A Bridge Too Far - a Thought from Woody

@flatbat8571 3 күн бұрын

Edward Fox as Horrocks is my favourite portrayal of a historical figure. The two men knew each other, so Fox spent a summer with Horrocks to capture his style of delivery

@timfrye3586 2 күн бұрын

the back and forth between Fox and Caine is amazing

@dermotrooney9584 2 күн бұрын

Me too. I've read and watched nearly everything Horrocks produced and dug into a lot of 30 Corps primary sources but I still half see Fox when I think Horrocks.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@Centurion101B3C 19 сағат бұрын

Fox, besides being a marvelous actor, also perfectly embodies the quintessential attitude of a British Cavalry officer as well as the British gentleman that he is. His style of delivering the 'Just in time is soon enough' proved to be somewhat prophetic. In reality and despite German unplesantness at Son and Veghel, XXX Corps made it within hours of the original time schedule of Market Garden to contact with 82nd Airborbe at Grave. Only to then have, for lack of the Nijmegen bridges being captured, to dedicate itself to a fight it was not intended for; Fighting through the urban and SS-infested hellscape of Nijmegen for the better part of three precious days. After that the fight turned into one with Gen. Gavin and Browning, who both stated that XXX Corps had shown up too late to make the difference. This was not the case. The Cavalry was fashionably in time.

@KimBowen-oz3gz 2 күн бұрын

The doctor in the Major Fuller scene was a real person. Brigadier Austin Eager who was the Director of Medical Services at First Allied Airborne Army.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

Yes, but given a different name

@bobleicht5295 3 күн бұрын

Great show, Woody; can’t argue with any of your opinions. BTW, as an 82d vet, was privileged to participate in the daily Nijmegen memorial bridge crossing earlier this year, in honor of the men killed in the assault crossing of the River Waal on this day in 1944.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@anthonychase4364 2 күн бұрын

I'm 75 and the oldest son of a British para. Back in 2001 we visited with one of my Dad's comrades who was one of Frost's men. We spent most of the day with them..He was my Dad's Drill Sergeant. I really appreciate this as it has brought back memories of that day. My Father and I would regularly attend the Arnhem dinner in Sydney, each year with the British High Commissioner in Australia. Thinking of my Dad and his comrade today.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@anthonychase4364 2 күн бұрын

@@flashgordon6670 yes, the St. Nazaire raid was massively costly. It was March 1942. I don't think anyone was thinking about MG back then.

@faeembrugh 3 күн бұрын

I worked with a XXX Corps veteran in the early 1980s. That old boy hated A Bridge Too Far! To quote him 'when we got to the Nijmegen bridge, we were about 3 hours behind schedule. And the Yanks hadn't bothered taking the bridge! They were the ones sitting around except they were drinking coffee!'

@phillydelphia8760 2 күн бұрын

The more research I've done, the more I've found that asserts xxx corps were doing well for time when they actually arrived at Nijmegan. The delay seems to have been the 82nds lack of movement to do much of anything to take the bridge before 2nd army arrived. General Gavins inaction is just baffling. Especially as he changed his story after the war, it's hard to know what he was thinking of.

@nickdanger3802 2 күн бұрын

before 740 men had even arrived at the last intact bridge in Arnhem area (rail bridge 4 miles/6k from LZ Z), 82nd had captured the 500m bridge north of Grave and the last intact bridge over the Maas Waal canal and the Heights for Brownings' useless HQ brought in by 38 of 1st AB's gliders, capacity about 1,000 infantrymen. when scout cars of XXX Corps arrived at Grave at 0820 on day 3 they were still 28 miles/40 k (on current maps) from Arnhem, well over 1/3 the distance from Joes Bridge to Arnhem with 11 hours to sunset. on day four Frosts' men ran out of food, ammo and water.

@jbjones1957 2 күн бұрын

30 Corps should have arrived on the 18th September as per their orders; Operational Instruction No.24.

@Scaleyback317 2 күн бұрын

@@phillydelphia8760 XXX Corps vanguard got there ahead of the parameters set only to find the bridge still in German hands at both ends. Had the 82nd not seemingly forgot the very reason they were transported to the NL for, namely to take and to hold the bridge at both ends then XXX Corps could have crossed and likely made the 8 mile slog to Arnhem Bridge. Many are not aware that at the time the 82ND were arriving on their DZ's there were only about two dozen Germans defending the bridge!

@phillydelphia8760 2 күн бұрын

@@Scaleyback317 pretty much what I've been learning in detail. They seemed to forget one of their biggest objectives entirely and ran around doing everything else but approach the bridge in any kind of force. Considering the 82nds previous exploits and achievements, including Gavin himself. It just makes no sense at all. Granted, the bridge would no longer be contested by Frost and his men by the time they got there. But the Oosterbeek pocket was still holding strong, and would likely have done even better if the Germans were forced to turn around and deal with the approaching 2nd Army. There's always something new to learn or consider about this whole operation! Edit: spelling 🙄

@davidlavigne207 2 күн бұрын

"A Bridge too Far" was one of the last films I watched before I graduated from High School and enlisted in the Army. I still remember being thrilled with the epic scenes of the air drops and combat depicted in the film. This was before I really knew about the true cost of battle as I discovered later in my life. After I read Cornelius Ryan's book I did notice the artistic license taken with the film. Looking back on it I clearly see the slightly anti-British mood throughout form the beginning. The acting overall was very well done, despite some of the miscasting. One must remember that actors take on roles for employment and have no, or little control over the script. I will always look upon this film as a classic, well deserving of the praises heaped upon it. I try to watch it at least once a year, if nothing else but to hear those many quotable scenes that Woody mentions. My favorite was General Horrock.s (Edward Fox) at the briefing: "This is a story that you'll tell your grandchildren about! And mightily bored they'll be!" Such typical British understatement right from the start. PS: Please do support WW2TV on Patreon if you can. It is well worth the money.

@Scaleyback317 2 күн бұрын

Slightly? Are you attempting to adhere to the British reputation for understatement?

@davidlavigne207 2 күн бұрын

@@Scaleyback317 I am certainly referring to the British reputation for understatement. I hope I didn't offend, but I have noticed the distinct difference between British and American humor over the years. I cherished the differences as I watched such programs as Monty Python and Benny Hill. I noticed such a propensity as far back as when I studied the works of Chaucer and Shakespeare in high school. I am endeared to the difference and if adherence is what you ask, than I am guilty. I truly mean this as a high complement to the people from which my native tongue originated. Cheers.

@scotttaylor7767 3 күн бұрын

Thanks for a terrific show on a movie that I’m sure gave so much pleasure to us school kids in the 1970’s. We were fortunate to grow up in an era of classic war movies. Made by and large by people who had lived through that war. I’m reminded of the story William Goldman tells of going to dinner with John Frost. And him begging him to take out the surrender scene on the bridge. Goldman wanted to pump up Frost as much as possible and make him the hero of the movie. But Frost didn’t want that. He knew the real heroes of Market Garden were buried in Holland. And Goldman realised he had been treating Frost as a fictional character in his script and not a real person. That to me shows the character of that generation. These people fought to defeat Nazi Germany because they knew it was the morally right thing to do. They didn’t do it for glory or personal prestige.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@GuntherSDoumson2178 2 күн бұрын

´morally right thing to do´. Yeah look whappened to the West after WW2.

@paulbryner6251 2 күн бұрын

I agree with you on Ryan O'Neal. I remember a quote from a critic at the time. He said "follow Ryan O'Neal into battle? I wouldn't follow Ryan O'Neal into the men's room".

@dermotrooney9584 2 күн бұрын

Rhino Neil was great in Peppa Pig.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@Centurion101B3C 21 сағат бұрын

Also, the Bridge too far movie was shot in 1976. I know for certain, since I was being trained as a National Service tank commander and was tasked to guard the verhicles at the barracks where they were stored.

@josephinekush5056 2 күн бұрын

One of Arnhem's unsung is actor, broadcaster, correspondent & singer, Stanley Maxted. Born in England but raised almost from infancy in Toronto, Ontario, Maxted, seconded to the BBC from the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) reported from the front during Market Garden & created live recordings during the battle @ Arnhem. He played himself during the 1946 filming of, There's Was the Glory. (His lack of a British accent is quite noticeable.) Maxted stated many times both publicly & privately, that one of the most memorable experiences of his long career was to hear the familiar sounding voices of the Canadian engineers as they shouted instructions to the survivors of the fight as they neared the western bank of the river during the evacuation. Oddly, but then again not, Maxted's reporting, like those efforts of Canadian engineers are hardly mentioned. While not directly related to the film A Bridge Too Far, I post the above because most fellow Canadians following this fine series are almost totally ignorant of these contributions to the Market Garden story. Particularly Maxted.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@juliancribb813 Күн бұрын

I remember having a few drinks with ‘Shan’ Hackett, in the Adelphi Hotel in Perth. He had just released his book on WW3. He was a brigadier with the paratroops dropped on Arnhem, was badly wounded in the battle and his life was saved by a German doctor. Later he was rescued by the Dutch resistance, nursed back to health and able to escape toAllied lines. He was charming company and, over numerous beers, recalled what he could of the battle most vividly. He regarded it as ‘ a bit of a disaster’, as I recall. Like my dad, he received 2 DSOs.

@Idahoguy10157 3 күн бұрын

Market-Garden reminds me of Yamamoto’s plan for the Battle of Midway. Complicated and it requires the enemy to react and behave as you want them too

@WW2TV 3 күн бұрын

Yep, that's a fair point

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@stephenchappell7512 22 сағат бұрын

Watch the other video in this Arnhem series implying that the Soviet's employed their agents to tip the Germans off about 'Market Garden' in order to give themselves an easier time in the east

@nickwoolmer5037 2 күн бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my comments, love WW2TV

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@GazzaLDN 2 күн бұрын

Perhaps the only big budget film that showed the massive Fist the British Army was in 1944/45 on the continent, all the major allied Tank actions were on the British / Canadian axis of advance. The Music for the film is brilliant.

@jimgrundy1278 3 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for this. In 1977 some parents took their sons to watch Star Wars, my Dad took me to see "A Bridge Too Far." It had a huge influence on me and does still. But it's really great to have this discussion to add so much to the experience while watching it all over again.

@dermotrooney9584 2 күн бұрын

Agreed! I was a Star Wars kid but must have watched Bridge with my Dad (8 Corps bag carrier's assistant) three or four times. Always good having a veteran as movie critic. 😊

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@Rusty_Gold85 2 күн бұрын

I went into the city on my own to see Star Wars at 13 , and Dad took me to the Drive In. Dad had a handlebar moustache and was drinking long necks in the car . He was the same generation as the actors.I think I fell asleep near the middle

@paulbryner6251 2 күн бұрын

I think the James Caan scene was more a nod to the book. When Cornelius Ryan wrote his books they told the grand sweeping story of the battles but they also included so many individual personal stories. That IMO is what made them great.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

I think it works better in the book, because the book by definition can tell more stories. I just don't think it adds anything to the movie, and as I said, the screen time given to it could have been used expanding the story of one or more of the other characters

@robossuperchannel9434 2 күн бұрын

@@WW2TV Have you read William Goldman's autobiography? He explains the reasons for including the scene in the screenplay and the negative response it attracted.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

I haven't no

@Idahoguy10157 2 күн бұрын

I find the James Caan scene adds to the film. As a personal vignette

@MisterFastbucks Күн бұрын

My favorite. Great ensemble cast, memorable scenes and dialogue, practical effects, and a real effort towards historical accuracy wherever possible.

@ladydunraven 2 күн бұрын

Always love hearing your thoughts Woody.

@lisakurkowski9131 3 күн бұрын

The remake of Thin Red Line may have been the last star studded war movie we’ll ever see

@WW2TV 3 күн бұрын

Yep, forgot about that, mainly because apart from the bunker on the hill scene with John Cusack the rest of the film falls flat for me

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@tamsinp7711 2 күн бұрын

The Dutch officer with General Gavin may well have been from 2 Troop, 10 (Inter Aliied) Commando rather than a Jedburgh team. Each of the airborne divisions had a number of officers and men attached - 1st Airborne got 12, 82nd got 11, 101st got 5 and Corps HQ got 3.

@davemac1197 2 күн бұрын

You're right about the No. 2 (Dutch) Troop, 10 (Inter-Allied) Commando, but Captain Arie Bestebreurtje was the JEDBURGH team leader of team 'CLARENCE' that landed in the 82nd area. The JEDBURGH mission was to work with the local resistance, while the Commando sections were split up as translators and guides for the division's sub-units. The one book I have on this is Orange Blood, Silver Wings - The Untold Story of the Dutch Resistance During Market Garden, by Stewart W. Bentley, Jr. (2007). I have a separate reference for the Commandos, which is an Osprey book on No. 10 Commando.

@ivanconnolly7332 Күн бұрын

Ryan O'Neal acts like a loose cannon cop , very "Starsky and Hutch".

@joebombero1 2 күн бұрын

One criticism I heard from a Pole regarding Hackman's acting was that Hackman's posture is so American. She told me she would have preferred a British actor portraying Sosabowski as his posture would have been rigidly formal, never slouching and mumbling - typical American traits.

@chrispickerel2034 2 күн бұрын

Noting the comments about the absence of Montgomery in this movie, did you notice in Patton, you never saw Eisenhower? BTW, saw this movie when it came out - I was 15. Still enjoy it. And I admire that the Dutch people have not forgotten what the Allies did to liberate their country.

@THEOUTCASTSCREATIVE 2 күн бұрын

Woody you so should have had me on for this. I could have offered so much context.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

Make a sequel then and have Tino Struckman on as well.

@mirbahmanyar6992 3 күн бұрын

rReally a great show again. The James Cain scene to me is about loyalty and giving your word... overall one of the best movies about WWII.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@jimplummer4879 2 күн бұрын

Gene Hackman is one of the best character actors ever.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@joncrane9735 5 сағат бұрын

I moved to the Netherlands a few years ago....the bridge in the movie is Deventer bridge...the Arnhem bridge was destroyed ...i actually live close to a lot of where it wax shot ...the scene where a jeep is racing through the woods with a injured soldier is the white castle behind my house....my mother in law remembers all the movie stars around the town...

@davesandall4530 3 күн бұрын

100% Rolls Royce channel and content , the go to channel for WW2 coverage and deep dives into it

@WW2TV 3 күн бұрын

Thanks very much

@scotttaylor7767 3 күн бұрын

And thanks for all the work you put into this channel on WW2. For me that war is not a abstract thing from the past. My father fought at Tobruk in 1941 and was awarded the DCM for exceptional bravery during the May 4th battle on hill 209. So I know the character and quality of a lot of the people you talk about on your channel.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@JayMac-gh1kx 2 күн бұрын

I had 4'uncle's who was in this rade an only 2came out so that's why this oldswet my self an EX'PARA is jumping in this wkend like thay all did bk 80yrs ago!! So hopefully see u all there!!? We will remember them!! Green on mucker from a oldswet my self an ex'service AB ALL THE WAY BROTHER FROM A EX'PARA!! Top channel guy's keep this up n rolling out 😊

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@jumpmastermp21 2 күн бұрын

Just watched A Bridge Too Far yesterday.

@scottgrimwood8868 2 күн бұрын

Appreciated your comments Woody. I saw this film in the theater when it first came out. As a teenage boy it made a big impression on me.

@davidpf043 2 күн бұрын

James Coburn as Gavin! The scene driving down the road before XXX Corp attack gives a better feel for the scale of a major offensive than any other scene in any film anywhere. The rolling barrage is fantastic although I suspect the first units up the road would be recce vice the tanks. Parachute drop is dramatic, however, combat drops were made from around 800 feet to minimize time in the air. However, safety considerations just wouldn't let you do that in training or for a film.

@ChrisS-m8g 2 күн бұрын

FYI...Rowan Atkinson "Mr Bean" is in he film. He's the brit para holding the chicken!

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

I know who you mean, that's Alun Armstrong, he does resemble Rowan Atkinson a little

@dermotrooney9584 2 күн бұрын

@@WW2TV Ninja points!

@jsfbr 2 күн бұрын

(1) Great video as usual! Thank you! Sharing my thoughts as I watch it... (2) Compacting such a monumental operation on a three-hour movie is a tour de force, which came out superbly, notwithstanding its perceivable shortcomings. (3) Yes, General Urquhart shooting thee German soldier ended up unduly as one of the movie's most memorable scenes. Too shocking to be otherwise, but it could not be left out. Maybe another approach to filming the scene might change this a bit. (4) About the casting, my reservations go to Robert Redford and Elliot Gould. Redford not because any flaw of his own. It's just that I couldn't set aside my memories of his previous acting roles while watchig him acting as an American paratrooper. As for Gould, I think he exaggerated in the characterization of his part, so much so that all I remember is a cigar protruding from his lips. Maybe I'm exaggerating in my assessment here... (5) It would have been amazing if CG was available to upscale the airdrops and glider landings to their actual, gigantic sizes. On the other hand, it costs a small fortune for CG to work really well, that being the reason we see movies in dark shades, desaturated colors, showing mostly night and/or rain scenes, poor coloring and so forth. Just compare Mitchum's and Jürgens's "The Enemy Below" with Hanks's "Greyhound", both great movies, but the first makes for much better watching experience, in my opinion. Anyway, they made the best with what they had to represent Market Garden's airdrops and glider landings, and they did it pretty well indeed. (6) Back to the video...

@timbrown1481 3 күн бұрын

I’ve learned more about WW2 from you and your guest than from any other source. Incredible topics ( some very obscure and some forgotten but important in the overall scheme of winning the war). I’ve ordered books your guests discuss because I trust your guests to be the very best subject matter experts. Your guests tell it like it is- pull no punches and have opened me up to more critical thinking about WW2. Keep doing this important work Woody.

@janfelchner1543 2 күн бұрын

There is yet another great YT channel on WW2: 'World War Two' week by week

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@nickwoolmer5037 2 күн бұрын

Re Bittrich In 1953, after eight years in prison, Bittrich was acquitted of war crimes by a French court. Bittrich was accused of ordering the execution of 17 residents of Nimes in France. During the trial, it emerged that Bittrich had never issued such an order. Bittrich had even taken disciplinary action against the soldiers who carried out the execution.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

True, but only because they didn't bother to prosecute him for alleged crimes in Poland etc too. They thought the French case was sufficient

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

There is zero connection between the error of judgments of Chariot and Arnhem. A lack of specialist troops was not a problem for OMG at all. Plenty of undeployed Airborne units available

@grumpyoldman8661 2 күн бұрын

The actor playing von Rundstedt had also played Kesselring in the movie "Anzio" flamboyally, his portrayal totally at variance with the austere personality of the real von Rundstedt. You will see him in the film saying (dismissively) to his assembled staff when one of them assumed Montgomery would lead the attack: 'Not Montgomery, Patton is their best'. Von Rundstedt did make that remark but when in American captivity. When in British captivity he told his captor's that Montgomery was their best. In the film (of course) it sounds as though Patton had the talents to be the Allied Land Force Commander which he did not, he was a superb tank commander, Monty was the master of the battlefield. 30th Corps were not late arriving at Nijmegan they were on time, but US General Gavin had not secured the bridge because (along with Browning) he was diverted to gain hold of the Groesbeck Heights allowing the Germans to re-invest the far side of the bridge so (when 30th Corps arrived) they had to assist 82nd Airborne in capturing the bridge, by the time this was achieved it was too late to save the British paras. As I wrote below this was an anti-British movie with an American audience in mind. Fine acting undoubtedly, but it was American financed and as Sir Roy Urquhart would say (after he had watched the film) 'it is a travesty'.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@starioskal 3 күн бұрын

I knew quite a few US paratroopers who were there and met many more as a 101st Airborne soldier in the early 80s, they loved the Dutch and as for the movie it was just that. I belinged to the 82nd division association James Etherton in Detroit and we had paratroopers and glidermen who fought in this. One soldier of the 307th Al Neamith crossed the waal river 3 times ferrying 504th guys over. He uad a way to tell a story in a just a short sentence. Movie can only pack so much in. British did everything they could but the Germans were getting their crap back in order. Maybe if they'd launched a few weeks earlier before the SS arrived it would have been different. So is war right. The British actors were great in this movie. Cheers

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@jbjones1957 3 күн бұрын

Nigel Green from Zulu (Colour Sgt. Bourne) would have made a great Browning, unfortunately he died a few years before the movie

@waynes.3380 2 күн бұрын

Woody well done as usual. I saw the World Premiere of the film in Boston, Mass. Thanks again.

@deanstuart8012 3 күн бұрын

According to the font of all knowledge that is Wikipedia, the opening narration was actually done by the real Kate ter Horst, and not by Liv Ullmann. It would love that to be true.

@WW2TV 3 күн бұрын

Pretty sure it's Ullman

@gajtrifkovic5299 2 күн бұрын

On Hardy Krueger and his role in the Yugoslav epic "Battle on Neretva": Hardy Krüger has often said he wanted to present “a good German” to the world through his acting. His popularity in these roles (like in “The One That Got Away”, 1957), made him an obvious choice for the role of Colonel Kränzer in the Yugoslav epic. Made to glorify the revolution while aiming for the international market, the screenplay for “Neretva” had to be carefully balanced. Worn-out stereotypes and open propaganda would simply not do with the foreign public. Bulajic therefore decided to introduce a character role for the Germans in the Partisan films for the first time. This would add an interesting new level to the plot and deflect possible criticism of the film as overt propaganda. In short, Krüger plays a “good bad guy”, Colonel Kränzer, a decorated field officer leading his men from the front. In stark contrast to the officers from other films of the genre, he is not callously wasting the lives of his soldiers. For example, he is being rather hesitant to allow his young adjutant to lead an attack on the Partisans, much to the dismay of the former. His care for the ordinary soldier is evident when he tells an exhausted courier to “go get some warmth at the field kitchen.” Kränzer reaches a catharsis during the climactic scene at the end of the movie: as Germans move ever closer to the Partisans’ main hospital, he hears the wounded sing a popular folk song “Padaj silo i nepravdo” (“Down with Force and Injustice”) while shells rain down on them. He realizes that such an enemy can simply not be defeated, and directly disobeys Lohring who is ordering him forward at all costs. The impeccably dressed Lohring phoning from his salon-like headquarters stands in clear contrast to Kränzer’s worn out uniform, dirty face and shoddy command post. After seeing the projection, Tito allegedly commented that he especially liked Hardy Krüger “although he was playing a German colonel.” On A Quest For “A Good German”: The Portrayal Of Germans In Yugoslav War Movies, JIPSS 5/1 (2011), 80-81

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

With Kruger in the Battle of Neretva it does depend on which version you watch. In the English dubbed short version, he's a growling, snarling nasty SS commander. In the longer version in Serbo-Croat his role is expanded and more nuanced - as indeed you say. The same applies to Franco Nero's Italian, with a difference in versions. The group most tuned into villains are the Royalist/Chetniks, although understandable as it came out during the Tito years

@richardscanlan3419 2 күн бұрын

Have that film,and its very good. The partisans in Yugoslavia were amongst some of the toughest troops in the war.

@tomduggan51 2 күн бұрын

Paul, Thanks for this discussion on the film and I would agree with the points you make. It is true that the film and indeed its stars have become the benchmark for how we think of the Market Garden operation. It is sad that the 'war epic' type of movie is not made anymore and even if it was my view is the current generation of actors could not carry it off effectively!

@Scaleyback317 2 күн бұрын

It is the benchmark for how mistakenly we think of the Market Garden operation. The film is a travesty designed for one thing only - a whitewashing and absolution for those who made a mess of it and that is not Montgomery or Browning as the film would have you believe. Do some research (without referrel to the book or the film - entertaining but garbage for historical purposes) and then ask if you have been presented with anything approaching truthful concerning the whole affair since the disaster unfolded due to the errors of two men in particular. See if you can identify for yourself who those two culprits might be from deeper research. It was not Montgomery's plan. Montgomery had the idea (and it could have been hugely effective correctly planned and administered) It was easier for US sources to point fingers and allow Monty to take the popular rap for something which others should have been investigated for but apparently were not.

@JayMac-gh1kx 2 күн бұрын

Green on mucker lots of memories from a oldswet my self an ex'service AB ALL THE WAY BROTHER FROM A EX'PARA 😊😊!! See u all on the DZ!! Sat.😊

@MichaelCampin 2 күн бұрын

Zulu, has quotable lines, Michael Caine did his National Service in Korea

@MrKarnevel9 3 күн бұрын

Barry Norman, eat your heart out! Great analysis Woody!

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@Caratacus1 2 күн бұрын

Apropos of nothing except 'Browning as the villain of the piece' FWIW I think he does bear a major share for the disaster at Nijmegen. He inserted his entire HQ and staff into Gavin's Division purely because he wanted the personal 'glory' of being in on the drop. Not because it served any useful military purpose. As Corps commander he had no business at the sharp end. In fact it took away much needed transport aircraft and supplies. Furthermore it gave the nervous Gavin one more excuse to sit tight up on the Groosbeek heights. In this case to defend the plethora of HQ personnel rather than assault the bridge on Day 1 as ordered by Monty and Brereton. Additionally as Browning was actually there in person he has no excuse for not motivating Gavin to crack on with the key part of his job, grabbing the undefended bridge asap. Just MHO but I'd rate the commander liability for failure of OMG as: Gavin 50% for being shaky after his disastrous Normandy drop. His diary makes clear he wasn't going to get his HQ overrun again and lose control like in Normandy. It also shows he's anti-British and expects the operation to fail from the start. This negative defensive mind-set explains why he couldn't be bothered to send even one battalion from his whole Division against the main bridge on Day1. Against orders. Then maybe Browning 25% at fault mainly as detailed above. Brereton 15% for basically giving his orders then going AWOL during the most important operation of his career. Then Monty 10% for not getting a grip of his subordinates like he usually did. Wow what a long comment - I'll leave it there!

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

Although, some historians suggest Dempsey insisted that Browning brought his full HQ. But there's a difference between showing a flawed hero with good intentions and an actual villain. I don't have an issue with pointing out Browning's errors, but I do think the films makes him look somewhat disinterested and unsympathetic.

@davemac1197 2 күн бұрын

I've been told it was Dempsey who instructed Browning to take his Corps HQ to Groesbeek, but haven't seen any references for it. The problem with comments like this is that it does sound reasonable until you research the facts and find the popular narrative has been made on false assumptions. 1. "He inserted his entire HQ and staff into Gavin's Division purely because he wanted the personal 'glory' of being in on the drop. Not because it served any useful military purpose. As Corps commander he had no business at the sharp end." - my problem with this attitude is that Browning was awarded his DSO (narrowly missing out on a VC) for his handling of several companies that had lost their officers as a young Lieutenant at the 1917 battle of Cambrai, while Jimmy Gavin was 10 years old and still in short trousers. Browning was concerned about the Nijmegen bridge, and with good reason: Brereton and Williams had removed Browning's proposed dawn glider coup de main assaults on the Arnhem-Nijmegen-Grave bridges by their arbitrary decision to conduct all MARKET flights in daylight, and this meant only one lift per day, and daylight glider assaults would be too risky. Gavin, according to Cornelius Ryan's interview notes, said "the British" [probably Browning] wanted him to drop a battalion on the northern end of the Nijmegen bridge to take it by coup de main. While he toyed with the idea, he said he eventually discarded it because of his experience in Sicily (with a badly scattered drop at night, disorganising the division for days). Instead he opted to drop his regiments together and have the battalions fan out towards their objectives, instructing Colonel Lindquist of the 508th to send his 1st Battalion directly to the Nijmegen bridge immediately on landing. Source: Notes on meeting with J.M. Gavin, Boston, January 20, 1967 (James Maurice Gavin, Box 101 Folder 10, Cornelius Ryan Collection, Ohio State University) Browning decided to move up the transport of his Corps HQ from 2nd to 1st airlift, because thanks to Brereton and Williams this was no longer an evening to morning of D-Day move, but from D+1 to D-Day. 2. "In fact it took away much needed transport aircraft and supplies" - no, it bumped transport of 1st Airlanding Anti-Tank Battery Z Troop guns (for Division HQ defence) and the second line ammunition Jeeps and trailers for the Battery. Since 1st Airborne did not come under any heavy pressure from armour in the first 24 hours, and the AT ammunition was the only type that did not run out even by the end of the battle (German tanks are very wary of British AT guns), Browning's judgement did not cause any problems for 1st Airborne at Arnhem. 3. "Furthermore it gave the nervous Gavin one more excuse to sit tight up on the Groosbeek heights." - no, as John C. McManus records in September Hope - The American Side of a Bridge Too Far (2012): 'As Gavin finished his briefing, the British General [Browning] cautioned him: “Although every effort should be made to effect the capture of the Grave and Nijmegen bridges, it is essential that you capture the Groesbeek ridge and hold it.” General Gavin did have some appreciation of this. At an earlier meeting with his regimental commanders, he [Gavin] had told Colonel Roy Lindquist of the 508th Parachute Infantry that even though his primary mission was to hold the high ground at Berg en Dal near Groesbeek, he was also to send his 1st Battalion into Nijmegen to take the key road bridge. At the same time, Colonel Lindquist had trouble reconciling Gavin's priorities for the two ambitious objectives of holding Berg en Dal and grabbing the bridge. He believed that Gavin wanted him to push for the bridge only when he had secured the critical glider landing zones and other high ground. According to Lindquist, his impression was that "we must first accomplish our main mission before sending any sizeable force to the bridge." Actually, General Gavin wanted the 508th to do both at the same time, but somehow this did not sink into the 508th's leadership.' - Gavin was not nervous, he was as "mad" as the 508th liaison officer to Division HQ, Captain Chet Graham, had ever seen him after delivering a message that Lindquist was not moving on the Nijmegen bridge until he had cleared the DZ. Graham and Gavin went immediately to the 508th CP to get Lindquist moving - Gavin's first words were "I told you to move with speed." Browning had tried to get the bridge seized by coup de main by two methods, both rejected, and now the whole operation was falling apart because Gavin had entrusted a key objective to a gifted administrator who had already performed badly as a field commander in Normandy. Source: Put Us Down In Hell - The Combat History of the 508th PIR in WW2, Phil Nordyke (2012) - Browning was not party to this, although the two HQs were not far apart, they were not co-located. - In my opinion, the compromises in the planning and execution of MARKET were caused by Brereton-Williams-Gavin-Lindquist. Browning had already been politically neutralised by Brereton after threatening to resign over Brereton's LINNET II operation being scheduled too soon to print and distribute maps for briefing the troops. Brereton had planned to accept Browning's resignation (actually he would have to pass it on to Eisenhower with his own comments) and replace him with Matthew Ridgway and his US XVIII Airborne Corps for the operation. Thankfully, LINNET II was cancelled and both men agreed to forget the incident, but it meant that Browning could not influence MARKET once it was in the hands of the American commanders. Source: Proposed Airborne Assaults in the Liberation of Europe, James Daly (2024) - In light of the new evidence emerging since Cornelius Ryan, and indeed from unpublished research in Cornelius Ryan's own notes and documents, my sympathies are very much with Browning.

@Bullet-Tooth-Tony- Күн бұрын

The film had some great highlights...Horrocks speech, the heroic crossing of the 82nd and the last stand of John frosts men at Arnhem bridge etc but it was also not without it's flaws like the scene with Carrington and the tanks of the Guards stopping at the bridge, one of the myths of the battle was that an American paratrooper became enraged that the five British tanks didn't press on to Arnhem after the battle. However, when you look at the evidence, as Robin Neillands shows in his book this exchange simply didn't happen. In fact, the 504th paras on the opposite side of the Waal were happy to see the tanks, and may have even gone off to go fight the Germans, leaving the tanks to guard the bridge head against expected German counter-attacks. There was no way Thirty Corps could press on to Arnhem before they'd tackled the 10th SS Panzer Division at Nijmegen.

@maikelvane5185 2 күн бұрын

I guess you can't argue too much about the tanks/vehicles as they are 'sponsored/provided' by the Military/Countries to support. Different to what Hollywood provides film makers nowadays. They did a great job portraying the 'struggle' to succeed the operation. The bitterness, the race to the last bridge, the obstacles to overcome. The same for the scene with the wounded captain, it doesn't add to the overall movie. But it does show those guys losing their comrades or got wounded. And it is impossible to copy all the actions 1-on-1 ofcourse.

@TheCommandersVoiceAATW 2 күн бұрын

Can't think of anyone else I would rather hear share his thoughts about this film Thanks Woody! For my money, I loved Hackman in this movie.

@ChristopherForsey 3 күн бұрын

The scene set (I think) in Holland that I witnessed being filmed in Reading, Berks shows an old fashioned terraced street as the Dakotas flew over. I couldn't believe my eyes and it wasn't until I saw the film that I realised what I saw from my dads car was real. The only dodgy thing was Gene Hackmans Polish accent 😅

@erikverstrepen3373 2 күн бұрын

I couldn’t agree with you more Paul. Forget some details. One can still watch it over and over again without getting annoyed. Compared to the horrible “Battle of the Bulge”, this movie holds its own.

@MrFrikkenfrakken 2 күн бұрын

Some of the pushback reflects back to the mistakes in Ryan's source material but I to this day I will watch 'The Longest Day' and 'A Bridge Too Far' any time I have the opportunity. Same goes for 'Tora Tora Tora', 'The Battle of Britain', 'Patton' and 'From Here to Eternity.' As far as miscasting it is hard to top John Wayne in TLD but your 3 choices for Gavin, Taylor and 'Stout/Sink' I think they selected actors who were good draws' and resembled the historical figures more than others. With no CGI they used vehicles to represent the actual vehicles and the audience did not have the minutia critical eye for that sort of thing - it was the story, acting and glorious music.

@joebombero1 2 күн бұрын

Check out "They Were Expendable". I retired from Texas to Cavite, Philippines in 2018. This movie really covers a lot of real history - also a lot of invented Hollywood propaganda, but well made and shows the vanishing American cultural presence in the Philippines from that era.

@DDB168 2 күн бұрын

What a great review. Cliff ! Didnt know he was in it, I must re-watch this. A 10 part series would be fantastic.

@JakeCole1453 3 күн бұрын

Geoffrey Hinsliff aka Don Brennan in Coronation Street who passed away yesterday played a wireless operator in the film. Paul, I've not watched this word from you yet but before I do I think it's a great movie. I hope you don't change my mind!

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@davidduffy5944 3 күн бұрын

Never mind Connery and Murphy, i feel the same about you 😜

@brianyee5504 3 күн бұрын

Thanks for giving me something to do this weekend…pulling the DVD while watching your commentary. Should be a more enjoyable, in depth viewing.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@dominicsoave5090 2 күн бұрын

Well remembered on The Jazz Singer.

@jumpmastermp21 2 күн бұрын

Met an 82nd vet that made that assault river crossing. Said the Germans were shooting 20mm at them. He said he got cut off behind German lines, but was smuggled through German lines in a coffin my the Dutch.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@marchuvfulz 2 күн бұрын

Great talk, Woody, loved the "100 donuts" analogy. So true of many military ops. Agree with your assessment; great as a film, some flaws, some negatives in the legacy in misleading audiences about what actually happened during OMG. And very influential that way because movies tend to have so much more impact than books. A ten part series sounds great, you should pitch an agent.

@gavinsimnett7606 3 күн бұрын

I've always thought it should have been a trilogy.

@cseivard 22 сағат бұрын

Just read it. Ryan’s research is brilliant.

@jimwalsh1958space 2 күн бұрын

i bumped my paetron monthly donation up. i wish it could be more. thank you i'll now go watch a bridge too far.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

Thank you very much

@MrFrikkenfrakken 2 күн бұрын

If I may add another comment 'A Bridge Too Far' sounds more attributed to studio promotional wonks than the historians, buffs and veterans.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

Well, it's Cornelius Ryan really

@terrysmith9362 2 күн бұрын

@@WW2TVCornelius Ryan was an Irish American journo who followed Patton around as one of his cheerleaders, so guess what, his history reflected his Anglophobia. Why not google Colonel Candy and get a proper perspective on the movie

@therealuncleowen2588 3 күн бұрын

Great idea for a show Woody. Really enjoyed hearing your thoughts. I agree with your thoughts about Connery's portrayal of Urqhuart. Connery just seems so rugged, manly, hyper competent, that even if they'd taken pains to explain just how he screwed up, the audience wouldn't have bought it. "No, HE couldn't have screwed up, just look at him. HE must have been doing the right thing. It's someone else's mistake." Haha. Sasobowski should have been portrayed by a Pole, or at least a European who could do a passable Polish accent. Hackman could then have played Gavin. I think Robert Redford was perfect for the role he played. My only complaint is that both he and Ryan O'Neal were such American heartthrobs at the time, having them in the same scenes is slightly jarring. I'd have rather Hackman played played Gavin. Someone harder edged but still able to portray empathy would have been better as Gavin. I couldn't picture Ryan O'Neal achieving command of a division by age 37.

@Jelperman 22 сағат бұрын

Gene Hackman gets grief for his Polish accent, but in this movie he's doing a dead-on impression of Zbigniew Brzezinski.

@MichaelCampin 2 күн бұрын

Dont forget that the beach obstacles in Saving Private Ryan are placed the wrong way around.

@Daragh-x3d 3 күн бұрын

I prefer long form it makes the working day go quicker 😊

@thegreatdominion949 2 күн бұрын

(25:02) There were two other Canadian actors that I know of in the movie Paul. Arthur Hill who played the battlefield surgeon who was threatened by James Caan's character and Nicolas Campbell who played the Captain (Captain Glass) that Caan's character was trying to save.

@dominicsoave5090 2 күн бұрын

I still think if in the penultimate scene with Connery & Bogarde if according to Airborne lore, Urquhart gave Browning a right hander. Having said that the scene is very powerful.

@MichaelCampin 2 күн бұрын

The Longest Day, Von Ryan's Express, etc etc

@joebombero1 2 күн бұрын

Von Ryans Express is really well made, a forgotten classic. Anyone reading these comments should check it out. You won't be disappointed.

@farizdbro9903 2 күн бұрын

The Eagle Has Landed has lots of quotable lines. “I’ve got X number of men to bury and no office for small talk”; I was under the impression the Polish army surrendered in 1939, etc.

@KMN-bg3yu 3 күн бұрын

This is such a fabulous movie. "Browning becomes the fall guy" in lieu of Monty is a great assessment that I never considered.

@Scaleyback317 3 күн бұрын

Browning had no business being in the position he was for sure but the one who should have been the fall guy (and there was probably more than one who should shoulder the responsibility was neither Browning nor Montgomery. Contrary to popular belief it was not Monty's plan. It was his idea and it was a worthy idea. The villain of the planning was a US General by the name of Brereton, inept and inexperienced in any way of airborne requirements/actions. It was great entertainment as a work largely of fiction as an historically accurate depiction it fell short in several major aspects. It served the author's wishes to offer absolution of any blame where the blame for the failure of the operation lay -on US heads and for the sake of the targetted audience (USA) skilfully avoided any finger pointing at US entities. Do your research and you'll see it's the usual whitewashing for US purposes to the detriment of all others especially the British. It just does not hold up to scrutiny.

@WW2TV 3 күн бұрын

I agree that Brereton gets off scot-free, and we have talked about him a lot on WW2TV

@nickdanger3802 2 күн бұрын

@@WW2TV Theirs Is The Glory 1946 HD kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJqployuobWMr5Y

@garymiller_85 3 күн бұрын

Great show. Agree with all your thoughts. Hope the algorithm corrects and your views pick back up again to the levels you deserve!

@dominicsoave5090 2 күн бұрын

Unused scenes on the from the Arnhem Bridge battle were used in Secret Army

@cameronsimpson-ld8nk 2 күн бұрын

Sorry I missed this live, but loving every part of it now

@josephinekush5056 2 күн бұрын

I worked with Elliott Gould in Toronto back in 1978. A bit of a ham but overall a nice guy.

@sulevisydanmaa9981 2 күн бұрын

@josephinekush5056 WAS THAT THE OSCAR PETERSON -scored The Silent Partner heist film ? Oscar s 1 of my fav pianists, along w Phineas, but Gould is not; 2 humpty dumpty. There s an Oscar coin now in the new Castroland, btw. Ke3p on truckin ...

@josephinekush5056 2 күн бұрын

@@sulevisydanmaa9981 Yep, with Chris Plummer & John Candy in a minor role.

@markbodewig8748 3 күн бұрын

Hardy Krüger played a fictional character because Heinz Harmel did not want his name mentioned in the movie.

@WW2TV 3 күн бұрын

Like anyone should have cared what a former SS commander wanted lol

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

You've posted this same reply on at least 3 WW2TV videos now. Thanks for the interaction, but I still fail to see how the loss of Commandos in Chariot has any impact on an Airborne battle over 2 years later. Now, I will concede that Chariot has a huge impact on what raids could be planned in the immediate aftermath, but not in September 1944

@patrickschellen737 3 күн бұрын

Fun show! Something different between all the serious stuff. Not sure if you saw my final comment: Jack Didden was mentioned in comments on the Edwin Popken video (and I have read some of his work in Dutch) but he's a Dutch historian specialized in Noord-Brabant area (Hell's Highway, Overloon, Pheasant, Schelde etc). He's also published in English on Kamfgruppe Walter, Kampfgruppe Chill, German 15. Army... He might be an amazing guest to have

@patrickschellen737 3 күн бұрын

oh and he's a retired (I assume) English teacher so language should be ok 😉

@WW2TV 3 күн бұрын

Yep, I had a brain fart, I have one of his books

@madcat3525 Күн бұрын

Great video! Looking forward to more videos.

@ianbusby2845 21 сағат бұрын

Hard to beat “Battle of Britain” & “The Longest Day” for star casts

@joeblow4499 3 күн бұрын

Well done Woody!

@KimBowen-oz3gz 2 күн бұрын

Somebody should film "The Cauldron" by Zeno ( actually Sgt Val Allerton of 21st Independent Parachute Company) One of the best war books ever written.

@stephenduffy5406 3 күн бұрын

"A Star Too Many'

@MaxHoffman-uz2df 2 күн бұрын

I love this movie, watch it once a year. For a feature film, it is very objective and accurate, although with some errors.

@stevenmonk4346 2 күн бұрын

“Broadsword Calling Danny Boy.”

@davemac1197 2 күн бұрын

If only 1st Airborne had some of those radios that could contact London from the German Alps!

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

Another fab movie, although pure fantasy of course

@stevenmonk4346 2 күн бұрын

It was a cartoon, but it was a lot of fun.

@robertgraves8843 2 күн бұрын

There's a couple of things I forgot to mention. "This is your life" from 1978 featuring John Frost is, I think, still locatable on YT. Arnhem survivors are invited on at one point. Worth catching. There's also an impressive looking book about the making of the film available through Amazon. Lastly, regarding casting, I was surprised to discover that Urquhart spoke in a slightly high pitched clipped English accent. So big Sean looked right but didn't sound quite right. Never mind.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

Yep Big Roy was like many posh Scots - sounded like an English toff

@Rusty_Gold85 2 күн бұрын

SRA is David's older brother . Younger people will know him in Jurassic park , we also seen him in Dr Doolittle and Flight of the Phoenix

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

Of course, and many classics like Brighton Rock, 10 Rillington Place, The Sand Pebbles etc etc

@robertgraves8843 2 күн бұрын

Like many, I do have great regard for this film. I remember when this film came out there was a degree of controversy surrounding how some aspects of the operation were prioritised. I think on the final analysis Attenborough did a worthy, comprehensive job. The way these historical events are depicted on screen and the compromises involved in the transition warrant a whole thesis independently. Regarding casting, I think they found it expedient, for example in the case of Hardy Kruger, to portray "composite characters" which allowed them to represent the "kind of " men that were there rather than be restricted to specific individuals. One anecdote I have from that time was when a friend of our family came round and, looking forward to seeing the film said: "Yeah, I'm sure it's full of blood, shit and snot, but is it really accurate?"

@Digmen1 2 күн бұрын

Its very sad, that they dont make movie like this anymore. And whats also great is that there was no female love interest to spoil it like in the Battle of Britain or Sink the Bismark

@MichaelCampin 2 күн бұрын

Elliott Gould reminds me so much of Marty Feldman, sorry I just couldnt take him seriously

@PalleRasmussen 2 күн бұрын

I am telling anyone who has a little bit of interest in WW2 to come here Paul. I cannot afford Patreon, but I do spread the word, for you do good stuff.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

Thank you

@PalleRasmussen 2 күн бұрын

@@WW2TV I love what you do. And you are a really nice guy.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

I try

@steveg3981 2 күн бұрын

Wonder if Davis Lean would have made a better movie? Likely over budget as he liked things to be accurate. Enjoyed the Horrocks portrayal. As a boy I recall him presenting series on Tv about famous battles. He was an engaging personality. Edward Fox got him right. Classic movie to be watched at least once a year alongside Zulu and Das Boot.

@kepple83 Күн бұрын

An awesome movie

@jwjohnson9547 2 күн бұрын

How dare you criticize Connery's casting - JUST KIDDING. Good show. Obviously different likes and dislikes, but that goes without saying. The overriding point is how it affects ones understanding of the history. Like a lot of media history, it peaked my curiosity to learn more. The movie served as a baseline of my understanding of the battle which has evolved after consuming several books, articles and especially WW 2 TV shows.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@Centurion101B3C 20 сағат бұрын

The reason why Fieldmarshall Montgommery was not in the movie was because he was not in it in real life. He had absolutely no involvement in command in the actual operation itself. Afterward he took some of the blame to keep General Browning out of the wind, but that's it.

@dermotrooney9584 11 сағат бұрын

@@Centurion101B3C I don't have the primary sources but think it's likely that Monty bypassed Dempsey to task Horrocks directly, as he so often did elsewhere.

@dermotrooney9584 11 сағат бұрын

@@Centurion101B3C I don't have the primary sources but think it's likely that Monty bypassed Dempsey to task Horrocks directly, as he so often did elsewhere.

@mikeainsworth4504 2 сағат бұрын

It depends on what level of command you look at. Monty was definitely in command at the Operational Level as the forces involved were assigned to 21st Army Group - the 2nd Army (which had the 1st Airborne Corps under command from the moment they landed in the Netherlands for the duration of the operation) and we was given Operational Control of the First Allied Airborne Army on the 4th September 1944 to enable him to have oversight of the planning for MARKET GARDEN. He refers to ‘my plan’ for MARKET GARDEN in his memoirs and the operation forms part of the 21st Army Group’s scheme of manoeuvre outlined in his Operational Directive M525 dated 14th September 1944 (para 15). He elaborates on this in his book ‘21 Army Group: Normandy to the Baltic’ where he writes: ‘My intention now was to establish bridgeheads over the Meuse and the Rhine in readiness for the time when we could advance eastwards to occupy the Ruhr. I ordered Second Army to secure crossings over the river obstacles in the general area Graves-Nijmegen-Arnhem. I had decided upon this thrust line after a detailed study of the possible routes in the 21 Army Group sector.’ What Monty didn’t do, and nor should he have done, was exercise command or detailed planning at the Tactical Level. That was the role of his subordinates with his oversight to ensure that they followed his intent.

@Centurion101B3C Сағат бұрын

@@mikeainsworth4504 Yes, Aye, Uhuh!, Affirmative and Agreed.and Montgommery's operational orders would be to Gen. Browning, thus delegating these to him to further these to the tactical level units as per the intent and spirit of his orders. N'est-ce pas?

@mikeainsworth4504 Сағат бұрын

@@Centurion101B3C not quite. His orders were to Dempsey (Second Army) who would command all 4 corps involved in Market Garden (1st Airborne (once landed), VIII, XII, and XXX) as well as direction to the FAAA who would develop and deliver the air plan (in conjunction with AEAF) and deploy 1st Airborne.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid, to stop Tirpitz docking there they might’ve been better utilised at the battle at Arnhem. For the sake of a few extra supply ships, and they sank Tirpitz anyway, which they could’ve done more easily at Saint Nazaire, had they waited for it to go there. The 500 commandos was a very high price. They could’ve recommissioned some bombers, for extra transport if needed, had they wanted MG to be a success. The Truth is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. An ironic punch in the goolies. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

There was not a shortage of specialist troops for Arnhem. There were full US PIRs not deployed, the whole 6th Airborne division and Commandos. I don't see what impact the loss of Commandos in Chariot had on Arnhem nearly 2 1/2 years later had. But are you genuinely saying that you think the Allied planners didn't want Market Garden to succeed? Because with all due respect, that's bonkers

@flashgordon6670 3 күн бұрын

If they didn’t waste 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid that might’ve helped win the battle at Arnhem.

@WW2TV 3 күн бұрын

I don't see the connection at all? This was 2 years after Chariot, and there wasn't a lack of specialist troops in September 1944. There was the rest of the Polish Brigade, troops from 6th Airborne and other independent US PIRs in the ETO. The shortages were in aircraft to get them to the Netherlands

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

“The shortages were in aircraft.” - Yeah right pull the other things one. I’m sure they could’ve recommissioned some bombers if they wanted MG to be a success. The fact is it was a giant faint, to keep the German panzers pinned in the Netherlands. Had MG been successful, they would’ve pulled back into Germany to fight the Russians, or been sent to the Siegfried line. They sent the extra berets, but they didn’t have commandos inside them, they were empty. It was the Gallipoli of WW2. Keep em pinned down somewhere, while other armies sweep the board clean. Chariot was just a propaganda bazaar.

@flashgordon6670 2 күн бұрын

P.s. we’re not talking about any elite forces, we’re talking about the elite of the elite.

@WW2TV 2 күн бұрын

It was not a feint at all. It was clearly a flawed plan, but it was a bold move to push into the Ruhr

@flashgordon6670 Күн бұрын

The same Ruhr that was already flattened by allied bombers and the dambusters?