Desmond7 Posted 7 September , 2004 Share Posted 7 September , 2004 I've watched the Gallipoli 'The First D-Day' programme on News and Docs several times. Always stunned by the footage from 'Tell England' - the movie recreation of some of the Gallipoli battles. Now - has anyone got more info on the film itself AND more importantly, do any records/interviews exist of how veterans of the actual battle felt about the movie. It LOOKS like the Private Ryan of its day ... but did the vets feel it did the conflict there VISUAL justice. It obviously could never portray the terror, sound, smell of that horrible campaign Just a thought Des Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaeldr Posted 8 September , 2004 Share Posted 8 September , 2004 Des, There was a nine page article by Philip Dutton on this subject which appeared in the Winter 2001-2002 edition [No.97] of ‘The Gallipolian’ the journal of The Gallipoli Association. The film was made by Anthony Asquith and was his first ‘talkie.’ As well as Ernest Raymond’s novel he had another Gallipoli vet, A. P. Herbert, work on the script. He also had full cooperation from the Admiralty who loaned ‘Royal Sovereign,’ ‘Ramilles,’ seven destroyers, numerous picket boats and “a considerable number of Royal Marines.” Regarding the reaction of veterans; “…the 4th Battalion The Royal Sussex Regiment, who at their re-union, viewed the film at the Capital Theatre, Horsham in October 1931, were immensely struck by the film’s gripping recreations. For many the film brought back vivid memories of the campaign. The novelty of sound re-introduced the noise of the battle and the incessant whine of shells in the film in particular acted as powerful stimulants, complimenting the striking visual images.” The film was well received by the critics in 1932 and was favourably compared to ‘Journey’s End’ and ‘All quiet on the Western Front’ One final note; the author never mentioned the film in his 2 vol autobiography [???] If you need more then drop me a PM with your address and I will photocopy it for you. Regards Michael D.R. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desmond7 Posted 8 September , 2004 Author Share Posted 8 September , 2004 Michael - many thanks for that answer. I was really impressed by the 'hard reality' of the filming technique. Dare I say it was ahead of its time? Will PM you and many thanks for the information. Regards Des Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Miller Posted 9 September , 2004 Share Posted 9 September , 2004 Des, have you read the book? Usually I also have to reply 'no' when asked that question about any given book, but in this instance, I have. Pulled the book off the shelf in a charity shop after being intrigued by the title. IMO well worth a look. I would be very interested to see the film too, but films that old don't get shown very often. I wonder if any other Pal has seen it in its entirety? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desmond7 Posted 9 September , 2004 Author Share Posted 9 September , 2004 Jon - didn't even know there was a book! You learn something every day. Regards Des P.S. be back to you on 3rd Ypres! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desmond7 Posted 16 September , 2004 Author Share Posted 16 September , 2004 MM for Michael D.R. .... that's Member's Medal for devotion to forum above and beyond etc. Got the papers today. Many thanks. Have sent PM. Des Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcderms Posted 22 September , 2004 Share Posted 22 September , 2004 Does anyone know where youcan get a copy of Tell England on DVD? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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