'Passchendaele", the movie.

[TennBill2]

Happened to watch this last night on one of the movie channels. I thought it was an extremely well done film, some of the best war action scenes I've seen. Since my Dad was in WWI, and my Uncle was killed in it, it had particular interest. The family story was that my Aunt insisted on opening the casket and I overheard my Dad telling someone there was a few body fragments and mostly mud. My Aunt later married a German fellow who was my mentor in much of my early life....a man who could fix anything! Few good shots of C96's and Lugers. A Canadian historical action, so lots of .303 British. Bought one of those mail order for about $25 in the '50's. Liked it so much, I bought a copy on eBay! Anyone else seen it? Bill

[Norme]

Hi Bill, There was an extended post about the making of this film on the "other" forum (see link). I too, have seen this movie and, your right, it's very well done. Regards, Norm

http://luger.gunboards.com/showthrea...=passchendaele

[Douglas Jr.]

Bill,

I watched the movie on youtube.
I know it is not the same, but I was warned about the boring "romantic" scenes.
However the opening sequence and the muddy trench combats at the end are really impressive.
Personally, I was delighted to see a German using the C96 (ok, it's a Bolo version, but it was nice anyway).

Douglas

[alanint]

The helmets in the second photo are M1935 pattern helmets, not WW1 M1916 or M1918s.

This is a GLARING error!!

[spartacus38]

Great movie.
Bob

[Magic Jar]

Originally Posted by alanint

The helmets in the second photo are M1935 pattern helmets, not WW1 M1916 or M1918s.

This is a GLARING error!!

If we scratched all the movies about the American west that have glaring historical errors (not to mention jet contrails) we'd have little to watch of that genre.

James

[TennBill2]

That was quite a thread...over there. Don't know much about Canadian film makers, but I'd guess it's becoming harder and harder to get authentic WWI equipment, particularly enough for a full scale battle. I think the last WWI film I saw was Flyboys and seems computer graphics are replacing a lot. As far as the 'Love' aspect......what soldier isn't thinking about someone back home? I'm not quick enough to catch the nuances of some scenes...............all I saw was a 'Broomy'! Glad though I missed the 'original', I've often thought they should have put the Generals in the trenches to fight it out, the tactics sucked!

[alanint]

Originally Posted by Magic Jar

If we scratched all the movies about the American west that have glaring historical errors (not to mention jet contrails) we'd have little to watch of that genre.

James

Please.
There is a big difference between romanticizing the American West where everybody was a "rugged Individual" and getting an integral part of a nation's uniform wrong. By this definition you'd be ok watching a recreation of the storming of the Normandy beaches by troops wearing the modern "Fritz" helmet, (let's throw in M4 carbines, while we are at it).

This was an easy thing to get right since replica WW1 German helmets are available. This was just sloppy story telling and would put me off the entire film as a consequence.

[hgreer2]

You guys are kidding, right.................

Harry

[alanint]

I'm not....movies that can't get simple details right are not worth me watching them more than the first time. And I'm not talking about aircraft contrails, which only happen in low budget schlok films made in the 50-60s. A modern western made by reputable people will not have these errors.
My hobbies are firearms, uniforms and history. Doing right by them should be important to filmmakers who really care about the moment and the people they are depicting.
This is why big budget films spend millions on research and advisers to get it right. They know there are millions of gun and history enthusiasts out there who will laugh their heads off at serious gaffs and dismiss the film as amateur's work. To a German uniform enthusiast, those M1935 helmets used in a WW1 movie may just as well be pink sunbonnets. Would the gun guys be ok with M16s in the hands of the WW1 German troops? Filmakers should either respect the men and the moment they are depicting or not make the film at all.

[Mauser720]

I guess I'm with alanint on this issue of historical accuracy. It bothers me to see such errors too. At least in some films the production crew will hire someone who is an expert just to ensure they maintain accuracy in uniforms and weapons, etc. The inaccuracies probably escape notice of the vast majority of people who view the film; however, those of us who pick up on details can not help noticing them. Yes, I think it is a distraction too.

[Magic Jar]

Originally Posted by hgreer2

You guys are kidding, right.................

Harry

I wasn't, but I regret making the comment.

James

[TennBill2]

I think, I too, have to agree. Thinking back over many movies, I get upset with certain things....those aspects that I'm familiar with. Having spent most of my life in the Army, I go berserk at seeing 'brass' on a uniform reversed, or upside down. Generals, or Privates, with long hair. Or, Winchesters with forestock removed to look like Henry's. Then, there are 'silencers' that make guns go 'Poof'. Uzi's with 3000 round clips. So, having said that, name a (war) movie that's accurate!

[Mauser720]

"Saving Private Ryan" - That one was fairly accurate, wasn't it?

[Norme]

Despite it's flaws, this is an important movie, particularly so for Canadians. Canada lost over 60,000 men (out of a population at the time, of about 8 million), most of them in Flanders. I don't think our cousins north of the border will be too troubled by a few costume inaccuracies. Regards, Norm

[TennBill2]

I guess what caught my intention was the name of the film..........I'd never heard of it! I was flipping around looking for a movie..in lieu of some reality show like 'minute to win it', my God we've turned into a nation of morons. The opening scenes sure grabbed my attention. Over the years, I had occasion to work with some of the Canadian military and found them to be outstanding soldiers. I don' know if it was true, or where it may have been, but my Dad, long ago, laughingly said, On Sunday, the Germans and Americans would stop shooting and play cards.

[Norme]

These two pictures say it all ....

[hgreer2]

I just took a few of my grandsons to see "Captain America", it takes place during WWII, if a few inaccuracies bother you, save your money, otherwise it's a fun movie.

Harry

[alanint]

Originally Posted by Mauser720

"Saving Private Ryan" - That one was fairly accurate, wasn't it?

Saving Private Ryan was pretty good. Detail nuts like me would point out Korean War era back sights on the Garands, versus WW2 "Lock Bar" sights.
Another gaff which would have been easely fixed was the landing craft coming into the beach. Look at the vast horizon shown behind the landing craft as they churn toward Omaha. There is a vast horizon full of.....of....NOTHING!!!! Did these small landing come all the way from England on their own? How did they get there?
A vast armada of ships in the background is not shown until Captain Miller is up on the bluff getting the mission from Dale Die.

[alanint]

Originally Posted by hgreer2

I just took a few of my grandsons to see "Captain America", it takes place during WWII, if a few inaccuracies bother you, save your money, otherwise it's a fun movie.

Harry

Hmmm, "Captain America" is a fantasy...... Its OK to have a few inaccuracies in a movie like this.

I'm not trying to knock all movies...just the ones who ask to be taken seriously then don't do their homework.

You want a well done movie not trying to take itself seriously? Kelly's Heroes, although a comedy, really worked at getting all the GI equipment right, (I even overlook the T34s dressed up as Mk 6 Tigers and the FNDs instead of BARs)