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All Quiet on the Western Front 1930

Amidst the grim and unrelenting conditions of World War I’s western front, a young soldier's initial romanticized view of war is shattered by the horrific experiences he endures. He and his classmates, eager to serve, quickly discover the brutal reality of trench warfare, facing constant danger and immense suffering. The film explores the devastating physical and psychological toll of the conflict, challenging notions of heroism and exposing the tragic loss of innocence.

Amidst the grim and unrelenting conditions of World War I’s western front, a young soldier's initial romanticized view of war is shattered by the horrific experiences he endures. He and his classmates, eager to serve, quickly discover the brutal reality of trench warfare, facing constant danger and immense suffering. The film explores the devastating physical and psychological toll of the conflict, challenging notions of heroism and exposing the tragic loss of innocence.

Does All Quiet on the Western Front have end credit scenes?

No!

All Quiet on the Western Front does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of All Quiet on the Western Front

Explore the complete cast of All Quiet on the Western Front, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for All Quiet on the Western Front

See how All Quiet on the Western Front is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where All Quiet on the Western Front stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

91

Metascore

8.3

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

90%

TOMATOMETER

review

90%

User Score

TMDB

77

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate All Quiet on the Western Front Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of All Quiet on the Western Front with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


All Quiet on the Western Front Quiz: Test your knowledge on the 1930 classic film 'All Quiet on the Western Front' and the harrowing realities of World War I.

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Awards & Nominations for All Quiet on the Western Front

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by All Quiet on the Western Front, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how All Quiet on the Western Front and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


3rd Academy Awards 1931

Nomination

Cinematography

Lewis Milestone
Win

Directing

Lewis Milestone
Win

Outstanding Production

Nomination

Writing

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for All Quiet on the Western Front

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Read the complete plot summary of All Quiet on the Western Front, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Professor Kantorek, portrayed by Arnold Lucy, delivers a fervent address, extolling the virtues of military service and the honor in “saving the Fatherland”. Inspired by his words, the boys of his class, led by Lew Ayres as Paul Bäumer, feel compelled to enlist in the army, succumbing to the intense peer pressure that surrounds them. As they transition from boys to soldiers in the newly formed 2nd Company, their romantic notions of war are swiftly shattered during the harsh training sessions administered by the harsh Corporal Himmelstoss, played by John Wray, who bluntly declares, “You’re going to be soldiers—and that’s all.”

Under Himmelstoss’s extreme regimen, the young recruits are transformed, beginning with basic military disciplines like standing in formation. In a moment of rebellious camaraderie, the entire class bands together to ambush Himmelstoss, wrapping him in a blanket and administering a beating that underscores their budding resilience. Paul’s father, Herr Bäumer, is proud of his son’s commitment to the army, although his mother, played by Beryl Mercer, harbors concerns.

Upon arrival at the chaotic combat zone, the new recruits encounter a scene of utter disarray, with soldiers rushing about, shells exploding, and heavy rain adding to the turmoil. Tragically, one of their group is killed before they even reach their post, shocking the others, particularly a soldier named Behn. They soon learn that food is extremely scarce; having not eaten since breakfast, they discover their new comrades haven’t had meals for days. Fortunately, a resourceful soldier named Kat, played by Louis Wolheim, manages to procure a hog he has stolen from a nearby field kitchen, allowing the young soldiers to barter with soap and cigarettes for a proper meal.

Their first experience in the trenches proves terrifying as they attempt to re-string barbed wire, leading to horrific consequences when Behn is blinded by shrapnel and runs headlong into machine gun fire in a panic. After enduring days of bombardment, tension mounts among the young men, particularly when Franz, played by Ben Alexander, becomes severely injured and ultimately succumbs to his wounds in the hospital, leaving a void among his friends. Paul and his comrades reflect upon their lack of practical training for survival in war, lamenting over things such as lighting a cigarette in the wind and the brutal reality of combat.

When Corporal Himmelstoss arrives at the front, he is subjected to disdain from the very soldiers he has tried to dominate. In an ironic twist of fate, he is sent over the top with the 2nd Company, where he meets a swift demise. During an attack at a cemetery, Paul finds himself trapped with a dying French soldier named Duval Gerard, whose identity he uncovers amidst the chaos. Struggling to provide comfort, Paul is devastated by the realization of shared humanity, grieving for the life lost before him.

Seeking solace, Paul and his friends indulge in a rare moment of reprieve by bathing in a canal near the border, where they unwittingly entice some French women with promises of food and wine, prompting a rebellious excursion across enemy lines. However, as the reality of war closes in once more, Paul is gravely injured and taken to a Catholic hospital. There he learns of the grim fate that awaits his friend Albert Kropp, whose leg is amputated—a cruel reminder of the brutal costs of battle.

After a tumultuous recovery, Paul receives furlough and returns home, only to be met with the stark contrast of his family’s naivety regarding the war. His encounter with Kantorek, who continues to disseminate nationalistic fervor to younger students, fuels Paul’s discontent and anger, especially when the professor dismisses his hardships, leading to accusations of cowardice from the impressionable youth.

Back at the front, Paul encounters fresh recruits brimming with the same misguided enthusiasm he once possessed, greeting his friend Tjaden, portrayed by Slim Summerville, with a heavy heart. In a moment of crisis, Paul carries Kat after he suffers a leg injury, yet fate intervenes cruelly when a bomb results in Kat’s death, further shattering Paul’s spirit.

In the poignant and tragic finale, as Paul again takes to the front lines, he glimpses a delicate butterfly—a symbol of beauty amidst the devastation. As he reaches out, lost in a moment of innocence, he falls victim to an enemy sniper’s bullet, embodying the senselessness of war as the scene fades out to reveal the grim reality of a cemetery, resonating with the heavy toll that war exacts from all who dare to answer its call.

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for All Quiet on the Western Front

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from All Quiet on the Western Front. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


All Quiet on the Western Front Official Trailer #1 - Lew Ayres Movie (1930) HD

All Quiet on the Western Front ≣ 1930 ≣ Trailer

Ed Neumeier on ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT

Cars Featured in All Quiet on the Western Front

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Explore all cars featured in All Quiet on the Western Front, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Pierce-Arrow

1919

Truck

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


1910santi warptsd post traumatic stress disordersoldiermilitary trainingdeath of friendworld war onegerman empireepic wartrench warfarenational film registrymilitaryno music during end creditsblockbustershell shockdepressiontraumatic eventgerman armygermanyamputationcarrying someone on one's backepic dramateenagerbarrackssniperskinny dippingbathing in a riverhand grenadepatriotismnationalismbutterflylast standbarbed wirecombatbayonetdying youngmilitary paradebased on novelafiplaying deadwestern frontmental impairmentmudpunched in the facedugoutretreatfield hospitalsevered handsprayerno man's land

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