"Historical" Movies

[Rowan]

I put the quotations there because we all know how Hollywood loves to take liberties with their version of history. So, aside from the Tudors mini-series, I thought I'd start a thread about other "historical" movies.

I got Mrs Brown from NetFlix today via a friend. Has anyone seen this? Opinions?

I like Dame Judi Dench as an actress so I will probably watch it irrespective of the historical accuracy of the film. Still, I'd like to know whether it is or isn't accurate.

[MLE]

It seems that historical movies are coming back into vogue, although I cringed when I heard of the plot for 'Kingdom of Heaven' and looked up the real figures on whom it was based. The upshot was that I did not go see it, altho I will probably see it on DVD sooner or later.
During the 50s and 60s historical epics were quite popular. They probably weren't any more accurate, but back then I didn't have google to check them out!
One of my favorites was a Charlton Heston film set in Sudan, I can't remember the name, where some Islamic jihadist tried to take over a city. (why can't I remember the name? It was the same as the city, I think.)

[SonjaMarie]

Love IMDB:
Khartoum (1966)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060588/

Is that it?

SM

[MLE]

That's it! Thanks. And Heston played General Gordon, who really did engage in this conflict. Set in Victorian times.

[annis]

My favorite is 1958 movie "The Vikings" starring Tony Curtis and Kirk Douglas, and with Ernest Borgnine as the wild-eyed King Ragnar. A high-action barbarian epic classic.
It was based on a book called "The Viking" by Edison Marshall, who wrote several books around that time in the historical high adventure style.

Highly recommended as a read about the vintage historical epic movies is George MacDonald Fraser's NF "The Hollywood History of the World" (http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-History-George-Macdonald-Fraser/dp/0449904385/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220896313&sr=8-1)

[donroc]

That's it! Thanks. And Heston played General Gordon, who really did engage in this conflict. Set in Victorian times.

But Gordon never had a face-to face with the Madhi. Good drama though, the same as with the fanciful meetings between Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart.

[princess garnet]

I got Mrs Brown from NetFlix today via a friend. Has anyone seen this? Opinions?

I saw this movie on PBS as part of the "Masterpiece Theater" season and enjoyed it.

[Leyland]

I've seen Mrs Brown a couple times and loved it. It was all about the Highland scene locations ... and Gerard Butler and Billy Connolly, for me though. Ah, those Scotsmen!

[Telynor]

I've seen Mrs Brown a couple times and loved it. It was all about the Highland scene locations ... and Gerard Butler and Billy Connolly, for me though. Ah, those Scotsmen!

I've watched this one several times and enjoyed it immensely. The costuming is wonderful. Before this one, I had only seen Billy Connoly as a comedian (his standup is riotous, to say the least), and it really helped to flesh him out as an actor.

Here's the link to the review about the film that I put up:
http://www.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1079401/content_58481217156

[Rowan]

Thanks for your input Telynor!!! I read your review entirely and look forward to viewing it tonight. :)

[Alaric]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049092/

:D

[chuck]

It seems that historical movies are coming back into vogue, although I cringed when I heard of the plot for 'Kingdom of Heaven' and looked up the real figures on whom it was based. The upshot was that I did not go see it, altho I will probably see it on DVD sooner or later.
During the 50s and 60s historical epics were quite popular. They probably weren't any more accurate, but back then I didn't have google to check them out!
One of my favorites was a Charlton Heston film set in Sudan, I can't remember the name, where some Islamic jihadist tried to take over a city. (why can't I remember the name? It was the same as the city, I think.)

Regarding "Kingdom of Heaven" I suggest you watch the the Director's Cut....a bit longer, story makes a bit more sense and the character are fleshed a bit more...Historically it's still a stretch....still your watching Crusaders and Templars in action...Handsome looking film....

[chuck]

I'm stuck in the past regarding Historical Films....One of my favorites is "Rob Roy' 1995.... Liam Neeson , Jessica Lange, John Hurt, and Tim Roth..... a romp of a film....Strictly Legend in content ....excellent acting, costumes, interesting characters and the Highlands.....the sword fight between Liam and Tim Roth is one of the best....Tim Roth is a very fine villain.....My opinion only.....much better than Gibson's sham "Braveheart"

[TerriPray]

I've been watching a lot of historical movies and mini series of late, Netflix has an instant play option, and you can get a box for it that hooks to the tv, which has allowed me to watch things like Bleak House, Our Mutual Friend, Scarlet Tunic etc.

[Rowan]

Well I watched Mrs Brown last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. I got the impression that she clung to John Brown's presence because he'd worked so closely with Prince Albert and he (Mr Brown) was her last link to her husband. I think she even says something to that affect at one point in the film.

[Spitfire]

The last historical movies I watched was Anne of the Thousand days and Mary Queen of Scots...very good. But lately I have been watching old All Creatures Great and Small reruns. Love those shows, they always give me a warm fuzzy feeling when I watch them. :)

[Tanzanite]

I really like Anne of the Thousand Days. I haven't watched Mary, Queen of Scots yet. There was a movie I watched a year or so ago about Elizabeth I that was made in the 70's (I think). I can't remember who was in it, but I liked that one as well.

[princess garnet]

There was a movie I watched a year or so ago about Elizabeth I that was made in the 70's (I think). I can't remember who was in it, but I liked that one as well.

Did it feature Glenda Jackson in the lead role?

[Tanzanite]

You know, after looking at some information regarding the movies, I think it actually was the Mary, Queen of Scots movie that I saw. I know it wasn't 6 hours long (which would be the Elizabeth series with Glenda Jackson). But since she is also in the MQoS movie, that could be why I was confused. :confused::o

[annis]

Those legendary historic meetings! Brings to mind another one which we mentioned on another thread- the meeting between Pope Leo and Attila the Hun. It was a great piece of propaganda for the Church, and widely believed for centuries, but in fact it never happened.
This mythical meeting was the subject of a famous painting (http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/r/raphael/4stanze/2eliodor/4meetin.html) by Renaissance artist, Raphael.

[pat]

I got Mrs Brown from NetFlix today via a friend. Has anyone seen this? Opinions?

I like Dame Judi Dench as an actress so I will probably watch it irrespective of the historical accuracy of the film. Still, I'd like to know whether it is or isn't accurate.


I love Mrs Brown! From what I know it is as accurate as films get, they call it artistic liscense! Billy Connoly and Dame Judy are fantastic together.

[Carine]

I've seen Mrs. Brown and enjoyed it very much. According to my Scottish partner, who knows a lot about history, it is accurate.

Braveheart on the contrary was not historically accurate ! Although I still enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed Rob Roy.

[nona]

mu husband loves Braveheart, every couple of months we watch it so he can get his fix

[Christina]

"Mrs Brown" is lovely, isn't it? The beautiful settings of Osborne House, where is was filmed, and the brilliant portrayal by Judy Dench, with nothing more than a flicker of her lips, or a blink, is wonderful. The only film which comes even closer to portaying the real Queen Victoria, in my opinion, is the wonderful old black and white, "The Mudlark". The actress, whose name temporarily escapes me, who portrayed Queen Victoria in that, even got the slight German accents, rolling the 'r' and captured her whole character in so many brilliant ways. The same film featured Alec Guinness as Disraeli....and he had him down to perfection! What joy!!! :-)

[Catherine Delors]

Dame Judy Dench plays Queen Victoria. I too loved Mrs. Brown!

[Spitfire]

You know, after looking at some information regarding the movies, I think it actually was the Mary, Queen of Scots movie that I saw. I know it wasn't 6 hours long (which would be the Elizabeth series with Glenda Jackson). But since she is also in the MQoS movie, that could be why I was confused. :confused::o

Glenda Jackson played Elizabeth in the Mary Queen of Scots movie they made in the seventies, as well as the 6 hour series.

[Christina]

Dame Judy Dench plays Queen Victoria. I too loved Mrs. Brown!

Hello, Catherine...Do you remember the name of the actress who played Queen Victoria in 'The Mudlark'...she is the one whose name I was trying to recall. It's such a lovely old film and her portrayal of Queen Victoria was absolutely spot-on to me :)

[chuck]

Christina....the 1950 film "The Mudlark" Queen Victoria was portrayed by the the American actress Irene Dunne....Excellent classic film

[Spitfire]

Jane Austen's Emma - Gwynneth Paltrow's version or BBC's doesn't matter, they both are hillarious!

[Laura]

I recently bought The Lion in Winter, after have read Devil´s Brood, as well as To Kill a King and Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett.

[Hunter]

Jane Austen's Emma - Gwynneth Paltrow's version or BBC's doesn't matter, they both are hillarious!

I can't stand Gwynneth Paltrow, especially in that version of Emma. Give me Kate Beckinsale's Emma any day.

That said, I love both the BBC/A&E version of Pride & Prejudice and the recent movie with Keira Knightley, as well as both Emma Thompson's Sense & Sensibility and the new BBC/PBS version. All are outstanding adaptations.

Hunter

[Spitfire]

I can't stand Gwynneth Paltrow, especially in that version of Emma. Give me Kate Beckinsale's Emma any day.

That said, I love both the BBC/A&E version of Pride & Prejudice and the recent movie with Keira Knightley, as well as both Emma Thompson's Sense & Sensibility and the new BBC/PBS version. All are outstanding adaptations.

Hunter

Just to get even, I can't stand Keira Knightly's portrayal of Liz in P&P, but to be fair, I do like Emma Thomson in Sense and Sensibility. Just to clarify why I like Emma - it is generally the minister's wife that I get such a kick out of. There was an A&E version and I can't remember who played her, but she nailed the character! Funny! But honestly I think you can't go wrong with any of Jane Austen's books or movie adaptations, really!

[SonjaMarie]

I happen to love Paltrow's "Emma", didn't care for Kate's, LOVED Thompson's "S&S" and adore the Colin Firth "P&P.

SM

[Vanessa]

Colin Firth will always be remember for his 'wet shirt'. He even got is shirt wet in the remake of St Trinian's.

[Hunter]

I also loved the Amanda Root version of Persuasion and hated pretty much everything about the new one.

[Christina]

Christina....the 1950 film "The Mudlark" Queen Victoria was portrayed by the the American actress Irene Dunne....Excellent classic film

Irene Dunne! Thank you, Chuck :)! What a star andwhat a brilliant performance! And, I believe, so different from her usual roles.

"The Lion in Winter" is good but, don't you think, a little overdone?

[donroc]

I remember The Mudlark being a good read as well. Author was Theodore Bonner or something like that if memory serves.

[chuck]

:cool:Irene Dunne! Thank you, Chuck :)! What a star andwhat a brilliant performance! And, I believe, so different from her usual roles.

"The Lion in Winter" is good but, don't you think, a little overdone?

A brilliant O'Toole and Hepburn will always be overdone/over the top....And I have to be in the write mood to put up with their brilliance.....Cheers....BTW Ms. Dunne was such a great actor......

[Ash]

"The Lion in Winter" is good but, don't you think, a little overdone?

Oh dear god no. Everyone was chewing the scenery in that movie, but in a most delightful way. The banter was perfect. Besides, Peter O'Toole and Hepburn can do no wrong in my boosk.

[Madeleine]

I happen to love Paltrow's "Emma", didn't care for Kate's, LOVED Thompson's "S&S" and adore the Colin Firth "P&P.

SM


I think Emma Thompson's "S and S" is the best Austen adap, wasn't that keen on the recent TV version. Can't stand KK so didn't like her version of P & P, the Colin Firth series is, of course, the definitive one! Didn't like the recent "Persuasion" either, haven't seen the Amanda Root one.

[donroc]

Irene Dunne sang a very good song. Watch her in Showboat and Roberta. Wonderful screwball comedienne as well.

[Christina]

I utterly withdraw my "Lion in Winter" comments then :-), and yes about Irene Dunne being magnificent in "Mudlark" :-). I believe she played a totally different role from her usual perfomances...and an amazing role it was!

I also loved Alan Rickman's portrayal as the eponymous hero of "Rasputin" but was not so happy with Ian McKeown (sp) as Nicholas II...Anyone see and love that film?

[Emily]

hahaha, I'll back up your LIW comments, Christina ;) I rented it after reading "Devil's Brood" and only got about 1/2 way through it before calling it quits. My opinion probably isn't worth much though considering I'm fairly young and when I first saw Eleanor thought, "That doesn't look like Audrey Hepburn." Did I really just admit to that?

I went through a Braveheart phase, but after I watched a history channel program on "the real William Wallace" it hasn't been the same for me. The scenery is breathtaking though.

[michellemoran]

I can't stand Gwynneth Paltrow, especially in that version of Emma. Give me Kate Beckinsale's Emma any day.

Oh, I've never seen the Kate Beckinsale version! I'll have to put it on my to-rent list.

I adore historical films, even the ones that are just average and not historically accurate. Here's a list of the one's I've seen (some are foreign), and I've starred/bolded the ones I can highly recommend.

The Lives of Others*
Malena*
La Vie En Rose*
Goodbye, Lenin*
Shakespeare in Love*
Gone With the Wind*
Amadeus*
The Color Purple*
Braveheart*
Elizabeth: The Golden Age*
Last of the Mohicans*
Gladiator*
The Count of Monte Cristo*
HBO's Rome Series*
HBO's Adams Series*
The Red Violin*
Evita
The Importance of Being Earnest
Persuasion
Northanger Abbey
Pride and Prejudice
Mansfield Park
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant
Emma
Alfred the Great
Horatio Hornblower
Raise the Red Lantern
Memoirs of a Geisha
Chocolat
Queen Margot
Henry V
Farewell My Concubine
Moliere
Vanity Fair (I'd give this one a skip)
The Cuckoo (I'd probably skip this one too)
Russian Ark (if you enjoy torturing yourself, rent this... if you're a true masochist, watch until the end)
A Knight's Tale
Joan
La Dolce Vita
Sense and Sensibility
The Scarlett Empress
English Patient
All Creatures Great and Small
Duchess
Gangs of New York
Far and Away
Nicholas Nickleby
Immortal Beloved
Copying Beethoven
Sleepy Hollow
Scarlett
The Man in the Iron Mask
King Arthur
Beowulf
300
Chicago
A Tale of Two Cities
Oliver

[Margaret]

Last of the Mohicans is one of the movies my husband loves to watch over and over. I enjoyed it, too, and did watch more than once. Mark Twain gave the James Fenimore Cooper novel a scathing review. I did take the novel down from a library shelf after seeing the movie, but after dipping into the opening pages, I decided I was unlikely to disagree with Twain. It's interesting how much a director can do to improve a novel when filming it. Has anyone read Cooper's novel, and if so, do you know how closely the film follows the story?

[michellemoran]

I can watch that movie over and over again, too! I have to admit, I've never read the book. It was something we were supposed to read for EC in junior high, but I never got around to it. I have read Twain's review - and yikes!

[MLE]

Last of the Mohicans is one of the movies my husband loves to watch over and over. I enjoyed it, too, and did watch more than once. Mark Twain gave the James Fenimore Cooper novel a scathing review. I did take the novel down from a library shelf after seeing the movie, but after dipping into the opening pages, I decided I was unlikely to disagree with Twain. It's interesting how much a director can do to improve a novel when filming it. Has anyone read Cooper's novel, and if so, do you know how closely the film follows the story?

The film doesn't follow the story at all. As I recall, Hawkeye and the older chief were contemporaries, and the lovers were actually Uncas and Cora. Switching the romantic lead is a rather major change, don't you think?
As for the rest, it was a lot of very slow, overly descriptive eighteenth-century prose. I can hardly remember any of it.

Michelle, I watched a movie called the weeping camel, but it wasn't HF, it was set in modern-day Mongolia. As a breeder of camelids (llamas are little camels) I got a hoot out of their attempts to make it look like the baby camel wasn't nursing. That camel calf was a perfectly ordinary calf with no nursing problems whatever, and was plainly wondering what the filmmakers were trying to do. It showed a nice clip of the culture, but the plot was blown to bits for anybody who knew animals.
Was this the same film you are referring to, or is it another by the same name?

[michellemoran]

MLE: You're right! I cut and pasted my list of movies from my blog, and shouldn't have included TWC . Such a cute movie - although yes, I suspect not very accurate. My husband and I are planning a trip to see a former student in Mongolia, and I'm eager to see how the movie compares to the reality. Doubtful... I suppose... especially the weeping camel part ;)

[MLE]

Actually, the movie was given to us by our friends who lived in Erdenet, Mongolia, for three years. They said that it was pretty representative of rural Mongolian life. Not so much in the 'big' cities, like Ulan Bator, but very much what Mongolians consider the 'real' Mongolia.

I'd love to go there myself, and envy you the chance! Try the national drink, fermented mare's milk, for me.

[michellemoran]

Try the national drink, fermented mare's milk, for me.

Oh gosh, really?!!! I may have to become a vegan...

This is probably an ignorant question, but do llamas produce milk that's considered drinkable?

[Catherine Delors]

An online friend of mine, Ellen Moody, who is a Professor of English lit and a JA fan, has great reviews of the adaptations on her blog.
http://server4.moody.cx/
She reviews Trollope adaptations too. Somehow I tend to be less territorial about the latter, though I love his novels, but I am very picky about anyone who dares adapt Jane Austen. One of the things Ellen doesn't like about the Andrew Davies adaptations (yes, the ones with Colin Firth and Kate B) is that they are very male-centric. Like Darcy in a wet shirt, for instance... ;)

[MLE]

Oh gosh, really?!!! I may have to become a vegan...

This is probably an ignorant question, but do llamas produce milk that's considered drinkable?

Llama crias find it quite drinkable! But no, I haven't heard of anybody milking llamas for human consumption. The milk itself is essentially the same as camel's milk, which is a food staple all over the world. But if you ever tried to milk a llama (now and then, when a baby can't figure it out, I have) you'd know why it isn't commercially viable. There's nothing to grab onto, as llama udders have no teats to speak of! In the emergency mentioned above, you have to milk them with your thumb and forefinger, a laborious process that gives you cramp in the connecting muscle. Plus they only 'let down' a little at a time, their babies take three sucks, walk four steps, get another two sucks in, mom walks off, and so forth.

When we watched our first pair do that, we thought the doe was the world's worst mom. Now we know it's just the way llamas are wired.

[Catherine Delors]

The milk itself is essentially the same as camel's milk, which is a food staple all over the world.

Really, MLE? I have never tasted camel's milk... What is it like?

[MLE]

Really, MLE? I have never tasted camel's milk... What is it like?
Me neither. My daughter did when she was in Kenya, said it tasted like the thorn brush they'd been eating. No surprise there.

[michellemoran]

Plus they only 'let down' a little at a time, their babies take three sucks, walk four steps, get another two sucks in, mom walks off, and so forth.

Really fascinating... thanks MLE!!

[Catherine Delors]

Oh good, at least I am not the only one in this forum who hasn't tasted camel's milk. I will put it on my list of things-to-do-before-you-die, though.

Yes, those llamas are so cute and fuzzy. All this llama talk reminds me of the credits of Holy Grail. Now that was outstanding historical fiction on film! :D

[Telynor]

Hooting over the bit with camel's milk and the care of crias. Llamas are beautiful creatures, but with nursing habits like that, it's amazing that they've survived. I take it that the nursing period isn't that long? And yes, sadly, milking animals will take on the taste of whatever it is that they've been munching on. Sometimes, it's really really good, and sometimes -- well, it's scary.

Back to historical films. I love 'em. I don't mind a slight shift from the original material, and I do confess like watching Colin Firth... One film I really enjoyed for the amount of detail was Onegin, from the Pushkin poem, and I was very impressed by the level of costuming in it -- they got it right, for men's costumes, and Ralph Fiennes was so elegant in that one.

I'm still in the middle of watching Cranford, and that's another good one for clothing.

[Hunter]

My wife and I enjoyed Cranford.

Another series we recently watched and really liked was The Duchess of Duke Street, starring Gemma Jones. A couple of episodes weren't all that, but overall, the series was fantastic.

Hunter

[Volgadon]

I don't think I've had camel milk, but I have eaten roast camel and rice, which isn't half bad, just a little greasy.
THe costumes in Onegin were superb, but I'd love to rewatch it now that I've read the poem in Russian, see how it compares.

[Catherine Delors]

Hadn't heard of Onegin, but Ralph Fiennes, Pushkin and good costumes make a winning combination.
My uncle tasted camel during a trip to Egypt, and didn't think much of it. Some French people (not me:eek: or anyone I know) eat horse meat, but camel meat is pretty much unknown around here.

[donroc]

I wish a Masterpiece Theater and British mystery Channel would be created because the various PBS stations do not show all programs available. And, I am ready for more Poldark and Upstairs Downstairs marathons.

[Leyland]

Ya think? ;) Check out the entire article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28021559/


Does a filmmaker have a responsibility to get it right, historically speaking?

“Unless the film is presented as a documentary, no strict adherence to the historical record is mandated,” said film critic James Berardinelli, whose reviews can be found on his Web site, reelviews.net. “When a movie is presented as fiction, even if it is ‘based on a true story,’ a certain amount of dramatic license is expected.”

So fellow HFOer's, is it all or nothing, do you think? He implies an historically set movie is not acceptable to an audience unless the writers/producers change history - otherwise they had better stick to branding it as a documentary. Does this mean actual history just isn't entertaining enough without revisions?

[chuck]

Just finished watching "Captain Blood" I must have seen it twenty times.....Still a
mesmerizing experience....Glorious black and white....Flynn and De Haviland at their best and a cast of thousands.....Rathbone and Flynn sword fight on the beach...one of the best ever.....

[donroc]

Just finished watching "Captain Blood" I must have seen it twenty times.....Still a
mesmerizing experience....Glorious black and white....Flynn and De Haviland at their best and a cast of thousands.....Rathbone and Flynn sword fight on the beach...one of the best ever.....

Just saw it too. Wonderful film. Did not miss color at all. Rathbone was said to be the best swordsman in Hollywood in the 1930s and perhaps 1940s as well.

[Ash]

Interesting article, Leland. I have heard the debate before, both about movies and books. I tend to be a traditionalist; if it is a story about an historic event or person, there needs to be enough accuracy for me to understand the event. At the same time I like to be entertained, and don't mind some diversion from the facts, as long as its obvious what the director or writer is doing. But while a writer can use author notes to explain himself, a movie does not have that luxury. I think people assume that these historical movies are indeed documentaries, which is bothersome when you consider that The Patriot and Amadaeus were both inaccurate in many important ways. I understand that a movie needs to be entertaining, but too often historical accuracy means dress it up nice and pretty with period costumes and sets, and their job is done. For me anyway, its not.

Does this mean actual history just isn't entertaining enough without revisions?
One would think so, certainly I can think of many examples of entertaining history, and a good director and screenwriter can figure out a way to make it so. The Madness of King George is a good example of an entertaining and historical accurage fom.. It can be done. I just wish more directors would take the trouble to do so.

[donroc]

One of the worst, most flagrant deviations from historical fact in cinema history appeared in the Errol Flynn and Warners stock company film, The Sante Fe Trail. Only the names of Custer, Jeb Stuart, John Brown, Harpers Ferry, and Jefferson Davis were historical.

[chuck]

One of the worst, most flagrant deviations from historical fact in cinema history appeared in the Errol Flynn and Warners stock company film, The Sante Fe Trail. Only the names of Custer, Jeb Stuart, John Brown, Harpers Ferry, and Jefferson Davis were historical.

I totally agree with you....Was Robert E. Lee portrayed? Can't remember....not one of my favorites, because of the fairy tale.......BTW Basil Rathbone and Flynn in Robin Hood the final swordfight...outstanding.....Basil Rathbone and George Saunders were favorites, could play the cad or villein with great integrity....And both were above average actors....My opinion they stole the show in many films.....They deserve to be ranked with the Hollywood greats of the 30's and 40's......

[MLE]

Has anyone heard of the Charles I film 'To Kill a King'? Is it accurate?

[Telynor]

Just saw it too. Wonderful film. Did not miss color at all. Rathbone was said to be the best swordsman in Hollywood in the 1930s and perhaps 1940s as well.

Yep, he was. As a former fencer, I love watching him work. The next time you watch "The Court Jester" watch for his sequences with Danny Kaye. What BR told Kaye was to simply hold up his sword, and he would come in and do all the heavy work. Another way to tell a really good swordsman is to watch the person moving -backwards- during a dueling sequence, they've got the trickier part to do. It wasn't until the Richard Lester musketeer films that swordplay got decent again in Hollywood.

[donroc]

I totally agree with you....Was Robert E. Lee portrayed? Can't remember....not one of my favorites, because of the fairy tale.......BTW Basil Rathbone and Flynn in Robin Hood the final swordfight...outstanding.....Basil Rathbone and George Saunders were favorites, could play the cad or villein with great integrity....And both were above average actors....My opinion they stole the show in many films.....They deserve to be ranked with the Hollywood greats of the 30's and 40's......

From age six when I first saw Robin Hood until about eleven, Flynn was my favorite screen hero. After I saw George Sanders in The Picture of Dorian Gray and as the Saint, Falcon, and assorted suave characters, he became my social role model in a way regarding manners, affected insoucience, and diaphramic speech. Then and now, I have looked forward to watching him.

For Sanders fans and other who enjoy historical films, I strongly recommend watching the little known and rarely seen A Scandal in Paris, in which he plays a debonair thief who becomes Chief of Police.

[chuck]

Donroc....really impressive information....swordplay will never be the same again....Loved the Lester films.....The sword play looked very realistic....and a bit clumsy looking(realism)....but deadly all the same.....I do not appreciate acrobatic fencing.....GS.....I always wondered if Ian Fleming had a George Saunders in mind when visualizing his 007......I will check out A Scandal in Paris....He stole the show from Robert Taylor in the first "Ivanhoe".....as always I continue to learn from this wonderful site....look forward to reading your always informative posts.....I too.. am a fan Turner Classic films.....

[donroc]

Yes, Chuck, I agree, Sanders did dominate Ivanhoe and is still my favorite Charles II. I was delighted to see him win the Oscar for his wonderfully portrayed role in All About Eve.

The only time he disappointed me was when he sang in Call Me Madame.

I saw a similarity between his marrying Zsa Zsa and one of my favorite historical rogues,Talleyrand, marrying Catherine Grand.

[chuck]

Yes Don...... GS's Charles II was about the only good thing about "Forever Amber" great costumes,sets and a handsome looking film...but overall it was a disappointment....it deserves a remake....but only with a good budget, casting and direction.....

[Kveto from Prague]

Has anyone heard of the Charles I film 'To Kill a King'? Is it accurate?

ive seen the film. i dont know enough about the subject to discuss its accuracy, it seemed alright to me. the main character was oliver cromwell (tim roth) and he was put in a pretty sympathetic light, i think (mustnt have made a huge impression on me)

[Volgadon]

One of the worst, most flagrant deviations from historical fact in cinema history appeared in the Errol Flynn and Warners stock company film, The Sante Fe Trail. Only the names of Custer, Jeb Stuart, John Brown, Harpers Ferry, and Jefferson Davis were historical.

Sounds like the usual Flynn flick. Charge of the Light Brigade anyone?
I'm a huge fan BTW.

[donroc]

Those film rewrites of History spurred me to look up the real history when I was a boy.

They were great entertainment. I may have mentioned before I read a magazine article years ago in the old Horizon Magazine titled The Regiment. It would have been commanded by Sir C. Aubry Smith, with Reginald Denny as the Adjutant. Flynn, Patric Knowles, Richard Greene, and others would have done the derring-do.

I believe John Ford created the American version with his Fort Apache trilogy.

We used to call the Gunga Din-Bengal Lancer-Beau Geste type films Easterns.