All Quiet On the Western Front: The Story of a Film

by Andrew Kelly

Published to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Erich Maria Remarque this is an account of the making of his novel. When published in 1928, the book transformed the popular image of war; the film, directed by Lewis Milestone, was released the following year and was instantly acclaimed a classic. It remains the quintessential view of World War I and of the brutality and waste of war. Like the novel the film was censored. Andrew Kelly covers the film’s origins and production, and its fortunes on and after release. It is illustrated with scenes from the film and contains extensive extracts from the screenplays.

212 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2002

About the author

Andrew Kelly is the Yarra (Birrarung) Riverkeeper, part of the international Waterkeeper Alliance, which is based in New York. He has written numerous books for children and adults and lives within a stone's throw of the river in Melbourne, Australia.

Reviews

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really can't remember when I first read this book. I know that I have read it several times, and will probably read it again. I found this book to be a landmark book for me because it was the first time I ever read or thought about war in a manner other than the romantic view of war with its heroes and saints. This book will leave you feeling awed and empty; however, I think that is exactly what Remarque was trying to get across. War does not necessarily have a happy ending. Even when it is over!

[Tyler]

Personally i believe that this book felt extremely long, and was hard to sit through. But never the less, it was still a good book and would be a real page-turner for people who like war. If you are into war and the military then you might like this book, and you should give it a chance.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much for me.