The Charge of the Light Brigade

The Charge of the Light Brigade was released by Warner Bros. in 1936 (during the Great Depression) and was directed by the superb Michael Curtiz. It stars the young Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland, with an equally young David Niven. This is the second of nine movies made by Warner Brothers' with the romantic couple, Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn. When the look into each other's eyes, their on-screen chemistry is unmistakable (despite the love triangle story line). Although the movie is supposed to be about the Crimean War (1853 ~ 1856), the plot is almost a total work of fiction. It is based on Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem about the Light Brigade's glorious charge at Balaklava. The poem was published in October 1854: "Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward, All in the valley of Death, Rode the six hundred... ...Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die: Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred... ...When can their glory fade? O the wild charge they made! All the world wonder'd. Honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!" However, even though this movie takes total poetic license (fiction), it is still a great story with the dashing Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. The plot surrounds Geoffrey Vickers (Errol Flynn) who is a Major in the British 27th Lancers (although he starts out as Captain at the beginning of the movie). Surat Kahn's (C. Henry Gordon) soldiers attack the lightly guarded garrison at Chukoti. The deceitful Surat Kahn offers safe passage for the surviving soldiers, women and children if they agree to turn the garrison over to Surat Kahn. He then proceeds to massacre the defenseless British women and children as they leave the fort. Of course, Geoffrey Vickers vows to avenge the fallen. As a sub-plot, Geoffrey Vickers has fallen for the beautiful Elsa Campbell (Olivia d Havillad) but unknown to Vickers, Elsa has fallen in love with his brother Captain Perry Vickers (Patrick Knowles) and he with her. Major Vickers and the men of the 27th Lancers get their chance at revenge on the Crimean Peninsula when England goes to war with Russia. Surat Khan has sought protection of his Russian allies. Vickers leads the men in the famous charge into the valley of death. Muchael Curtiz's directing style is unmistakable. The use of shadow in the opening scenes, where you see the Court dancers, is reminiscent of the use of shadows in the famous sword duel in Robin Hood. During the hunting scene, the camera shots of the elephants and the leopards are terrific. However, if you are an animal lover (I own 3 cats, who are truly loved as a part of the family), the scene is hard to watch. Curtiz was born in Hungary and immigrated to the U.S. He was known for his "creative" use of the English language. During filming, Curtiz exclaimed "Bring on the empty horses!", meaning "riderless horses". David Niven would later use this phrase as the title of his autobiography. There are a couple of goofs in the movie. The British Flag is being carried upside down by the Lancers as they are about to go into "the valley of death". In all the subsequent shots the flag is the correct way up. During the charge scene, Surat Khan first holds the telescope to his right eye, and a few moments later uses his left eye. The trip wires that kill the horses are totally visible during the charge. This occurs multiple times during the action sequence. The film states that it is dedicated "to the officers and men of the Light Brigade who died victorious in a gallant charge at Balaklava for Queen and Country - A.D. 1856." However, the battle at Balaklava and the Charge of the Light Brigade occurred in October 1854. Humorously, after the massacre, Flynn sympathetically listens to Major Singh crying over the body of his murdered son (Prema) who is clearly wiggling his toes in the foreground of the scene. The DVD is so superbly sharp and crisp that it could be mitaken for a a Blu-ray. The pearls on Surat Kahn's head and neck shimmer in the light during the close-up shots. You feel like you can reach out and touch the pearls. The white marble walls and the reflective marble floors in the palace are incredible. look at the reflection of te British Officers as they walk in. The British dress uniforms are fantastic. It is a terrific transfer to DVD. I enjoyed this movie very much (how can you not like early vintage Errol Flynn movies) and would rate this film 4.5 stars. For the price, you can't beat it!

Been watching this for last 65 years and it is a guilty pleasure. Great performances by Olivia DeHavilland (in one of her few "bad giel" roles) and of course Errol Flynn (Robin Hood, Sea Hawks,Captain Blood and Santa Fe Trail are my other favorites). Look for Nigel Bruce (before he was Dr Watson). Epic cinematography, epic battls, real stunts and huge cast of extras before there was CGI. Keep the tissues handy. There's one point where I still tear up after seeing at least 150 times. (No spoilers in my reviews! You must see it. Leave your phone in the other room

Had searched for this colorization for two years. Totally worth the wait. The VHS cassette was in excellant condition and played great. The film. This cassette was colorized by Turner and is of great quality, considering the film was produced in 1936. Colors are very clear including skin tones and outdoor scenes. The charge is beyond belief. . I recommend to anyone who is an Errol Flynn fan to purchase. It will be expensive, mine was over $40.00 but truly worth every bit. Good Luck to all collectors.

Good movie with a good story line. Unfortunately, some of the horses "killed" in the battle scenes really were killed or had to be put down due to the injuries. (Movie was made before the Humane Society oversaw animal safety on movie sets..)

No one leads a calvary charge better than Errol Flynn. Most films are pretty good with their historicity. I am thinking of the change in uniforms mid film. I am waiting for "They Died With Their Boots On" to go on sale. As a caveat, this film may be the reason the ASPCA became involved in Hollywood production.

great product and service

It's all about revenge, much deserved revenge. It is a film in glorious black and white that details the famous Charge of the Light Brigade just as it did not happen-well the charge happened but much of the story is just a story. We need stories like this. It is about good destroying evil. The bad guys are bad and deserve what they get. Yes evil is black and good is white. It is clear that this film is from a time when heroes were not darker than their nemesis. The cast has some of the best stars ever to appear on camera. The acting is good acting and the Charge is executed by a direct who was a former cavalry officer if I am not mistaken. It is a master piece in acting and directing. This is one of Flynn's eight classic films and has nothing that would cause viewers to shade the eyes of anyone in the family. It does require us to ask what has happened to Hollywood. This is the way movies should be made again. Not remakes but new stories where white males and females have problems and conflicts without requiring them to disrobe or to perform senseless violence. Yes there is violence here but is it really senseless? Not at all. This film should be viewed by families. Film makers who have lost any sense of movie making should be challenged to create new films, about historical events that have good defeat evil and inspire the viewers to do great things. I am not holding my breath for anything like that to ever come about. Fortunately I have Charge of the Light Brigade to enjoy for years to come.

Super western avec eroll flint et Olivia de havilland.

Clear and excellent movie to watch

Ottimo come sempre il servizio amazon prime che in un giorno consegna il prodotto, perfettamente imballato e quindi ben protetto nel trasporto . Oggetto integro e di qualita come descritto

Spettacolare è dire poco...i rifacimenti non tengono nemmeno il confronto...ed io li ho tutti . Ottimo il cast,gli scenari e la trama(pur essendo storico). E' in bianco e nero ma questo è ovvio e comunque non toglie nulla al film,buonissimo l'audio. consigliato e per collezionisti

Très bon film malgré quelques clichés. Cet Errol Flynn quelle classe