THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE

US, 1936, 115 minutes, Black and white.
Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Patric Knowles, Henry Stephenson, Nigel Bruce, David Niven, Spring Byington, Donald Crisp, E.E. Clive, J. Carroll Naish.
Directed by Michael Curtiz.

The Charge of the Light Brigade is a typical action spectacular from Warner Bros during the 1930s. It stars Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland who had just appeared in Captain Blood. They were to appear in a number of other films including The Adventures of Robin Hood, They Died With Their Boots On, Santa Fe Trail. They made a very popular couple in films of the time.

The film is based on Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem – and visually presents the charge. However, it is presented in the heroics of the time rather than the more cynical look at the charge in Tony Richardson’s 1968s film.

The film recreates India – a popular theme in American films at the time with such films as The Lives of the Bengal Lancers as well as Gunga Din.

The film has good special effects, recreates the atmosphere of India – at least in the popular mind and its understanding of the British empire.

Direction is by Michael Curtiz who directed a number of these films including They Died With Their Boots On. Curtiz was to go on to win an Oscar for Casablanca in 1943.

1. Audience expectations of this film, because of history and Tennyson's poem? The success of the film as an action drama? Its impact?

2. The film as typical of the action dramas of the mid-thirties? The elaborate processes in the making of the film? The starring of Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland? The black and white photography, locations, scope and style? The appeal to adventure seeking audiences?

3. The use of Tennyson’s poem throughout the film? Its dramatic impact during the charge? The nature of Tennyson's mystique? Modern realistic or cynical attitudes towards the reality of the charge?

4. Presuppositions about men and war? The nature of heroism? The obeying of orders and personal initiative? The nature of heroes?

5. The portrayal of the fighting in India? As background to Britain and Crimea? As illustrating the motivations for the men involved in the charge? How convincing?

6. The importance of British missions to India? The rivalry of the Russians? The initial hunt, the diplomacy, diplomatic balls, the seeking out of horses, the nature of the life in garrisons? How authentic did this seem? Interesting? For the drama of the plot?

7. The rivalry between England and Russia? In India, in the Crimea? The motivations?

8. How attractive a hero was Vickers? His saving the life of the khan? The irony of his being impossible for his death? Vickers in relationship to his companions? To Randall? His friendship with his brother and their rivalry? His relationship to Elsa? Vickers as a professional soldier?

9. The presentation of the British army hierarchy? Their capacity for decisions? Their meetings? The subordinate officers in the garrison? Lady Octavia and her husband?

10. Vickers and his heroics? His personal style? His arranging of the charge? His behaviour during the charge?

11. The love between Elsa and Perry Vickers? The hunt, the rescue? Vickers saving Elsa during the siege?

12. The dramatic importance of the siege and the tableau of the people killed? As motivation for the charge?

13. The background and drama of Crimea, the General's discussions, the responsibilities, the vengeance motivation, Vickers' charge itself?

14. The nature of the cover-up and its appropriateness? The origins of myth and legend?