A possible concise summary is:
The text is a transcript of a movie about a Dutch art critic's son, Arthur, who joins the French Foreign Legion during World War I. He meets and befriends other soldiers from different countries and backgrounds, such as Jules, Pablo, and Giles. He also falls in love with a French girl named Sophie. He faces the horrors of war, such as gas attacks, machine guns, and trench warfare. He tries to visit his father, who is ill, but fails to do so before he dies. He survives the war, but suffers from gas poisoning and dies in a hospital. The movie ends with a radio broadcast that reflects on the futility and tragedy of war.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The setting is World War I, specifically the Western Front.
2. The year is 1914.
3. Artur, a Dutchman, is part of the Foreign Legion.
4. Artur's father is a writer and art critic in Holland.
5. Artur's father is ill and in financial difficulties.
6. Artur's family is struggling to make ends meet.
7. Artur is close to his family, especially his father.
8. Artur is worried about his father's health and financial situation.
9. Artur is part of a regiment that is preparing to go into battle.
10. The regiment is made up of men from different countries, including Holland and Belgium.
11. Artur's friend, Jules, is a Belgian who plays the trumpet.
12. The regiment is under the command of a lieutenant who is described as a good man.
13. The regiment is preparing to attack the Germans.
14. The Germans are using gas as a weapon, which is a major concern for the regiment.
15. Artur and his comrades are worried about the gas attack and are preparing to defend themselves.
16. The regiment is given orders to wait for further instructions before attacking the Germans.
17. Artur and his comrades are frustrated with the lack of action and want to take initiative.
18. The lieutenant eventually gives Artur permission to lead a small group to scout out the German positions.
19. Artur and his comrades are ambushed by the Germans and suffer heavy casualties.
20. Jules is injured and Artur tries to save him.
21. The regiment is eventually forced to retreat due to the gas attack.
22. Artur is affected by the gas and suffers from breathing difficulties.
23. The text ends with Artur's family receiving news of his injuries and his mother's concern for his well-being.
Note: Some parts of the text are unclear or incomplete, so these facts may not be entirely accurate.