiences from the war and also his reunion with the french soil he helped defend. The local french residents were truly appreciative, contrary to all the negative press you see in the papers. It is a small, independently produced film and offers a personal story with a real face attached. I can see how the running time is set up perfectly for the classroom, and would recommend it for a history class covering this time-frame.