Plot Details: This opinion reveals everything about the movie's plot.

The cover story of October's "Atlantic Monthly" made the point that only one out of eight of the members of today's Army are in units whose specific function is to kill the enemy. One does not become an infantryman or a tank gunner these days without a clear desire and physical and psychological preparedness, and can be justly proud if he can answer "What's your job in the Army?" with "To shoot (or stab, or blow up) people."

During World War II, however, it was a very different story. Weapons, tactics, and the training to use them were all a good deal simpler, and if one's division was transferred into a combat zone, one had to have pull to get a job anywhere other than the front line. By early 1944 young men who weren't already in the military really were the bottom of the barrel, as a drill sergeant tells the newest members of the 28th Infantry Division halfway through this film. Most had probably figured that for that reason, they were safe. Eddie Slovik certainly did. His notice of reclassification from 4-F to 1-A came on his first wedding anniversary.

"The Execution of Private Slovik" was made in 1974, when, notwithstanding the cultural revolt of the baby boomers, the World War II generation was at the height of its influence. One would therefore be a bit surprised to see the extent to which existentialism and absurdism permeate this film, particularly the scene where Slovik's handcuffs have to be sawed off him and the officer with the hacksaw then asks if Slovik is all right two hours before he is due to be executed, if not for the fact that the absurdity of World War II is something which its veterans could safely admit to each other - and perhaps to no one else. Hence the warning broadcast by CBS at the beginning that this movie might be inappropriate for children "or others who could be made uncomfortable." Patriotism requires them to put on a brave face for those who weren't there.

When Private Slovik deserts, having been from the very beginning rather more than simply unwilling to go under fire, and then insists on handing in a written confession rather than simply attempting to return to his unit and forget anything untoward had happened, he is killed not because of some superpatriotic disgust or atavistic desire for vengeance, but because no one chooses to reclaim him from a legalistic bureaucracy which grinds onward to Slovik's inevitable fate. For the right to prevail, the wrong must be shown to fail, the thinking goes. Indeed, the logic of the general in command of the 28th Division is flawless: to save Slovik would be so inconsistent with the rewarding of heroes that "I didn't know how I could have gone up to the line and looked a good soldier in the face." I honestly believe a legalistic approach to the trials of terrorists, for example, is appropriate, and have hope that military tribunals such as the one in this movie can embody that approach in practice. One wonders if it was really necessary for a naive American who was a little too attached to his innocence.

Ned Beatty appears at the beginning and the end of the story as chaplain Capt. Sammons - the middle is given over to an exploration of the last 30 months of Slovik's life, starting with his release from reform school, where he was incarcerated for grand theft auto and drunken driving. Hearing Slovik's confession and saying Mass for him, Sammons has only one request - that Slovik die with courage. Indeed, the "collapse board" proves only to be necessary after Slovik is already dead. I was nine years old when I first saw this movie. Since I am not Catholic, Slovik's last hundred steps were the first time I had ever heard a Hail Mary being said. They will stay with you forever too.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12