History in Technicolour

Napoleon

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 12:13:52 GMT

Ridley Scott's long awaited latest epic; a 'character study' of one of the most influential figures of European history, who reshaped a continent. It has been accompanied by furious debate, criticism, praise and confusion. Henry, Wolf and David rushed to see it, and to chat about it.

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Oppenheimer

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 06:46:53 GMT

Christopher Nolan's biography of J Robert Oppenheimer is visually stunning, rich, ambitious...also quite long. Did it engage you, was it thought provoking, present a convincing view of it's subject? We talk about that.

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The Great Escape

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 08:04:00 GMT

Released in 1863 The Great Escape has got to be one of the definitive tales of derring-do, the ultimate escapism, in the 'film is fun' genre. What role would you have had if you had been there?

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Chariots of Fire

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 06:58:33 GMT

I remember back in 1981 this film was a sensation; we were all running around on beaches in slo-mo. Has it stood the test of time, though, and is it any more than a bit of fluff?

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Bright Star

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 09:00:07 GMT

Jane Campion's Bright Star was released in 2009 and featured on the lives of Fanny Browne and John Keats in the last years of Keat's life. Abbie Cornish and Ben Wishaw do a brilliant job of recreating their lives

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Gladiator

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 07:03:02 GMT

Ridley Scott's classic - is it, and were you entertained or did it unleash hell? Has it stood the test of time? And how well does the revenge format work? This and much more - and a discussion of the ubiquitous agricultural yield ratios.

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The Lost King

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 07:00:19 GMT

The Lost King follows the remarkable story of Ricardian Phillipa Langley, whose steely determination and persistence led to the discovery of the body of Richard III and paints the academic community as determined to write her out of the story.

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Lagaan

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 07:00:35 GMT

The evil British oppressor Captain Russell - twiddly 'tache and all - forces the poor hapless (and stonkingly rich) Raja to impose the traditional tax, Lagaan threefold on the villagers unless they beat the English overlord at their weird game - Cricket (pre IPL days, obs). Find out what happens.

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In Cold Blood

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 07:00:30 GMT

The 1967 film noir adaptation of Truman Capote's famous book, In Cold Blood tells of the gruesome story of the murders of the Clutter family. It used a quasi document style, and is not only strikingly filmed, but makes you ask why these people died. It won multiple nominations for Academy Awards.

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The Favourite

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 07:00:55 GMT

This 2018 film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos is a glorious tragi-comedy about the lives of three women - Queen Anne, Sarah Churchill and Abigail Hill. It travels the full spectrum from barking mad to genuinely moving. It is a blast.

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Rob Roy

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 07:00:51 GMT

Rob Roy is a 1995 film telling a story of a Highland clan chief Rob Roy McGregor played by Liam Neeson; Jessica :Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Brian Cox are superb. The best film about scotland in 1995 for sure.

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Cromwell

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 07:00:49 GMT

Cromwell was a 1970 film starring Richard Harris as the eponymous, and Alec Guiness as Charles I. Massive in scale and ambition, in its attempt to present Oliver as a democratic hero of the people. Does it manage it?

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Marie Antoinette

Sat, 11 Sep 2021 10:17:07 GMT

Marie Antoinette is the 2006 film directed by Sophia Coppola. It took a highly stylised and sumptuous approach, with modern music – though nailing the cake thing. Reception was quite hostile – but maybe has improved?

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The Duellists

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 08:00:00 GMT

The Duellists is Ridley Scott’s first feature film, in 1977. It describes a vicious feud of honour between two officers over the course of the Napoleonic wars

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Zulu

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 08:00:00 GMT

The 1964 Epic Zulu, first major role for Michael Caine was super popular - I saw it in my youth for sure. So how well has it worn? Is it a great drama, and in the light of changing attitudes to colonialism and Empire does it still stir the blood, in a good way?

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Kingdom of Heaven

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 07:08:45 GMT

Ridley Scott's 2005 historical epic came soon after the massive success of Gladiator, and consciously aimed to repeat it's success. It didn't manage it, but the Director's Cut was better received, and the film has very strong themes about religious fanaticism; and is a visual treat.

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Monty Python

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 08:00:00 GMT

Monty Python produced two deeply researched dramas analysing the reign of the great British Hero King Arthur, and the religious leader, Brian. How accurate are they, and are we still a Python worshiping country?

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Land and Freedom

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 08:00:00 GMT

The 1995 film about the Spanish Civil war, directed by Ken Loach and heavily influenced by Orwell's Homage to Catalonia. The film sees the war through the eyes of an English communist who goes to fight for the POUM militia.

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49th Parallel

Sun, 23 May 2021 08:00:00 GMT

A 1941 Powell and Pressburger film designed to persuade the American people of the need to join the war against the Nazis. "Goebbels considered himself an expert on propaganda, but I thought I'd show him a thing or two" said Pressburger. Did the film work?

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Peterloo

Sun, 09 May 2021 08:00:00 GMT

The massacre at St Peters Field in 1819 was a key date in the story of the development of democracy in Britain. Mike Lee's film sets out to restore that sense of outrage in loving and angry detail.

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The Wind Rises

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 08:00:00 GMT

The stunning 2013 Japanese animated historical drama by the master, Hayao Miyazaki. The Wind Rises is a biographical film of Jiro Horikoshi (1903–1982), designer of the Mitsubishi A5M fighter aircraft and its successor, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, used by the Empire of Japan during World War II.

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Belle

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 08:00:00 GMT

The 2013 film directed by Amma Asante tells the story of the daughter of an enslaved African woman and Captain Lindsey, against the background of the Zhong slave ship court case.

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The Private Life of Henry VIII

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT

The 1933 classic from Alexander Korda which certainly convinced my mother that Henry VIII threw chicken bones around. It was a major international success, in particular for Charles Laughton,

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Good Vibrations

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT

2013 film about the 'Godfather of Punk' Terri Hooley set against the Troubles of the 1970 in Northern Ireland. And described by Mark Kermode as the best film of 2018

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The Last of the Mohicans

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 09:00:00 GMT

The 1992 film staring Daniel Day Lewis in the adaptation of James Cooper's novel, set in early colonial America

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The Dig

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 11:57:51 GMT

A very English drama about the dig on the eve of WWII which reveal one of the most dramatic discoveries in English archaeology - the 7th Century burial ship of Raedwald (probably) king of the East Saxons and one of Bede's Bretwalda

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Elizabeth

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 09:00:35 GMT

Re-issued (not new) 'cos it didn't appear on the HiT feed anywhere. And we've reached Elizabeth on THoE too...The 1998 film ‘Elizabeth’ covers the reign of Queen Mary, and Elizabeth’s early years – and her arrival at a critical decision

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Bajirao Mastani

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 05:50:27 GMT

An Indian epic of epic proportions - colour, drama,. music, dancing, big stars, big budget - on the story of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I (1700–1740 AD) and his second wife, Mastani.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire

Sun, 04 Aug 2019 07:07:06 GMT

Samuel Bronston's whopping epic, directed by Anthony Mann, failed to win audiences and was a financial disaster for Bronston. But it presents a well worked view of why Rome fell, and some great performances by James Mason and Christopher Plummer.

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Immortal Beloved

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 15:53:10 GMT

The story of Beethoven's life and music, through the lens of the mystery he left behind - who was the 'Immortal Beloved?' The Music is great, by the way.

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Paths of Glory

Sun, 07 Jul 2019 08:00:00 GMT

Paths of Glory is an anti war movie released in 1957, directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. Who does take his shirt off. It's based a novel but on a real case of French soldiers who refuse to continue a suicidal attack.

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A Knights Tale

Sun, 23 Jun 2019 08:00:00 GMT

A romp, ladies and gentlemen. Chaucer walking naked after betting his shirt, peasants jousting as knights, rock music at medieval jousts. A bit of fun or hideous tosh?

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Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure

Sun, 09 Jun 2019 08:00:00 GMT

The 1989 film's trip through time started by being received most heinously by critics, and yet it's journey has been most unprecedented until now it is remembered most excellently. though probably not for the quality of its history.

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Made in Dagenham

Sun, 26 May 2019 08:00:00 GMT

The 2010 movie depicts the fight for women's rights at the Ford Dagenham site in 1968. loads of fun and laughter all mixed up with series issues produces a really good feel good movie.

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Selma

Sun, 12 May 2019 08:00:00 GMT

The historical drama directed by Ava DuVernay is about personal bravery, about moving, dramatic - and controversial events. Did it tell the story fairly? And did it convey the drama and engage the heart?

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Henry V

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 07:03:53 GMT

In celebration of St George's Day, we watched Kenneth Branagh's Henry V. Was it a triumph of the order of Agincourt's, or worse than the Duke of Bedford's haircut?

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Das Boot

Sun, 31 Mar 2019 20:43:31 GMT

Not quite sure how many times I have watched Das Boot, but it is legion. A story of the war in one campaign, of the comradeship on board, and the terrors of living at the mercy of the sea

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The Lost City of Z

Sun, 17 Mar 2019 09:00:00 GMT

It's an adventure, exploration yarn! Good solid honest stuff - British explorer Percy Fawcett journeys into the Amazon, where he discovers evidence of a previously unknown, advanced civilization. But was he the hero he was cracked up to be?

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Robin and his various Hoods

Sun, 03 Mar 2019 09:00:00 GMT

Glen Longwell joins Wolf and I to compare and contrast 3 Robin Hood movies. Plus we had some questions so hie thee to the Facebook group to pitch in. We talk 1938, 1991, 2010 - and a brief homage to Disney, of course. Which will win?!

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Papillon

Sun, 17 Feb 2019 07:51:34 GMT

When I was at school we constantly discussed the book; we were fascinated by it, including where they kept their money (really? Ewe). So what about the film? How did the world's coolest ever actor and Dustin do?

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Mary Queen of Scots

Sun, 27 Jan 2019 09:00:00 GMT

We discuss the intricate and fascinating story of Mary Queen of Scots and the new 2018 movie - along with the 1971 movie too. A chance to see how the our mores and filmmaking have moved on

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The Witch

Sun, 20 Jan 2019 09:00:00 GMT

The first of an occasional series where we look at the representation of folk tales and beliefs of the past, and how accurately film has presented them. We are joined in the shed by our Witch expert, Millie

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The Lion in Winter

Sun, 06 Jan 2019 09:00:00 GMT

Such a classic - Katherine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole giving it large, plus the world's most appalling article of clothing (see if you can spot which). Was it accurate? Was it fun?

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The Battle of Algiers

Sun, 23 Dec 2018 10:41:38 GMT

Made in 1966 by Italian neo-realist director Gillo Pontecorvo, the film is based the actions of rebels and French government during the Algerian War of 1954–62. So realistic was it, that it has been used as a training film.

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Lady Jane

Sun, 09 Dec 2018 09:00:00 GMT

Lady Jane was the first leading role for a very young Helena Bonham Carter, and a film debut for the renowned theatre director Trevor Nunn. Plus its an amazing story. So, surely nothing could go wrong?

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Lawrence of Arabia

Sun, 25 Nov 2018 09:00:00 GMT

This is one of the two movies my father picked out for me when I was nobbut a lad. It won 5 Oscars, was voted 3 on the BFI's list of best films of all time. It is a majestic masterpiece, telling the story of the Arab revolt in WWI, through the eyes of T E Lawrence, an intelligence office in the British army.

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The Last Emperor

Sun, 11 Nov 2018 07:44:55 GMT

The story of Puyi the Last Emperor of China is the MOST sumptuous of films, beautifully shot, it's an extraordinary story, and the history it passes through is fascinating. Was it all worth it? Do you root for the characters? As an authorised film - did it pull its punches?

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A Bridge Too Far

Sun, 28 Oct 2018 07:05:56 GMT

Once you've watched A Bridge too Far, you realise that you have just been playing with history movies. This film sets out its stall to tell you everything you ever wanted to know, and a few things you didn't, about Operation Market Garden. Was it also a good film?

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The Madness of King George

Sun, 14 Oct 2018 08:13:06 GMT

Alan Bennett's play and film is a triumph on so many levels - it's sensitivity towards mental health, the rehabilitation of the character of a king from unfair historical judgement, it's very funny, with great music. Or is that just me? And is it accurate?

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Geronimo

Sun, 30 Sep 2018 06:46:21 GMT

The 1993 film which tries to present a balanced picture of Geronimo and his armed resistance - through the eyes of a young US army officer.

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Braveheart

Sun, 16 Sep 2018 08:00:00 GMT

I, David Crowther, have managed to get to 54 without seeing Braveheart ended to end. I thought I cannot do this podcast without watching it. Find out if that proved a good or bad thing, and then come and discuss your perspective on Braveheart.

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Charge of the Light Brigade

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 10:17:17 GMT

Director Tony Richardson came from a background of kitchen sink dramas that challenged the accepted social norms. In Charge of the Light Brigade, he brought that same critical eye to one of the iconic events of Imperial Britain - a very different approach to Errol Flynn in 1936.

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A Man for all Seasons

Sun, 26 Aug 2018 08:00:00 GMT

High drama, a man dying for his beliefs, a roll call of brilliant actors - and presented with best picture at the Oscars by Aud herself. Who ask for more (ha ha)? Well, as it happens...

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Amadeus

Sun, 12 Aug 2018 07:04:40 GMT

Amadeus combined music, drama, hagiography and a spot of crime mystery. It won 8 awards. Has it stood the test of time, and how faithful to history was it in its glory?

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Master and Commander

Sun, 29 Jul 2018 08:00:00 GMT

Master and Commander is a tale of community and belonging, friendship and the 'failure of fellowship' on board the good ship surprise. There's a bit of war, dering do and trickery too. But is it any good? Does it tell an accurate story of its time?

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Zodiac

Sun, 15 Jul 2018 09:06:28 GMT

Zodiac is a 2007 true crime film directed by David Fincher, and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey, Jr. It tells the story of the search for the Zodiac serial killer, who was never found.

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Introducing the History in Technicolour podcast

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 14:01:39 GMT

David Crowther (of the History of England podcast) and Wolf O'Neill introduce their shiny new podcast talking about their favourite and non favourite history movies.

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