Question 1

Which famous World War I battle inspired the combat sequence in The Big Parade?

Accepted Answer

The battle scene was based on the WWI Battle of Belleau Wood in June 1918, where US forces suffered nearly 10,000 casualties. Writer Laurence Stallings lost a leg in this battle.

Question 2

What was the improvised moment that created one of the film's most memorable love scenes?

Accepted Answer

John Gilbert improvised teaching Renée Adorée's character to chew gum after director King Vidor observed a crew member chewing. The unexpected swallowing of the gum became the comic highlight.

Question 3

How did director King Vidor create the haunting rhythm for the soldiers' march into battle?

Accepted Answer

Vidor timed the march as a slow, measured cadence with muffled brass drums heralding doom, using a metronome to simulate the exact gait of the soldiers.

Question 4

What censorship challenge did title-writer Joseph Farnham face with soldiers' dialogue?

Accepted Answer

Farnham had to tone down salty dialogue, substituting "b------s" for "bastards," but was allowed to have John Gilbert shout "GOD DAMN THEIR SOULS!" in all caps.

Question 5

Which international film festivals have featured The Big Parade in their programming?

Accepted Answer

The film has been shown at Berlin International Film Festival (2020), Locarno International Film Festival (1962), San Sebastián International Film Festival (1983), Chicago International Film Festival (1987), and International Film Festival Rotterdam (1988).

The Big Parade

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