I was searching through my DVD collection today, when I came across my copy of the 1977 remake of THE FOUR FEATHERS. The film starred Beau Bridges (Harry Faversham), Robert Powell (Jack Durrance), Simon Ward (William Trench), and Jane Seymour (Ethne Eustace), and featured Harry Andrews (General Faversham) and Richard Johnson (Abou Fatma).
It is not the most memorable of the film versions of A.E.W. Mason's original story (although it is far more faithful to it than the most recent version), but the film's title sequence and opening scene features a Napoleonic wargame that is being fought using 25mm scale figures.
It is not the most memorable of the film versions of A.E.W. Mason's original story (although it is far more faithful to it than the most recent version), but the film's title sequence and opening scene features a Napoleonic wargame that is being fought using 25mm scale figures.
Kneeling British Napoleonic Infantry.
Charging Polish Lancers of the Imperial Guard. These form the front rank of a large group of French Cavalry, and the following shots show the subsequent ranks of ...
... Chasseurs à Cheval of the Imperial Guard, ...
... Mamelukes, ...
... and Dragoons.
British Infantry open fire.
French Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard return fire.
A column of French Imperial Guard Infantry receive their orders.
General Faversham (Harry Andrews) lectures the young Harry Faversham about using the right tactics to defeat an enemy.
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I still prefer Korda's 1939 version . . . even if it had fruit for the recreation of the elder Faversham's battles.
ReplyDelete-- Jeff
Dear sir,
ReplyDeleteI have many of the figures displayed and enjoy the 1977 film. No surpassing the 1939 film but certainly better than the "politically correct," Lodger-Hudson version !!! The most recent film really is not for the better sort , now is it?
Cordial regards,
David Corbett
I remember the opening sequence of this film, though I haven't seen it in about 25 years. Where did you find the stills?
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Stokes Schwartz
Bluebeard Jeff,
ReplyDeleteIt is, without doubt, the best version made so far. The battle scenes are just superb!
All the best,
Bob
Jubilo,
ReplyDeleteI wondered where the figures had gone. I knew that Eric had 'down sized' before elaving London, but not what had happened to the figures.
The latest version was far too PC for its own good. I say this despite the fact that my uncle was an crowd extra in the film. It does, however, have a great overhead shot of a British square being charged from all four sides at the same time.
All the best,
Bob
Stokes Schwartz,
ReplyDeleteThe film was actually nominated for an Emmy, but did not win.
All the stills I have used on my blog were 'captured' from DVDs and VHS tapes of the various films and TV programmes using CyberLink PowerDVD.
All the best,
Bob
Bob - is that the Eric Knowles from Antiques Roadshow or a different one??
ReplyDeleteSteve-the-Wargamer,
ReplyDeleteIt is a different Eric Knowles I am afraid to say.
The one who supplied the figures used to own NEW MODEL ARMY, a wargames shop in Manor Park, London. He has since retired and is living in Lincolnshire.
All the best,
Bob
Minifigs and Hinchliffe seem to be the choice here.
ReplyDeleteBest
Ben
Ben,
ReplyDeleteHaving looked at the images again, I think that you are spot on!
All the best,
Bob
First reference I've seen in years to Eric Knowles. Back in the 70s I used to spend my Saturday afternoons at Newham Wargames Club down in the basement of New Model Army. Eric was ever-present, presiding over the shop, casting figures and chatting to anyone and everyone. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I did not spend many Saturdays there, I did spend at least one evening a week wargaming in the basement with Eric and the rest of the regulars. Taking part in his Madasahatta campaign is one of the most enjoyable wargaming experiences I have ever had.
All the best,
Bob
The 1977 version of "THE FOUR FEATHERS" might be more faithful to Mason's novel, but it didn't make it better.
ReplyDeleteJuanita's Journal,
ReplyDeleteThe 1977 film seemed to lack something ... and in my opinion it was the way in which the characters were portrayed; they all seemed rather two dimensional.
All the best,
Bob