We consider the class of curves of finite total curvature, as introduced by
Milnor. This is a natural class for variational problems and geometric knot
theory, and since it includes both smooth and polygonal curves, its study shows
us connections between discrete and differential geometry. To explore these
ideas, we consider theorems of Fary/Milnor, Schur, Chakerian and Wienholtz.Comment: 25 pages, 4 figures; final version, to appear in "Discrete
Differential Geometry", Oberwolfach Seminars 38, Birkhauser, 200