Zulu
Original film poster for Zulu.
Directed by	Cy Endfield
Produced by	Stanley Baker Cy Endfield
Written by	John Prebble Cy Endfield
Narrated by	Richard Burton
Starring	Stanley Baker Jack Hawkins Michael Caine Ulla Jacobsson James Booth Nigel Green
Music by	John Barry
Cinematography	Stephen Dade
Editing by	John Jympson
Distributed by	Paramount Pictures (non-USA) Embassy Pictures (USA)
Release date(s)	22 January 1964 (UK)
Running time	139 min.
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Budget	US$2,000,000[1]
Followed by	Zulu Dawn
All Movie Guide profile
IMDb profile

Zulu is a 1964 adventure film depicting the Battle of Rorke's Drift between the British Army and the Zulus. The film was made by Diamond Films and distributed by Embassy Pictures in the US and Paramount Pictures overseas. It was co-written, produced and directed by Cy Endfield, co-produced by Stanley Baker, Basil Keys and Joseph E. Levine as executive producer. The screenplay was by John Prebble based on his article, the music by John Barry and the cinematography by Stephen Dade. Download high resolution version (500x785, 61 KB) This work is copyrighted. ... Cyril Raker Endfield (November 10, 1914 – April 16, 1995) was an American screenwriter, film director, theatre director and sometime inventor, based in Britain from 1953. ... Sir Stanley Baker (February 8, 1927 - June 28, 1976) was a Welsh actor. ... John Edward Curtis Prebble, FRSL, OBE (June 23, 1915 - January 30, 2001) was an English journalist, novelist, documentarian and historian. ... For other persons named Richard Burton, see Richard Burton (disambiguation). ... Sir Stanley Baker (February 8, 1927 - June 28, 1976) was a Welsh actor. ... John Edward Jack Hawkins (September 14, 1910 - July 18, 1973) was a British film actor of the 1950s and 1960s. ... This article is about the English actor. ... Ulla Jacobsson (born 23 May 1929 in Gothenburg, Sweden – died 20 August 1982) was a Swedish actress who is perhaps best known for playing the only female role in the film Zulu. ... James Booth (19 December 1927- 11 August 2005) was the stage name of David Geeves. ... Nigel Green as Nayland Smith in The Face of Fu Manchu (1965) Nigel Green (b. ... John Barry. ... Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American motion picture production and distribution company, based in Hollywood, California. ... Embassy Pictures Corporation (aka Embassy Film Associates) was an independent studio and distributor responsible for such films as The Graduate and The Lion in Winter. ... is the 22nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also Nintendo emulator: 1964 (emulator). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... “USD” redirects here. ... Zulu Dawn is a 1979 book and motion picture about the Battle of Isandlwana between British and Zulu military units in 1879 in South Africa. ... // Events January 29 - The film Dr. Strangelove is released. ... This article is about motion pictures. ... Rorkes Drift was a mission station in Natal, South Africa. ... The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... Languages Zulu Religions Christian, African Traditional Religion Related ethnic groups Bantu Nguni Basotho Xhosa Swazi Matabele Khoisan The Zulu (South African English and isiZulu: amaZulu) are a South African ethnic group of an estimated 17-22 million people who live mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. ... Embassy Pictures Corporation (aka Embassy Film Associates) was an independent studio and distributor responsible for such films as The Graduate and The Lion in Winter. ... Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American motion picture production and distribution company, based in Hollywood, California. ... Cyril Raker Endfield (November 10, 1914 – April 16, 1995) was an American screenwriter, film director, theatre director and sometime inventor, based in Britain from 1953. ... Sir Stanley Baker (February 8, 1927 - June 28, 1976) was a Welsh actor. ... Joseph E. Levine (September 9, 1905 – July 31, 1987) was an American film producer. ... Sample from a screenplay, showing dialogue and action descriptions. ... John Edward Curtis Prebble, FRSL, OBE (June 23, 1915 - January 30, 2001) was an English journalist, novelist, documentarian and historian. ... John Barry. ... ‹ The template below is being considered for deletion. ...

The film stars Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins with Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Nigel Green, Paul Daneman, Glynn Edwards, Patrick Magee and Michael Caine (in his first starring role). The opening and closing narration is spoken by Richard Burton. The film has sometimes been compared to a Western movie^{[citation needed]}, with the traditional roles of the United States and Native Americans taken by the British and the Zulus respectively. While lacking any significant Zulu point of view, the film acknowledges the Zulus' bravery. Most of the characters in the film were based on real participants of the battle, but their behaviour is mostly fictional—something that has provoked disapproval: in an interview on the DVD, the descendants of Private Hook object to his negative portrayal in the film. Indeed, Hook's elderly daughters walked out of the film's 1964 London premiere, angry at the way their father had been depicted. Sir Stanley Baker (February 8, 1927 - June 28, 1976) was a Welsh actor. ... John Edward Jack Hawkins (September 14, 1910 - July 18, 1973) was a British film actor of the 1950s and 1960s. ... Ulla Jacobsson (born 23 May 1929 in Gothenburg, Sweden – died 20 August 1982) was a Swedish actress who is perhaps best known for playing the only female role in the film Zulu. ... James Booth (19 December 1927- 11 August 2005) was the stage name of David Geeves. ... Nigel Green as Nayland Smith in The Face of Fu Manchu (1965) Nigel Green (b. ... Paul Daneman (born 29 October 1925 in London - died 28 April 2001) was an English actor with several film and television credits to his name. ... Glynn Edwards (February 2, 1931) is a British actor. ... The Brighton hotel bombing was the bombing by the Provisional IRA of the Grand Hotel in Brighton in the early morning of October 12, 1984. ... This article is about the English actor. ... For other persons named Richard Burton, see Richard Burton (disambiguation). ... Broncho Billy Anderson, from The Great Train Robbery The Western movie is one of the classic American film genres. ... This article is about the people indigenous to the United States. ... Languages Zulu Religions Christian, African Traditional Religion Related ethnic groups Bantu Nguni Basotho Xhosa Swazi Matabele Khoisan The Zulu (South African English and isiZulu: amaZulu) are a South African ethnic group of an estimated 17-22 million people who live mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. ... Hook pictured with his Victoria Cross Alfred Henry Harry Hook, VC (6 August 1850 – 12 March 1905) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. ...

In 1979, a prequel, Zulu Dawn, was released. Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... A prequel is a work that portrays events which include the structure, conventions, and/or characters of a previously completed narrative, but occur at an earlier time. ... Zulu Dawn is a 1979 book and motion picture about the Battle of Isandlwana between British and Zulu military units in 1879 in South Africa. ...

Plot

The film focuses on the Battle of Rorke's Drift, an early conflict in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. The film does not provide an explanation of the origins of the war (unusual for the time, as few people in 1964 were familiar with the Anglo-Zulu War), but instead begins while the war is in progress. The opening scene depicts a communiqué from British South Africa to the government in London, narrated by Richard Burton, outlining the crushing defeat of a British army at the hands of a Zulu army at the Battle of Isandhlwana. The first scene depicts a sea of dead British soldiers, while victorious Zulus gather their weapons. Rorkes Drift was a mission station in Natal, South Africa. ... Combatants United Kingdom Zulu Nation Commanders Sir Bartle Frere, Frederick Augustus Thesiger, 2nd Baron Chelmsford Cetshwayo Strength 14,800 (6,400 Europeans 8,400 Natal Troops) 40,000 Casualties 1,727 killed, 256 wounded 8,250+ killed, 3,000+ wounded The Anglo-Zulu War was fought in 1879 between the... 1879 (MDCCCLXXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Also Nintendo emulator: 1964 (emulator). ... Communiqué is the second album by British rock band Dire Straits, released in 1979 (see 1979 in music). ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... For other persons named Richard Burton, see Richard Burton (disambiguation). ... Languages Zulu Religions Christian, African Traditional Religion Related ethnic groups Bantu Nguni Basotho Xhosa Swazi Matabele Khoisan The Zulu (South African English and isiZulu: amaZulu) are a South African ethnic group of an estimated 17-22 million people who live mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. ... The Battle of Isandlwana was a battle in the Zulu War in which a Zulu army wiped out a British force on January 22, 1879. ...

The film's emphasis immediately shifts to a mass Zulu marriage ceremony witnessed in the presence of Otto Witt, his daughter and king Cetshwayo of the Zulu tribe. Witt whilst Witt explains the virtues of the young Zulu brides marrying brave soldiers as opposed to rich European men, a messenger enters the camp and informs Cetshwayo of the defeat of the British in the Battle of Isandwana earlier in the day. It soon becomes clear that Cetshwayo intends to attack the British garrison based at Rourke's Drift. Otto Witt (1875-1923) was a Swedish author. ... Cetshwayo kaMpande (circa 1826 - February 8, 1884) was the king of the Zulu nation from 1872 to 1879 and their leader during the Zulu War. ...

The movie then shifts to the missionary station of Rorke's Drift in Natal, being used by the British army as a supply dump and hospital for their now-defeated invasion force across the border in Zululand. The commanders of the supply depot, Lieutenants John Chard and Gonville Bromhead, receive news that the invasion force has been destroyed at Isandhlwana and that a huge Zulu army is heading towards Rorke's Drift. Realising that they cannot outrun the Zulu army, especially with wagonloads of wounded soldiers, the commanders decide to fortify the station and hold out until reinforcements arrive. Using wagons, sacks of mealie, and crates of ship's biscuit, the small garrison fortifies the post and awaits the Zulu assault. Two Mormon missionaries A missionary is traditionally defined as a propagator of religion who works to convert those outside that community; someone who proselytizes. ... Combatants Britain Zulu Nation Commanders John Chard Gonville Bromhead Prince Dabulamanzi Strength 139 4,000–5,000 Casualties 17 killed, 10 wounded Around 500-600 dead found in 500 foot perimeter Rorkes Drift was a mission station in Natal, South Africa, situated near a natural ford (drift) on the... The Colony of Natal was a British colony in south-eastern Africa. ... Languages Zulu Religions Christian, African Traditional Religion Related ethnic groups Bantu Nguni Basotho Xhosa Swazi Matabele Khoisan The Zulu (South African English and isiZulu: amaZulu) are a South African ethnic group of an estimated 17-22 million people who live mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. ... Table of Fortification, from the 1728 Cyclopaedia. ... Binomial name Zea mays L. Maize (Zea mays ssp. ... Hardtack (also hard tack) is a simple type of cracker or biscuit, made from flour, water, and salt. ...

British soldier shot by Zulus (not in film)

As the Zulu impis approach, soldiers of the Natal Native Contingent and British settlers flee the site. Zulu warriors arrive, and distracting the British garrison with war dances, allow Zulu sharpshooters to open fire on the station from a neighbouring hill. Over the next few hours, Zulu warriors launch waves of attacks against the fortifications, which are repelled, and succeed in setting fire to the hospital, leading to intense scenes as ill, delirious, and panicking British soldiers grapple with Zulu warriors as they try to escape the flames. Zulu attacks continue into the night, and the British withdraw into a tiny redoubt built from supply crates, which they successfully defend against attacks. During a lull in the fighting, British troops emerge from the redoubt and using a co-ordinated manoeuvre, unleash a devastating hail of fire against a fresh Zulu attack. Image File history File links Zulu2052020small. ... Image File history File links Zulu2052020small. ... An Impi is an isiZulu word for any armed body of men. ... The Natal Native Contingent was a large force of black auxiliary soldiers in British South Africa, forming a large portion of the defence forces of the British colony of Natal, and saw action during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War. ... A marksman (also designated marksman) is a profession which is mostly to be found in military context. ... A redoubt is a fort or fort system usually consisting of an enclosed defensive emplacement outside a larger fort. ...

Having sustained horrific casualties, the Zulus withdraw several hundred yards and begin singing a frightening war chant, prompting the British defenders to retort by singing "Men of Harlech". After a last failed assault, the Zulus withdraw and sing a song to honour the bravery of the British defenders, and finally leave. The film ends with a narration by Richard Burton, listing defenders who received the Victoria Cross. (Eleven were awarded for the the actual fighting at Rorke's Drift, the most ever for a regiment in a single battle in British military history.) Men of Harlech is a song and military march describing events at the battle for Harlech Castle in 1408, which pitted the forces of Owain Glyndŵr against the future Henry V of England. ... For other persons named Richard Burton, see Richard Burton (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Victoria Cross (disambiguation). ... British military history is a long and varied topic, extending from the prehistoric and ancient historic period, through the Roman invasions of Julius Cæsar and Claudius and subsequent Roman occupation; warfare in the Mediaeval period, including the invasions of the Saxons and the Vikings in the Early Middle Ages...

Cast

• Stanley Baker as Lieutenant John Chard. A calm and intelligent officer of the Royal Engineers, Chard assumes command of the mission station and organises its fortification and defence. During the resulting Zulu attacks, Chard displays immense bravery, even when badly wounded by a Zulu soldier.
• Michael Caine as Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead. A conceited and somewhat arrogant man, Bromhead, a young infantry officer, is first seen hunting cheetahs on the veld. He initially clashes with Lt. Chard, but soon accepts Chard's command. Bromhead initially appears panicked, criticising his African troops and arguing with Chard, but displays personal bravery during the battle.
• Jack Hawkins as Reverend Otto Witt. A Swedish missionary based at Rorke's Drift, Witt is first seen with his adult daughter Margaret at King Cetshwayo's kraal in the capital, Ulundi. When news of the Zulu victory at Isandhlwana reaches Ulundi, the Witts flee in their carriage to Rorke's Drift. Witt is inaccurately portrayed as mentally disturbed and a drunk, and when Lt. Chard denies him permission to evacuate the wounded on wagons, Witt breaks down and incites the British garrison's African allies to flee. After the first Zulu attack, Witt and his hysterical daughter are bundled onto their carriage and driven away from the battlefield.

Bromhead (Caine) helps Chard (Baker) wounded by the Zulus

• James Booth as Private Henry Hook. Described as"a thief, a coward, and an insubordinate barrack-room lawyer", Hook is a roguish character feigning illness in order to hide in the hospital, where he is constantly tormented by his ill, delirious sergeant. Despite his apparent cowardice, Hook is rebellious enough to criticise the British Empire's foreign policy: "Did I ever see a Zulu walk down The City Road? No. So what am I doing here?" and insolent enough to insult and manhandle his (ailing, intermittently-conscious) sergeant. During the battle for the hospital, Hook displays great courage in trying to rescue that same delirious sergeant, and although he is unable to save him, Hook earns his sergeant's respect.
• Nigel Green as Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne. A loud, burly sergeant, Bourne is a key character in the fortification of the station, using his immense strength to assist with the fortifications, and displays immense personal courage during the battle. He dominates all the scenes he appears in. His is the voice of the authority.
• Glynn Edwards as Corporal William Allen. Portrayed as a model soldier. He was one of the defenders in the battle of the hospital.
• Ivor Emmanuel as Private Owen. A charismatic Welshman, Owen is immensely fond of singing (a baritone himself) and is very popular in the ranks. He strongly befriends Private Thomas, whom he affectionately calls Tommy, even comforting him during the battle at the loss of his calf. Owen leads the men to sing "Men of Harlech", the song originally featured in his choir.
• Neil McCarthy as Private John Thomas. Private Owen's second half and undoubtedly best friend, John is a lovable soldier who misses his home in Meirioneth, notably his lake and his calf.
• Patrick Magee as Major James Henry Reynolds. The overworked doctor of the Rorke's Drift hospital, Reynolds provides vital medical aid to wounded soldiers during the battle, despite a total lack of anaesthetics or antiseptics, using the church's altar as an operating table. Reynolds displays genuine concern for his patients, and is seen comforting a wounded soldier that he knows will not survive.
• Gert Van den Bergh as Lieutenant Josef Adendorff. An Afrikaner officer serving with the Natal Native Contingent, Adendorff provides valuable advice to Chard on Zulu tactics and optimum defence tactics. Surprisingly, Adendorff vigorously defends the bravery and utility of the army's black soldiers after Bromhead's criticisms. Adendorff remains at Rorke's Drift throughout the battle, fighting alongside British troops, and is last seen at the end, helping to dig graves for British dead.

Sir Stanley Baker (February 8, 1927 - June 28, 1976) was a Welsh actor. ... Lieutenant is a military, naval, paramilitary, fire service or police officer rank. ... Colonel John Rouse Merriott Chard VC (21 December 1847 – 1 November 1897) was an English soldier who won the Victoria Cross for his role in the defence of Rorkes Drift in 1879. ... The Corps of Royal Engineers, usually just called the Royal Engineers (RE), and commonly known as the Sappers, is one of the corps of the British Army. ... This article is about the English actor. ... Gonville Bromhead c. ... This article is about the animal. ... The term Veld, or Veldt, refers primarily (but not exclusively) to the wide open rural spaces of South Africa or southern Africa and in particular to certain flatter areas or districts covered in grass or low scrub. ... John Edward Jack Hawkins (September 14, 1910 - July 18, 1973) was a British film actor of the 1950s and 1960s. ... The Reverend is an honorary prefix added to the names of Christian clergy and ministers. ... Two Mormon missionaries A missionary is traditionally defined as a propagator of religion who works to convert those outside that community; someone who proselytizes. ... A South African cattle kraal (Photo by Richard Jones) Kraal (also spelt craal or kraul) is an Afrikaans and South African English word for an enclosure for cattle or other livestock, located within an African homestead or village surrounded by a palisade, mud wall, or other fencing, roughly circular in... Ulundi was at one time the capital of Zululand in South Africa, and later the capital of the Bantustan of KwaZulu. ... Image File history File links D_zulu. ... Image File history File links D_zulu. ... James Booth (19 December 1927- 11 August 2005) was the stage name of David Geeves. ... A Private is a soldier of the lowest military rank (equivalent to Nato Rank Grades OR-1 to OR-3 depending on the force served in). ... Hook pictured with his Victoria Cross Alfred Henry Harry Hook, VC (6 August 1850 – 12 March 1905) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. ... The British Empire in 1897, marked in pink, the traditional colour for Imperial British dominions on maps. ... A countrys foreign policy is a set of political goals that seeks to outline how that particular country will interact with other countries of the world and, to a lesser extent, non-state actors. ... Languages Zulu Religions Christian, African Traditional Religion Related ethnic groups Bantu Nguni Basotho Xhosa Swazi Matabele Khoisan The Zulu (South African English and isiZulu: amaZulu) are a South African ethnic group of an estimated 17-22 million people who live mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. ... City Road is a road in central London, usually referred to by Londoners as the City Road. At its western extremity it starts at the Angel, Islington, as the continuation of Pentonville Road and continues roughly south-east till it passes Moorfields Eye Hospital, when it bears closer to south... Nigel Green as Nayland Smith in The Face of Fu Manchu (1965) Nigel Green (b. ... Colour Sergeant (CSgt or C/Sgt) is an non-commissioned rank in the Royal Marines, ranking above Sergeant and below Warrant Officer Class 2. ... Glynn Edwards (February 2, 1931) is a British actor. ... This article is about the military rank. ... Missing image Photo submitted by John Young William Wilson Allen was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. ... Ivor Emmanuel Born 1927 in Pontrhydyfen, Port Talbot Opera star who led the rendition of Men of Harlech in the film Zulu Ivor used to carry a wind-up gramophone up nearby mountains to listen to records of Enrico Caruso. ... Neil McCarthy (born 26 July 1933-died 6 February 1995) was an actor. ... Patrick Magee (31 March 1922 – 14 August 1982) was a Tony Award winning Irish actor best known for his collaborations with Samuel Beckett and his role as the victimised writer Mr. ... Major is a military rank the use of which varies according to country. ... Photo submitted by Scott Chapman James Henry Reynolds was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. ... Anesthesia (AE), also anaesthesia (BE), is the process of blocking the perception of pain and other sensations. ... An antiseptic solution of Povidone-iodine applied to an abrasion Antiseptics (Greek αντί, against, and σηπτικός, putrefactive) are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. ... Look up Altar in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article is about the Southern African ethnic group. ... The Natal Native Contingent was a large force of black auxiliary soldiers in British South Africa, forming a large portion of the defence forces of the British colony of Natal, and saw action during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War. ...

Awards and homages

• In 2004, the magazine Total Film named Zulu the 37th greatest British film of all time.
• "Zulu" was voted eighth in the British television programme "The 100 Greatest War Films".
• The "Battle of Helm's Deep" sequence in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers was filmed in a manner deliberately reminiscent of Zulu, according to Jackson's comments in supplemental material included in the special extended DVD edition of The Two Towers.
• The Germanic war chant in the battle scene at the beginning of Ridley Scott's film Gladiator is the Zulu war chant from Zulu. In the video commentary, Scott revealed that Zulu was one of his favourite movies.
• The Battle of O'Rourke's Ford in S.M. Stirling's science fiction novel On the Oceans of Eternity is a recreation of the movie premise, right down to a malingering Private Hook.

Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Total Film, published by Future Publishing, is the United Kingdoms second best-selling film magazine, after the longer-established Empire from Emap. ... For other persons named Peter Jackson, see Peter Jackson (disambiguation). ... This title can refer to either: The Two Towers (book), the second part of The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. ... Sir Ridley Scott (born November 30, 1937 in South Shields, South Tyneside) is a British film director and producer. ... Gladiator is a 2000 movie directed by Ridley Scott, and starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. ... Stephen Michael Stirling is a Canadian-American science fiction and fantasy author. ...

Production

The film was shot at Twickenham Film Studios, Twickenham, Middlesex, England, UK and at the following locations in South Africa: Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu-Natal, and the national parks of KwaZulu-Natal. The film was shot in the Super Technirama 70 cinematographic process. Twickenham Film Studios is a film studio located in St. ... Twickenham is a suburb in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, south west London. ... The Middlesex Guildhall at Westminster Middlesex is one of the 39 historic counties of England and was the second smallest (after Rutland). ... This article or section should include material from Drakensberg hiking The Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains in Afrikaans) mountains are the highest in South Africa, ranging up to 3,482 m (11,422 ft) in height. ... KwaZulu-Natal (often referred to as KZN) is a province of South Africa. ... Super Technirama 70 was the marketing name for films which were photographed in the 35mm 8-perf Technirama process and optically enlarged to 70mm 5-perf prints for exhibition. ...

Historical inaccuracies

The film contains a number of factual errors, including:

1. The Swedish missionaries (the Witts) were not at the Battle of Rorke's Drift. Witt, his wife and infant daughter (Witt is depicted as a widower with an adult daughter in the film) were 30 km away. They had put Rorke's Drift at Lord Chelmsford's disposal.
2. The 24th Regiment of Foot is described as a Welsh regiment: in fact, although based in Brecon, its designation was the 24th (The 2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot. It did not become the South Wales Borderers until 1881. Of the soldiers present, 49 were English, 32 Welsh (18 of whom were from Monmouthshire - not then classed as a "Welsh" county), 16 Irish and 22 others of indeterminate nationality.
3. The song "Men of Harlech" features prominently as the regimental song; it did not become so until later. At the time of the battle, the regimental song was "The Warwickshire Lad". There was no "battlefield singing contest" between the British and the Zulus.
4. The actors have a more modern appearance than their characters did. Michael Caine, for example, with his shiny teeth and groomed blonde hair, bore little resemblance to the real Gonville Bromhead. Bromhead was partially deaf, a disability not mentioned in the film.
5. Many of the men, including Bromhead and Chard, wore full beards at the time of the battle. The film depicts them as largely clean shaven, with some sporting carefully-tended mustaches or sideburns.
6. The British infantrymen of the Anglo-Zulu War did not wear sparkling white pith helmets. They were stained a tan color (with tea or coffee) without helmet plates, and the bright scarlet uniforms were always covered in dust making them appear brown.
7. The seniority of Chard and Bromhead (measured by their dates of commission) was three years, not three months as in the film.
8. There was no dispute over command. Lieutenant Chard had been left in command, due to seniority, by Major Henry Spalding, well before the battle. Spalding had ridden off to get reinforcements but his motives have been questioned. Spalding claimed that he did not anticipate an imminent attack.
9. Private Henry Hook VC is depicted as a rogue; in fact he was a model soldier who later became a sergeant; he was also a teetotaller. While the film has him in the hospital "malingering, under arrest", he had actually been assigned there specifically to guard the hospital building.
10. Conversely, Corporal William Allen is depicted as a model soldier; in fact, he had recently been demoted from sergeant for drunkenness.
11. Colour Sergeant Bourne is depicted as a big, hardened, middle-aged veteran; in fact, he was a small man and, aged 23, the youngest colour sergeant in the British Army. He was called 'The Kid' by his men. Sergeant Bourne would not have worn medals on his duty uniform, and the medals used in the film appear to be of World War I issue. Moreover, Green's costume has the chevrons on the wrong arm.
12. The role of Padre George Smith ["Ammunition" Smith] is completely overlooked.
13. The building of defensive ramparts and initial defence of Rorke's Drift was in fact organised by Acting Assistant Commissary James Langley Dalton. His distinction was rewarded with the VC presented a year after the battle. The film gives most of the credit to Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead. The real Dalton had retired as a Quartermaster Sergeant after 22 years of service in the British Army before joining the Commissariat and Transport Department. The film, however, portrays Dalton as something of an effete character, who does little that might be called heroic. This makes his award of a VC, as recounted at the end of the film, something of a mystery.
14. The column of British irregular cavalry seen in the film actually was at Rorke's Drift. However, Chard ordered them to leave after finding that they had little ammunition of their own.
15. The uniforms of the Natal Native Contingent are inaccurate; NNC troops were not issued with European-style clothes.
16. The real Sergeant Maxfield, as in the film, was delirious with fever. However, he was too weak to leave his bed and was stabbed to death by Zulus while the other sick and injured were being evacuated from the room.
17. Private Cole was assigned to defend the hospital, not the perimeter. He was killed when he ran out of the hospital alone, possibly due to claustrophobia. Since he was killed by a bullet to the head, his last words in the film are unlikely to be authentic.
18. Corporal Christian Ferdinand Schiess was significantly younger than the actor who portrayed him. At the time of his death in 1884 – five years after the battle – he was 28 years of age.
19. Private Hitch was shot through the shoulder, not the leg.
20. None of the rifles used by the Zulus were taken from dead British soldiers after the Isandlwana, as a character in the film suggests. In truth, most of the firearms used by Zulu troops were obsolete Brown Bess muskets, purchased decades earlier from German traders. In addition, the Zulu impis that attacked Rorke's Drift had not participated in the Battle of Isandlwana, and so had not had the opportunity to glean rifles from the battlefield.
21. The ending is somewhat fictitious. There was no Zulu attack at dawn on January 23, 1879, which in the film led to the singing of "Men of Harlech". There was only sparse fighting with a few remaining Zulus. The Zulus did not sing a song saluting fellow warriors, and they did not depart peacefully. They fled at the approach of a British relief column.
22. The story of the black Natal Native Contingent troops' desertion is true. However, as Witt was 30 km away at the time, he was not responsible for their departure. They left of their own will, with Stephenson and his European NCOs. Shots were fired at these deserters and one of the NCOs, Corporal Bill Anderson, was killed.
23. The film omits the killing of wounded Zulus by British soldiers after the battle. There has been speculation that several hundred may have been bayonetted, clubbed or shot in the battle's aftermath. (This was common practise if a small force prevailed over a much larger one, as it would have been unable to guard all the prisoners.)
24. The officers are shown using Webley Mk VI .455 revolvers which were not introduced until 1915 (36 years after the events depicted in the film) instead of the Beaumont-Adams revolvers that Bromhead and Chard actually used. However, the British officer of the time was allowed to use any sort of sidearm he wished, as long as it fired .455 ammunition. Officers often privately purchased Webley top-break revolvers (in 1879 not yet officially adopted for service) somewhat similar in appearance to the Mk VI Webley. These Webley models had been put on the market during the 1870's - such as the Webley-Green army model 1879 or the Webley-Pryse model. So the Webley model Mk VI was not yet developed when the film was set, but the design is typical of Webley revolvers of the period and can be seen as an example of artistic licence.
25. Several men can be seen using Lee-Enfield Mk. I bolt-action rifles instead of the historically correct Martini-Henry. Apparently, they ran out of .450/577 blanks during filming - close observation shows that, in many cases, the actors are simply dry-firing the empty Martini-Henrys and simulating the recoil, with the gunshot sound effect dubbed in later.

The South Wales Borderers was an infantry regiment of the British Army. ... The South Wales Borderers was an infantry regiment of the British Army. ... Year 1881 (MDCCCLXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... This article is about the English actor. ... Gonville Bromhead c. ... Bust of John Rouse Merriott Chard. ... Combatants United Kingdom Zulu Nation Commanders Sir Bartle Frere, Frederick Augustus Thesiger, 2nd Baron Chelmsford Cetshwayo Strength 14,800 (6,400 Europeans 8,400 Natal Troops) 40,000 Casualties 1,727 killed, 256 wounded 8,250+ killed, 3,000+ wounded The Anglo-Zulu War was fought in 1879 between the... Pith helmet of Harry S. Truman The Pith Helmet (also known as Sun helmet, Topee, or Topi) is a lightweight helmet made of cork or pith typically from the sola or a similar plant [1], with a cloth cover, designed to shade the wearers head from the sun. ... Seniority is the concept of a person or group being in charge or in command of another person or group. ... Hook pictured with his Victoria Cross Alfred Henry Harry Hook, VC (6 August 1850 – 12 March 1905) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. ... Teetotalism is the principle or practice of complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages. ... Missing image Photo submitted by John Young William Wilson Allen was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. ... Padre George Smith of Rorkes Drift Padre George Smith [right] in Alphonse de Neuvilles The Defence of Rorkes Drift [1880] Reverend George Smith, Army Chaplain, was born at Dorking in Norfolk on January 8, 1845. ... James Langley Dalton VC (1833 – January 7, 1887) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. ... Quartermaster is a term usually referring to a military unit which specializes in supplying and provisioning troops, or to an individual who does the same. ... The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... Not to be confused with Golgotha, which was called Calvary. ... The Natal Native Contingent was a large force of black auxiliary soldiers in British South Africa, forming a large portion of the defence forces of the British colony of Natal, and saw action during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War. ... Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder that involves the fear of enclosed or confined spaces. ... The Last Words - Malcolm Baxter (vocals), Andy Groome (guitar), Leigh Kendall (bass), John Gunn (drums) - were one of the first Australian punk bands. ... Christian Ferdinand Schiess (7 April 1856 - 14 December 1884) was a Swiss recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. ... Year 1884 (MDCCCLXXXIV) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Sunday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Frederick Hitch Frederick Hitch, VC ( November 29, 1856-January 6, 1913 in Southgate, London) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the African ethnic group. ... Combatants Britain Zulu Nation Commanders Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pulleine† Anthony Durnford† Ntshingwayo Khoza Strength 1,400 men 22,000 men Casualties 52 officers killed 1,277 other ranks killed 3,000 killed 3,000 wounded The Battle of Isandlwana was a battle in the Anglo-Zulu War in which... Short Land Service musket Brown Bess is a nickname of unknown origin for the British Armys Land Pattern Musket and its derivatives. ... Muskets and bayonets aboard the frigate Grand Turk. ... Languages Zulu Religions Christian, African Traditional Religion Related ethnic groups Bantu Nguni Basotho Xhosa Swazi Matabele Khoisan The Zulu (South African English and isiZulu: amaZulu) are a South African ethnic group of an estimated 17-22 million people who live mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. ... An Impi is an isiZulu word for any armed body of men. ... Combatants Britain Zulu Nation Commanders John Chard Gonville Bromhead Prince Dabulamanzi Strength 139 4,000–5,000 Casualties 17 killed, 10 wounded Around 500-600 dead found in 500 foot perimeter Rorkes Drift was a mission station in Natal, South Africa, situated near a natural ford (drift) on the... Combatants Britain Zulu Nation Commanders Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pulleine† Anthony Durnford† Ntshingwayo Khoza Strength 1,400 men 22,000 men Casualties 52 officers killed 1,277 other ranks killed 3,000 killed 3,000 wounded The Battle of Isandlwana was a battle in the Anglo-Zulu War in which... is the 23rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1879 (MDCCCLXXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... The Natal Native Contingent was a large force of black auxiliary soldiers in British South Africa, forming a large portion of the defence forces of the British colony of Natal, and saw action during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War. ... The Webley Revolver (also known/referred to as the Webley Break-Top Revolver or Webley Self-Extracting Revolver) was, in various marks, the standard issue service pistol for the armed forces of the United Kingdom, the British Empire, and the Commonwealth from 1887 until 1963. ... Year 1915 (MCMXV) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday[1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Robert Adams (1809-1870) was a 19th-century British handgun designer and manufacturer who patented the first successful double-action revolver in 1851. ... Lee-Enfield No4 Mk1 with bayonet, scabbard attached The Lee-Enfield was the British armys standard bolt action, magazine-fed, repeating rifle from 1895 until 1956. ... The Martini-Henry (also known as the Peabody-Martini-Henry) was a breech-loading lever-actuated rifle adopted by the British, combining an action worked on by Friedrich von Martini (based on the Peabody rifle developed by Henry Peabody), with the rifled barrel designed by Scotsman Alexander Henry. ...

Rights

In the U.S., Zulu officially lapsed into the public domain, meaning there have been several issues of the film on home video/LaserDisc/DVD in North America - most notably an LD release by the Criterion Collection which retains the original stereophonic soundtrack and taken from a 70mm print. An official DVD release (with a mono soundtrack as the original stereo tracks were not available) was later issued by Embassy's successor-in-interest, StudioCanal (with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer handling video distribution). StudioCanal (the current owner of the Embassy theatrical library) had acquired control of the film in 2000 after its copyright was restored. Outside the U.S., the film has always been owned by Paramount Pictures, which has recently acquired American distribution rights. The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ... The Criterion Collection is a joint venture between Janus Films and The Voyager Company that was begun in the mid 1980s for the purpose of releasing authoritative consumer versions of classic and important contemporary films on the laserdisc and DVD formats. ... StudioCanal (aka Le Studio Canal, Canal Plus, Canal + Distribution, and Canal+ Image S.A.), is a French-based production and distribution company that owns the third-largest film library in the world. ... For alternate meanings of MGM, see MGM (disambiguation). ... Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American motion picture production and distribution company, based in Hollywood, California. ...

References

This article is an overview article about the Crown chartered British Broadcasting Corporation formed in 1927. ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

See also

• Zulu Dawn

Zulu Dawn is a 1979 book and motion picture about the Battle of Isandlwana between British and Zulu military units in 1879 in South Africa. ...

External links

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

Zulu

• Zulu at the Internet Movie Database
• Rorke's Drift Victoria Cross remembrance site
• James Booth fansite [1]
• Zulu - Photos
• "Homoeroticism in Zulu" article [2]