France, 1916. General Mireau is persuaded by General Broulard that a successful attack on "the Anthill," a well-nigh impregnable position which is held by the enemy, will advance his career. Under Mireau's orders, Colonel Dax leads the regiment in the doomed attack, predictably suffering heavy losses. Unable to admit responsibility, Mireau, together with Broulard, selects three men from the regiment to be court-martialed for cowardice. A trained lawyer, Dax offers to defend his men; in the process, he becomes increasingly aware of the callousness of commanders and the absurdity of war.