The premise of this movie is based on the epic poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Historic inaccuracies abound but this isn't the History Channel, so what the hell. Enjoy it for what it is.....if you are an Anglophile, the poem and the film will bring a tear to eye.
Errol Flynn is dashing as the hero and is surrounded by a great cast. Especially good in support are C. Henry Gordon, Donald Crisp, Henry Stephenson and yes, even Patric Knowles. But make no mistake, Flynn is the star. The love triangle among Flynn, Olivia DeHavilland and Knowles is secondary to what everyone is waiting for.....the suicide charge on the Balaklava Heights.
And what a charge it is! Under the second unit direction of B. Reaves "Breezy" Eason, it is as realistic as any battle in modern movie making. It can be tough to watch, knowing that men and animals were injured or killed during its making. But if you can get by that, you'll be cheering the Light Brigade as they thunder forward with the Union Jack flying.
(It is said that this is the film in which director Michael Curtiz, the master of malaprops and non sequitars said "Bring on the empty horses".)
To quote Tennyson:
"Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred"
So watch this rousing film and throw aside any knowledge that you may have about the Crimean War or the abilities of Lords Lucan and Cardigan.....it doesn't count here....just enjoy!
Errol Flynn is dashing as the hero and is surrounded by a great cast. Especially good in support are C. Henry Gordon, Donald Crisp, Henry Stephenson and yes, even Patric Knowles. But make no mistake, Flynn is the star. The love triangle among Flynn, Olivia DeHavilland and Knowles is secondary to what everyone is waiting for.....the suicide charge on the Balaklava Heights.
And what a charge it is! Under the second unit direction of B. Reaves "Breezy" Eason, it is as realistic as any battle in modern movie making. It can be tough to watch, knowing that men and animals were injured or killed during its making. But if you can get by that, you'll be cheering the Light Brigade as they thunder forward with the Union Jack flying.
(It is said that this is the film in which director Michael Curtiz, the master of malaprops and non sequitars said "Bring on the empty horses".)
To quote Tennyson:
"Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred"
So watch this rousing film and throw aside any knowledge that you may have about the Crimean War or the abilities of Lords Lucan and Cardigan.....it doesn't count here....just enjoy!