History Professor Breaks Down "Gettysburg" (Part 3) / Reel History

[@ReelHistory]

Correction- George Lazenby is Australian, sorry about that.

[@parkeydavid]

And Morgan Shepherd, who plays Trimble, is a British actor and his son and him were in an episode of Doctor Who playing the same character.

[@lynngatrell7965]

Bond...James Bond.

[@michaelvaughn8864]

@@lynngatrell7965 No, Ms. Gatrell. Lazenby, George Lazenby🤣lol

[@michaelvaughn8864]

@@parkeydavid Didn't he pass on a few years ago, sir??

[@michaelvaughn8864]

No worries, sir. Honest mistake👍🙂 I read about his late son, Zach, who tragically passed from brain cancer back in '93 or '94 at aged 19. It was either the same year or the following one after Gettysburg came out in theaters😒 R.I.P.😇

[@joinjen3854]

Can you imagine being a Gettysburg resident on July 5, 1865 and having to clean this up? Horrors.

[@bizjetfixr8352]

Re: Artillery fire. My grandparents farm was some 40-50 miles southeast of Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Whe we visited during the summer, you could hear the artillery being fired at Fort Sill. Sounded like a distant thunderstorm, even though there were no clouds in the sky.

[@electrotech741]

27:20 andGeneral Lee was approx 6ft tall vs Martin Sheen 5’7 . 30:45 To think not only are drones used for video now they’re used in war. It's also interesting how American Civil War and WWII have been popularized as war games. Tom Berenger’s performance transcends the beard and hat (which I like). The one line & performance I always think of is Stephen Lang's Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett "General, I have no division."

[@lawrencedockery9032]

The comments about the amount of foliage starting at 14:07 reminds me of when my Dad, my brother, and I went to Gettysburg for the 150th anniversary back in 2013. One of the park rangers (who was from a small-town called Houston, MS only about 90 minutes from where we live in Southaven, MS) was talking about the effort to remove trees in an attempt to make it look like it did in 1863. I believe the phrase he used was "rehabilitate the battlefield." And at 16:16 when discussing Lee's comment about leaving the enemy in command of the field at Antietam: while yes he did end up eventually withdrawing, after the day of fighting at Antietam Lee had his troops hold their positions for a full day on September 18th just daring McClellan to attack him (which, if he had, would have probably ended the war then and there). So while I agree that he did eventually leave the enemy in command of the field, I'm sure that extra day's stare down played into his thinking that he didn't really just leave it to him.

[@StuartKoehl]

They succeeded. The sight lines have mostly been restored, and you can compare the view from the Angle with the perspective on the Cyclorama, and they pretty much match, now.

[@davemac1197]

Excellent part 3, really enjoyable. My notes are: Richard Jordan dying of cancer - didn't know that. Fondly remember Richard from the TV spin-off of Logan's Run in the 1970s, where he played the leading Sandman pursuing Logan. Also in David Lynch's adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune (1984) in which he played Duncan Idaho. I made a note about the justification for rebellion (seems appropriate for 4th July!). One of my favourite mini-series is the adaptation of James Clavell's Shōgun (1980), starring Richard Chamberlain, and based on the true story of the first Englishman to reach Japan in 1600. When Chamberlain's character John Blackthorne is questioned by the local warlord, Lord Toranaga - who was plotting to become Shōgun (overlord of all Japan), and asked what possible justification Blackthorne had for the Anglo-Dutch rebellion against the Catholic Church in Europe, stating there was no justification for rebellion against his Spanish and Portuguese trade allies. Blackthorne answers "...unless you win". It was this response that probably saved his life, because Toranaga recognised in Blackthorne a kindred spirit. I'm quite sure the Confederate States would have justified their rebellion against the Union on the same basis, if... they had won the war. George Lazenby's southern accent? As others have pointed out, Lazenby is Australian, and got into acting as a fomer model, like his successor as Bond - Roger Moore. He's generally regarded as the worst of the Bonds, his co-star in the one Bond film he did, Diana Rigg, reportedly couldn't stand him! Not for me to judge his southern accent, but it always amuses me when Americans are shocked to find out that Dominic West (The Wire) and Damian Lewis (Band Of Brothers) are British actors. As Lewis pointed out in an interview, the accent is part of "acting", and West explained in an interview that good British actors are cheaper than good American actors, so their use in American productions is down to simple economics. Same applies to Australians like Russell Crowe and George Lazenby. My theory about Tom Berenger's beard is that the beard had it's own agent and secured a better deal for screentime in this production. You can tell that Berenger is absolutely furious throughout the movie about being constantly upstaged! The attempt at distracting the audience by wearing a silly hat does not work, in my opinion. Great work guys, thanks for all the effort.

[@Arkade86ST]

Jordan had also started filming on The Fugitive as Dr. Nichols after Gettysburg. However, as his health worsened, he left the production. I'm glad Jared mentioned this during his analysis. When I watch Jordan's time on screen in this film, I smile, as his dedication is clearly on display.

[@davemac1197]

@@Arkade86ST - I was watching Hunt For Red October just the other night, and Richard Jordan plays the American National Security Advisor, Jeffrey Pelt, enjoying himself putting the Russian Ambassador (Joss Ackland) on the spot. Much missed.

[@lawrencedockery9032]

Fun fact: George Lazenby is actually only one of two James Bond connections found in this movie, as Maxwell Caulfield (portraying Col Strong Vincent) provided the voice for James Bond in the video game Nightfire.

[@gib59er56]

That was funny as all hell ; your comment about Tom Berenger`s beard!! That is a quick wit you have there Dave, and it really put me in a better mood, as I ( as always do) see what those men went thru during the war always makes me sick in a way, but I am always compelled to read on, or watch more, and try to understand how anyone could go thru a war that lasted 4 years and cost 600,000 men their lives. How does one endure that and if he lives through it, remain sane??

[@davemac1197]

@@gib59er56 - well thank you for your remarks, you're very kind. I'm blessed to come from a funny as all hell island called Britain - we have to laugh so you can tell who's on the other side (I call them communists, they have no sense of humour). Always enjoyed Tom Berenger's work when he's had a better agent than his beard - my favourite film of his is probably Deadly Pursuit, aka Shoot To Kill (1988), with Sidney Poitier and Kirsty Alley. It was a VHS rental hidden gem back in the '80s that has remained a firm favourite for repeat viewing.

[@johnfoxe2000]

Samuel Phillips Lee was a third cousin of Robert E. Lee. Their great-great grandfather was Richard Lee II. Richard Lee II had (among others) two sons, Henry Lee I (the great grandfather of Robert E. Lee) and Thomas Lightfoot Lee (the great grandfather of Samuel Phillips Lee). Samuel was only five years younger than Robert; the former was born in 1812, the latter in 1807. However, Samuel outlived Robert by a wider margin; he died in 1897, while Robert died in 1870. Samuel remained loyal to the Union and did not betray his oath. When pressed on the issue, he replied “When I find the word Virginia in my commission I will join the Confederacy.” Samuel remained in the United States Navy. He commanded a blockade squadron off the coasts of Virginia and North Carolina at the rank of acting rear admiral from 1862 to 1864. Afterwards, he was transferred to command a squadron on the Mississippi River, which he did until the end of the war. At war's end, he reverted to his permanent rank of captain. However, in 1870 he was promoted to rear admiral. He retired from active service in 1873. So when we say that General Armistead betrayed his oath ( 10:36 - 10:44 in this video), we are not judging them by our standards. More than plenty of his contemporaries and colleagues, using the standards of their own times, also said that General Armistead and others betrayed their oaths. Incidentally, Samuel's wife was Elizabeth Blair, the daughter of Francis Blair. Francis Blair, of course, was the person who offered the position of general to Robert at the beginning of this film.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks for your perspective!

[@DamnItDylan]

That Warren statue on Little Round Top really impacted me when I visited Gettysburg when I was 15. And I love these videos because I just chuckled when you pointed out that it's visible in that scene at the beginning of the 3rd day.

[@330-Gibson]

I was Tom Berenger's stand in during the tent scene with Richard Jordan. The next year, I was in "the Avenging Angel" (TNT) and asked Andrew Prine (Gen. Richard Garnett) if Jordan knew about the cancer during "Gettysburg" filming and Prine said Jordan did not know of it until very recently, (in 1993).

[@ReelHistory]

We remember "Avenging Angel!"

[@mikechandler8608]

We need a new Gettysburg movie. There are so many good stories completely left out!

[@Cherokee9898]

Sadly in this day and age it would be so historically inaccurate it would just make civil war buffs mad not happy

[@frankaltobelli]

Thanks

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you very much!

[@steveosborne2297]

Apparently sounds of the cannons at Waterloo could be heard in England

[@65U512]

Excellent discussion, insights, and observations.

[@lynngatrell7965]

Rest In Peace: - Richard Jordan - F. Morgan Sheppard - Kevin Conway - Andrew Prine

[@tharrigan5661]

Outstanding series. Thank you. I just visited Gettysburg and decided to watch this movie. I thought the movie was excellent, actually better than I remembered it when released back in 93. I did feel Richard Jordan as General Armistead was particularly good. I did not realize until much later that he was dying. Incredible performance by a fine actor.

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you!

[@65U512]

Would have loved to have a similar portrayal of the events at Culp ‘s Hill and East Cemetery Ridge. Your discussion is amazing.

[@williammyles]

Excellent videos thank you so much very informative and educational 😊

[@ArdennesEindhoven]

My great great grandfather, Captain Thomas V. Apperson, Company F 28th N.C. Was wounded and captured near the angle during Pickett’s Charge. Interestingly company F was from Yadkin County, NC. I was stationed at Ft. Bragg a short distance away, but at the time was not aware of this. Missed opportunity!

[@ashleywetherall]

Richard Jordon was so moving in this film.

[@lelandframe1029]

By this time, he definitely had come a long way from "Logan's Run"! And it's a crime that he was so underused in "Dune"!

[@Bb76-wj8fn]

My grandmother would tell me stories about how her grandmother would talk about how the rebels came into her home town of Carlisle and that on July 3rd she was terrified hearing the cannons going off before Pickett’s charge. This movie hits very close to home.

[@rossolson2542]

I hear every now and then that the First Minnesota had the highest casualty rates in Gettysburg. I was wondering if there are any books or movies that focus mostly upon said regiment. Thank you for any help that can be given.

[@thomaskreidler3376]

Of Harrison the Spy, Moxley Sorrell writes in his autobiography that he saw Harrison doing a Shakespearean play in Baltimore only a week or two after the Battle. Sorrell was on his way to Richmond to report on the Battle. Harrison was an accomplished actor. I visited his grave near Fort Wright, KY., opposite Cincinnati.

[@shaggycan]

30:00 it's a bit of a trigger for me when the cannons don't recoil. Kinda screams fake.

[@caras2004]

In the commentary, it was said that the cannon bombardment was the loudest noise heard in the Northern Hemisphere until the testing of the atomic bomb

[@AlexSwePR]

this seems incredibly innacurate

[@joinjen3854]

According to who?

[@caras2004]

@@joinjen3854 DVD commentary

[@robertbruce6865]

Your story about the visitors to the National Cemetery looking in vain for Buster Kilrain’s grave hits home. My first visit of five to Gettysburg was at the age of 11 or so. I read The Killer Angels on the way from SW Michigan (which also led me to “correct” our tour guide as to the direction of Law’s assault on Little Round Top), and assumed that Kilrain was real. When we stopped at the Cemetery, I spent some time trying to locate his grave, but chalked it up to him likely being in one of the numerous “unknown” graves there.

[@relvar3158]

Disheartened by the missing defense of the 1st Minnesota on the second day. Understandable given the source material, glad you addressed the defense at Culps. Great review.

[@joinjen3854]

The 1st Minnesota deserves their own show.

[@BradanKlauer-mn4mp]

The 1st Minnesota’s charge is briefly mentioned in The Killer Angels.

[@morganoconnell9824]

Excellent information. Seems to have cut at 31:56 during the bombardment

[@morganoconnell9824]

I found part 4. Nevermind

[@ReelHistory]

It continues into part 4, had to break it up to beat copyright

[@rooscow]

While living in Richmond, Virginia I had the good fortune to visit the Tredegar Ironworks where much of the Confederate armament and projectiles were produced. In May of 1863 a fire in a mill constructed on the site caught fire and burned to the ground. Among the things produced from the mill were the fuses used for the exploding projectiles used in the cannons of the Confederate army. It was suggested by the caretakers that the need to source fuses from other providers introduced a mared decrease in quality control which may have made Porters cannonade explode far beyond their intended targets.

[@gravitypronepart2201]

Both the road network and the flexible interior defence of the Union, remind me of the American defence of Bastogne. Did this battle in any way contribute to military Strategic doctrine at Bastogne?

[@danwallach8826]

I'd also thought of that comparison! Might be coincidental as roads are of course consequential. But fun to think about!

[@parkeydavid]

I would love to see you review 'Gods and Generals' sometime.

[@TR00P]

Maybe I missed it!? I didn’t see any mention of General Stuart. Would love to hear your take on him.

[@dwightcrapson6223]

6:20, error here, Law was a Brigade commander, not a Division commander.

[@WalterWild-uu1td]

I seem to recall the first casualties suffered on Cemetery Ridge weren't on the front or the crest of the ridge but some officers who were having lunch on the reverse slope. The first barrage apparently overshot the crest and struck the Union officers. I recall a comment, I think in Bruce Catton's trilogy of the Army of the Potomac, the shells struck just as an orderly was passing out butter. Just a little note calling up what seemed to be a mundane moment as the storm broke.

[@ChuckJansenII]

From studying history I have seen evidence that Old Pete did wear a similar style black felt hat at Gettysburg. There are statues of Longstreet wearing such a hat. It is possible at other times he did wear a Kepi. One thing is certain, General Thomas J. Jackson always wore a Kepi. Colonel Lyman said of General Grant "He habitually had the look as though he were determined to drive his head through a brick wall and was about to do it." They should have invented a metal army helmet for him. Oh yeah. Grant is that other General that does something big tomorrow. Grants hands President Lincoln the key to be put in his pocket. George Lazenby is Australian.

[@grumblesa10]

That Stetson style hat won't be a thing until 1880 or so. It is a little anachronistic....

[@ChuckJansenII]

@@grumblesa10 Stetson started making his hat in 1865. They were inspired by slouch hats such as those worn by officers on both sides of the conflict.

[@WesAllen]

I read “The Gettysburg Gospel” in preparation for my visit to the park, it goes into some depth on the aftermath of the battle.

[@grumblesa10]

Porter Alexander's memoir is outstanding, in that he is very even handed and criticizes himself on occasion. He also took a lot of heat in that he criticizes Lee on occasion as well. There are two editions of the book, one is based on the papers his kids found right after his death; these are strictly about his Civil War service. Another edition, edited by Dr. Gary Gallagher includes his antebellum experiences. It's worth pointing out that he was the ONLY ex-Confederate officer asked to guest lecture on a regular basis at West Point. Two fun facts about the day 3 bombardment. At the time it was the loudest noise ever heard in North America until the detonation of Little Boy. (IIRC that also includes the Crater in 1864, but I could well be incorrect on that). There are reliable reports about it being heard in Harrisburg (over 60 miles away). The movie's bombardment was the largest re-enactment artillery bombardment to date...

[@ReelHistory]

Great observations!

[@mako88sb]

Really appreciate the additional information you bring with these videos. I haven’t read The Killer Angels yet but I thoroughly enjoyed Ralph Peters book Cain at Gettysburg. Just curious if you’ve read it and how it fared for historical accuracy. Only thing was I thought you would comment on the meeting between Stuart & Lee. I don’t believe anything was ever documented by either about exactly what was said between them but it would have been interesting to hear your opinion about this movies interpretation. First time I watched this movie I wasn’t too keen about Martin Sheen as Lee but he did such a great job that I actually prefer him over David Duvall in the prequel.

[@RickDeckard6531]

Beards notwithstanding, this is a truly great film, from which I (a Brit) learned so much about the Civil War. It is on a par with all of the best war films I have seen, e.g. Waterloo (available on YT and worth watching before the Joaqin Phoenix version comes out in the autumn (fall).

[@rangerjim]

If there is an emmy award you should get it for this series. Hazaah to you.

[@hadleyscott1160]

This ended up being the reason why Meade lost his job. Both sides wounded were strung out for miles. Even in victory the North was severely hurt. Lincoln threw a fit that he didn’t go after them hard and Lee went South along the mountains. There are hidden historical trails but you have to look to find them. The high point outside Harrisburg to the North and the Calvary battlefield to the East are other sites not in the main battlefield. What the North was fighting for was a Republic and not a Democracy. Lincoln won his election because of that. Berringer wanted that hat. He thought it looked better on him. From what I understood that style hat was 1870s/1880s. My apologies I thought Cooper was an amateur from re-enactors. Jeff Daniels is a great actor. I was one of the 120 earlier in the film. He showed his ability to perform his part very well. He was 10 feet in front of me and the only time he broke script was airplanes and cars in the background. It was intense. That one scene took All Day.

[@donpietruk1517]

Except Meade never lost his job. He remained commander of the Army of The Potomac, which he had been. Grant had already been given the job of Overall Union Commander, meaning he was in charge of all Union forces in every theatre. Meade never held that position nor did Grant remove him from his post. Meade remained in command of the Army of the Potomac until the end of the war. It's a common myth that Meade was removed from command.

[@cleverusername9369]

Random question: Jared mentioned that the citizenry of Gettysburg would've applied peppermint oil to a handkerchief to protect themselves from the stench of death. In "Schindler's List," when Amon Göth first arrives at Płaszów, he seems to be breathing through a handkerchief. Would it be fair to assume he's doing the same thing?

[@Dav1Gv]

Many of the books I've read seem to suggest that, at best, Longstreet was 'working to rule' on the second day because he disagreed wtih Lee's plan and that he wanted to move the whole army round the Union left, take up a position and defend against Federal attacks. I cannot see that that would be a viable option. It would have involved breaking contact - never easy - on exterior lines and then moving through unknown country with no - or at best limited - cavalry recconnaissance. Even if this was possible would the Confederate Army's supply position allowed it to wait anywhere - sending foraging parties out with enemy cavalry close by would just have lost men. I've never seen this point mentioned in any books and wondered if you had any thoughts on it. I live in the UK and have been interested in military history, notably the ACW and WW1 since I was at school in the late '50s. I saw the film when it was released over here and since then I've visited many of the major ACW battlefields on visits to the US including Gettysburg (on one trip we stayed in Fredercksburg, what a lovely town!) and am a member of the WFA and been to most of the battlefields on the Western Front.

[@georgemartin1436]

Good info, as always. On a separate matter, have you considered "The Right Stuff"? Plenty of "cinematic liberties" to deal with...

[@mako88sb]

Really enjoyed that movie except for the ridiculous portrayal of Gus Grissom. I haven’t read the book but apparently he was treated fine in it. Quite the travesty what Hollywood did for entertainment value. His family should of sued their asses off.

[@georgemartin1436]

@@mako88sb Agreed...and there was no need to portray him in that way

[@coleparker]

Interesting, a few years ago while working as an archaeologist on Edwards AFB, I met Chuck Yeager who was doing a video about his stay on the base. While we were out at the Pancho Barnes site, he sat in my vehicle during a break to have some water and get out of the heat. I asked him about the movie the Right Stuff, which I had seen, and how accurate it was. He told me, it was about 85 to 90 percent accurate and 15 to 10 percent BS.

[@Chipotleadvisory]

I watch this movie every year usually on Memorial Day I guess it makes more sense to watch it over the July 4th Holiday

[@Mr508films]

Richard Jordan died while the film, in fact around the time that his own wounding scene was being edited. Not during actual filming

[@donaldhelsel8711]

I would also highly recommend reading the Harper's ferry civil war almanac

[@paul-we2gf]

I have heard that parts of the Falaise area of France also smelt of death after Operation Goodwood in July August 1944

[@JessCausey]

My Great-great-grandfather was part of the 14th Tennessee. He was wounded during Pickett's charge

[@dzelman444]

The hottest exchange that day was not the artillery barrage between US and rebel artillery. It was between Hancock and Freeman McGilvery when Hancock wanted McGilvery to open fire prematurely and McG wasn't having it. The most profane general in either army unloaded on a Maine sea captain and got as hot as he gave. Also this entire sequence of the movie is Henry Hunt erasure!

[@jeffsmith2022]

Love this film and cast...

[@karlsenula9495]

If I am correct there were a number John Wayne movies that included the Civil War (The Horse Soldiers etc.) And even Clint Eastwood movies had Civil War elements (The Good the Bad and the Ugly ... The Outlaw Josey Wales). Reruns of these were popular on Network TV around this time as well.

[@marknewton6984]

Also "The Raid" with Van Heflin.

[@jakebeach7056]

I really liked Tom Berenger as Longstreet. Hat and beard.

[@jamesbevan9989]

Would like to see your take on a video game called "war of rights"

[@walt2840]

Picket's Charge was Lee offering Meade what Zun Su called the "Golden Door". An open route of retreat.

[@anthonyramsey4346]

Saying that Gen. Armistead betrayed his oath is a bit of a stretch. I served 20 years in the Army, with reenlistments, and I don't recall ever making an oath to slaughter my countrymen, or to allow others to slaughter my neighbors.

[@Renfield37]

i am thinking lees hq was filmed at the wiekert house there b just before little round top across from the 1st new jersey brigade monument

[@nolimendoza4588]

George Lazenby was actually Australian, not British. But, i love your presentation... ! Well done.

[@ReelHistory]

Check this out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYurZYyva6iIr9k

[@TimMcCurry-ue9kr]

The troops running up to Robert E. Lee in the movie was, indeed, totally spontaneous and unscripted. It was not part of the movie script. I have two friends that participated in that movie scene. However, as my friends told me, the scene was re-enacted twice. When it initially happened, there was no filming happening. As I understand it, and as it was told to me by my friends who were there, Martin Sheen was riding across the field, when the Confederate re-enactors stood up and started running and cheering “General Lee.” Director Maxwell heard all the commotion going on. He saw what was happening, and had the re-enactors, along with Sheen to re-enact the scene again so it could be filmed. But, it was not a scripted scene that was always going to be a part of the movie. It was totally spontaneous. My friends who were there told me about it.

[@aolcom-nl9qb]

Gen. Hood was a Texan,so I think part of his decision to Bully his way at Franklin with high casualties was him thinking under pressure the confederates under Lee at Gettysburg should've regrouped survivors and charged the Union center again and if Hood was in charge I'm certain they would've with the Union likely pulling back,but line not broken.

[@tamiramos5873]

With all the advances in special effects, I really wish they would do a remake of this movie...today's climate needs it. The sheer death and aftermath as well as what happened in town needs to be displayed. There are people forgotten that only those who visit Gettysburg may discover - we need to get more people there to to truly understand what happened there. / I am SOOOO glad they are doing that restoration project by removing the trees that were not there or to make it look like what it appeared back then. / Tom Berenger was to have said that this was his favorite movie role to play - have you heard this? / Is the rot-iron fence around the trees the original that was installed? / Do you know where the actual filming location was for the cannon barrage?

[@progKansas]

I suggest you watch Atun Shei Film's take on Gettysburg.

[@wodhilton]

My 2nd great granddad was hospital steward for the Union Maryland 1st, formerly the Potomac Home Guard. My great grandad married a Gettysburg girl , lived and is buried there in Greenwood cemetery. Took his son, my grandad on the anniversary of the battle and he brought his cigar box of spent bullets, eyeglass frames, buttons and buckles he collected from Devil's Den and the Peach Orchard as summering with his maternal grand parents their. Thank you this fine work.

[@fireman19841]

I have been to Gettysburg I don’t know how many times and never knew about the monument on Big Round Top. Looks like I am grabbing my hiking boots

[@WalterWild-uu1td]

Interesting fact regarding Pickett. Although he was a true Southern fire eater, he refused to listen to any derogatory comments regarding Abraham Lincoln. It was Lincoln when serving in Congress who supported the appointment of Pickett to West Point...and Pickett never forgot he owed his career to the Northern President.

[@bilanovitch]

It was one of the longest days of the year, plus I just checked there was a full moon on the night of July 1 so I can see them fighting in a long long twilight at Culps Hill.

[@spidurfiji]

Love the Farnsworth House!!! Great game pie!!

[@johnnynielsen3006]

Longstreets assault or 'Pickett's charge' has a Waterloo feeling to it. Why Napoleon and Lee 50 years later insisted on attacking, we will never know. Napoleon have to my knowledge never fought a defensive battle, so maybe that's why on Waterloo...

[@williamhoole2065]

I hear "Cementary Ridge" no? Is it not Seminary Ridge?

[@ReelHistory]

Both! they are 2 separate locations within the entire battlefield. We have a video on the Seminary Ridge Museum and some of it's history if you're interested.

[@williamhoole2065]

@@ReelHistory ok got it!

[@Rammstein0963.]

"Fiery Kentuckian" That's a funny way to say "overly aggressive idiot" (which by almost all accounts, Hood was).

[@jackmcgonegal8728]

Thanks for commenting on that wild badger Berenger has on his face and that parasol on top of his head. Him saluting with the cigar in his hand was also annoying as hell. I grew up thinking that Pickett's Charge was a "charge muskets and run full speed at the enemy" charge. It was more "a slow walk to be slaughtered by Henry Hunt's artillery" charge. When I visited the battlefield while a student at the War College, two students, one from the north and one from the south, got into a heated argument about some detail of the the charge. I got to paraphrase one of my favorite movie quotes from Dr. Strangelove. "Gentlemen, you can't fight here. This is a battlefield."

[@jonrolfson1686]

A very Bon Mot, indeed!

[@jaredf2773]

In your opinion, do you think Handcock & Armistead spent time thinking about each other from the good days or, and one historian said in a podcast, that friendship was out the window and each one was thinking about how to destroy each other’s forces?

[@pvtjohntowle4081]

1963? Don't you mean 1863? 24:15

[@JoannaCrickenberger]

On what you said at the beginning of this video, true the film's not 100% accurate, along with a couple fictional characters. But based on my own knowledge, it still runs about 80-90% historically accurate, with a little fiction and Hollywood thrown in there. It really is hard to get much more authenticate then this film. I did know even as a high schooler when I first saw this film that the average and overweight soldiers, especially the Johanny Reb at the beginning, weren't quite accurate. Reenactors acknowledge that they certainly aren't ill and starving, and the average reenactor is at least a decade older than the average civil war solider (although there were many older men over 40 in the ranks as well). Non the less, they do the very best they can. I think you said in a previous video, that the actually loudest of the battle was like 10 times what is heard in the movie, mostly for the horses on set. My husband pointed out that the horses in the civil war would've been used to the battlefield thunder and ground shaking. But also, modern day Americans and reenactors, and the Hollywood actors and crow, aren't used to such loudness and it would damage their hearing. Also, the smoke in the movie isn't quite as thick as it would've been on the battlefield, but if the smoke was anywhere near as thick as what it actually was, we couldn't see anything on camera, or in live reenactments. What's the point of making the movie if you can't see it?! 😉

[@WalterWild-uu1td]

Shelby Foote had a very telling comment about Lee and his relationship with the troops. He points out that a good number of the southerners knew what they were walking into and that they could very likely be killed. But as Foote points out, they were more fearful of letting Lee down than conducting the assault. He was that trusted. But the pro Confederate historians tend to gloss over the fact that Lee wasn't always so beloved. In the Peninsula campaign he was still known as a defensive general...they called him the King of Spades and Granny Lee. He commanded one of the worst debacles the South suffered in the early war, when he sent charge after charge against Union artillery at Malvern Hill. But after Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, the memory of that mistake, in many ways much like the Union disaster at Cold Harbor three years later, was forcefully forgotten. Lee had become the shining hope of the South by the summer of '63...the South for the most part could not conceive of Lee ever being wrong.

[@marknewton6984]

Lee fired Magruder after Malvern Hill. Lee thought it was a dumb attack and too late.

[@PFB1994]

Interesting to hear how much trouble Longstreet had for going against Lee. Found this clip of President Eisenhower almost 100 years later still on the side of Robert E Lee at Gettysburg. Referring to British Field Marshall Montgomery basically saying Lee should have been fired for Pickett's charge. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4DVpYKiip2Zb7s

[@cretene1]

OH NORTH AND SOUTH NOT MENTIONED?

[@josephgambill6529]

I was a extra in the movie, Tom Berenger was not well thought of by the crew, had a friend take a picture of him coming of a Port a potty. He didn't like that much. I would go to farnsworth house after filming, he bought the whole place on occasion so he wouldn't be bothered. What a jerk.

[@ReelHistory]

Wow!

[@jamesalexander5623]

That Hat was there to Balance the Beard ..... What would Longstreet have looked like in a Kepi?

[@karlsenula9495]

Didn't Confederate forces get to the outskirts of Harrisburg, PA prior to the Battle of Gettysburg but the Union forces had burned the bridges crossing the Susquehanna River? Wouldn't that be the Confederate high water mark?

[@ReelHistory]

Geographically, yes. Tactically, no.

[@marknewton6984]

Jubal Early captured Harrisburg.

[@loudelk99]

I studied the civil war in High school and it's always been a passion for me. Longstreet was right, rhis was not "good ground" to fight a battle.

[@marknewton6984]

Ask Longstreet about Seven Pines. Johnston had to cover for him.

[@cretene1]

credit goes to waterloo for there filming then

[@bjohnson515]

Though Scott and Armistead were friends, Winfield Scott Hancock and Henry Heth were closer. At the time depicted in the film, John Gibbon was the commander of the II Corps. Choice of hats and beards were...ill advised. Lee was 56 at the time.....the depiction of Lee is that of an old man just before nap time. And as mentioned, Hood was in his 30s......not the older guy in the movie. As Chamberlain was sent to LRT, as part of Strong Vincent's brigade of the 1st Division of the V Corps, there was violent conflict just to the west. The movie was remiss in not providing the backdrop of cannon fire, etc. I think you lumped Longstreet's memoirs into the "fine" category. That is not the general opinion of his work.

[@johnnylongfeather3086]

“Tald” = told. “Potommack” = Potomac. “Dorring” = during. “Pwopular” = popular. “Hancwock” = Hancock. “Hoits” = heights. “Owen-gowwing” = ongoing.

[@obxboy1073]

Regarding Berenger’s (and many other actors’) beards: Gettysburg operated under a ‘right to work’ law with non-union hair and makeup artists. Clear case of ‘you get what you pay for.

[@lelandframe1029]

Glad to see I'm not the only one who got a kick out of Berenger's fake beard! 🤣

[@ReelHistory]

Glorified roadkill glued onto a face.

[@davidbiren2062]

20th Maine not at the center... But the 1st Minnesota was! Ask the 28th Virginia!

[@aaronburdon221]

To be fair, I don't think it was really possible for the north to lose that fight once they got on the hill and fully deployed and fortified. They outnumbered the Confederates, they were entrenched on higher ground, they were fortified, and they had easier communication and reinforcement abilities. Not to mention the bulk of the confederate forces were coming off of hard forced marches. It's amazing it wasn't more of a rout on the confederate side to be honest. I'm giving Meade his due as a victor, but lets be fair here in saying that the bulk of it was Lee's pride that lost him this battle.

[@donpietruk1517]

The same can be said of some of Lee's victories earlier in the war. Bad Union generalship was as much a cause of Union defeats as anything. The prime example is Hooker inexplicably freezing in his attack at Chancellorsville after Lee had split his forces. Even though Hooker could not know about the split he was still in an advantageous position to attack. He could have ground up Lee's army piecemeal if he attacked according to plan.

[@aaronburdon221]

@@donpietruk1517 I concur. There were a few masterpieces that Lee concocted but a good portion of his early victories were the Union's inability to properly manage and organize and train their men. Like I said, I wasn't taking away from Meade's victory, but he had so many advantages it would've been hard for him to lose the fight in totality. Even if he (Meade) HAD lost the fight, it would've put the army of Virginia out of commission for awhile due to the massive casualties.

[@donpietruk1517]

@@aaronburdon221 Yes very likely true. Lee lost so many commanders and men in that battle I don't realistically see himbwith the ability to continue forward with a credible offensive campaign. Taking Harrisburg was actually fraught with a lot more difficulties than most people imagine and would have afforded the Union Army some interesting opportunities. The Union army had the ability to replenish the men they lost and the Confederacy just didn't. I just don't see Meade making some of the egregious errors that his predecessors did. He's too good a general despite the criticism of him. Most of the division and brigade commanders were experienced and hardened. The question though to me is the political impact more than the pure military impact of the loss. If Meade doesn't get sacked I think it's better for the Union but there were still good commanders to choose from by this time. It's extremely unfortunate that Reynolds was killed at Gettysburg and Hancock essentially incapacitated. If Meade were sacked either of them would have made excellent overall commanders.

[@pjwhitten7119]

There are 2 powerful scenes you did not even mention in this review. I realize you can’t fit them all in but General Lee’s conversation with General Stuart on his return I thought needed to be mention. Most importantly though was General Armistead’s Virginia speech to Col. Fremantle. I thought it maybe one of the 4 or 5 most powerful scenes in the movie and you made no mention of it. I think it gives an amazing look into the Virginians that made up the Army of Northern Virginia. Is there a reason you didn’t mention it?

[@MrRimant]

LoL. Just wanted to chime in real quick about Lazenby. He is Australian, not British.

[@tomjones5650]

Buster Kilrane like Santa Claus, legends who never existed.😊

[@sabrinashelton1997]

In those days, your loyalty would more likely lie with your state. To draw your sword against your state would be to draw your sword again your home and family, I'm not sure you would have much of a choice.

[@davidwoolbright3675]

Yet there were many officers that didn’t turn on their country.

[@sabrinashelton1997]

@@davidwoolbright3675 And again, you don;t seem to get it. It would be more likely to have loyalty to your STATE than to your 80 something year old country that itself was formed by revolution. You didn't live back then and apparently you want to apply today's standards to another era. People these days are very short sighted and have very little depth, not to mention only want to show an interest in expressing loyalty to this country when it serves their interest. Have a nice day, David.

[@davidwoolbright3675]

I didn’t apply any standard of today. All I stated was that there were plenty of officers-and entire regiments from the south that stayed loyal to their country. It’s just a fact.

[@sabrinashelton1997]

@@davidwoolbright3675 Well, what is your point exactly? Most stayed loyal to their state and that is what I said. If you can say that "some" Southerners fought for the Union, how does that negate what I said? So?

[@sabrinashelton1997]

@@davidwoolbright3675 Some Americans stayed loyal to Britain during the Revolutionary War, too. So what?

[@Midrac61]

George Lazenby is Australian, not British.

[@lynngatrell7965]

This is one of my all-time favorite films. The beards get a lot of criticism in this film (and rightfully so), but the greater sin is the southern accents. Some of them make me want to tear my own face off! "Fattin' for muh rats"? I have lived in Tennessee and been allover that state, and NO ONE talks that way. It would have sounded more like "rahts." "I moved this mohnin' as duh-rected." I think the only preparation that "actor" did for the accent was watch cartoons of Yosemite Sam.🤦

[@benhaney9629]

It’s going to be hard to stab people with that hat on your sword. And you aren’t going to want to wear that hat again if you do...

[@jstrick85]

"betray his oath" is a little simplistic

[@brucenadeau2172]

2 brigade nearly did break the union center

[@donpietruk1517]

They reached the lines but they were so understrength that unless there were massive numbers of troops there to follow-up the break was meaningless. There were similar such Union breakthroughs of Southern lines in other battles that were equally meaningless because the rest of the attack never arrived.

[@danmc7815]

The one issue I have with the commentary is saying General Armistead betrayed his oath that he took when joining the U.S. Army. Even if it is the same oath I once took. My issue would be that I doubt he considered that he was betraying that oath. A lot of people today can read the Constitution and disagree about what it means on various issues. I bet we could all easily find people that fall on either side of the Constitutional issues around either abortion and/or gun control. I do not know what Armistead thought, but the way he is portrayed his loyalty was with Virginia, not the U.S. It may well be that he thought states could legitimately opt out of the Union. I doubt many Americans think so today, but the movie depicts events of long ago. Also, we just can not understand how the people of this day thought and prioritized things in their minds. We are today a transient culture. Many of us have lived in a number of states. I have lived in at least four. We do not have the same loyalty to our states versus the nation. And, their thinking about slavery and how they thought of it, unless that wrote it down, we can not know. We come from a different world. I can readily declare slavery to be evil and vile. It is. But, I am not ready to declare the soldiers of the Confederacy to be either. Their cause, yes, I might concede that or at least the prime reason for it to be vile. But, I am not ready to judge and condemn the men, mostly because I cannot put myself in their place.

[@googalacticgoo]

Jeff Daniels looks like the real Chamberlain

[@thomasgentry9624]

Beringer's beard was awful. A Davey Crockett hat glued to his face. Guess that's when the financing ran short

[@DeanDominoOfTheSierraMadre]

You kept calling America a democracy. We might be one now and that is very unfortunate because we were not during the civil war and we were not founded as one. We were a Federal Republic. Our founders said over and over that democracy was what we were specifically trying to avoid. Democracy, as Reagan said, is two wolves and a sheep deciding what to have for dinner.

[@fredbays]

Where did u learn to pronounce carrion The "O" is almost a "I" Very soft "O" not the hard one in the word "on." Come one I know ur PhD is history but still...