The Road to Mandalay by Rudyard Kipling read by Charles Dance - 70th VJ Day commemoration London

[@dennis215357]

The casting directors for The Crown must have seen this and been like “that’s our guy.”

[@paudsmcmack3117]

Oh, I thought he did this after the crown, thanks for the info! Prefer the cockney version

[@hu3bman]

IKR ...Charles Dance is PERFECT as Lord Mountbatten 🤣👌🙌🙌

[@grichkatayou7558]

@@hu3bman Charles Dance is PERFECT as any Lord . Mountbatten , Lannister etc

[@georgehutana2494]

By the old Moulmein Pagoda, lookin' lazy at the sea, There's a Burma girl a-settin', and I know she thinks o' me; For the wind is in the palm-trees, and the temple-bells they say: "Come you back, you British soldier; come you back to Mandalay! " Come you back to Mandalay, Where the old Flotilla lay: Can't you 'ear their paddles chunkin' from Rangoon to Mandalay ? On the road to Mandalay, Where the flyin'-fishes play, An' the dawn comes up like thunder outer China 'crost the Bay! 'Er petticoat was yaller an' 'er little cap was green, An' 'er name was Supi-yaw-lat - jes' the same as Theebaw's Queen, An' I seed her first a-smokin' of a whackin' white cheroot, An' a-wastin' Christian kisses on an 'eathen idol's foot: Bloomin' idol made o' mud Wot they called the Great Gawd Budd Plucky lot she cared for idols when I kissed 'er where she stud! On the road to Mandalay... When the mist was on the rice-fields an' the sun was droppin' slow, She'd git 'er little banjo an' she'd sing "Kulla-lo-lo! With 'er arm upon my shoulder an' 'er cheek agin my cheek We useter watch the steamers an' the hathis pilin' teak. Elephints a-pilin' teak In the sludgy, squdgy creek, Where the silence 'ung that 'eavy you was 'arf afraid to speak! On the road to Mandalay... But that's all shove be'ind me - long ago an' fur away An' there ain't no 'busses runnin' from the Bank to Mandalay; An' I'm learnin' 'ere in London what the ten-year soldier tells: "If you've 'eard the East a-callin', you won't never 'eed naught else." No! you won't 'eed nothin' else But them spicy garlic smells, An' the sunshine an' the palm-trees an' the tinkly temple-bells; On the road to Mandalay... I am sick o' wastin' leather on these gritty pavin'-stones, An' the blasted English drizzle wakes the fever in my bones; Tho' I walks with fifty 'ousemaids outer Chelsea to the Strand, An' they talks a lot o' lovin', but wot do they understand? Beefy face an' grubby 'and - Law! wot do they understand? I've a neater, sweeter maiden in a cleaner, greener land! On the road to Mandalay... Ship me somewheres east of Suez, where the best is like the worst, Where there aren't no Ten Commandments an' a man can raise a thirst; For the temple-bells are callin', an' it's there that I would be By the old Moulmein Pagoda, looking lazy at the sea; On the road to Mandalay, Where the old Flotilla lay, With our sick beneath the awnings when we went to Mandalay! O the road to Mandalay, Where the flyin'-fishes play, An' the dawn comes up like thunder outer China 'crost the Bay !

[@shuc1985]

Didn't he play a key character in the later episodes of Jewel in the Crown as well?

[@斎藤貴志-o4r]

I am a Japanese and my country fought against the United Kingdom and its allies in the Berma during WWII. Although I am not good at English, this beautiful poem enable me to understand the British soldiers faught bravely in the area. I wish both countries never fight each other in a war.

[@davelawrence8627]

We won’t fight each other ever again ! Thank you for your kind comment …

[@giovanniberetta3374]

Well thought, well said, I am not British nor Japanese however I admire both of you. I am from Chile.

[@vividbluemarine606]

Your comment is wise and correct. Thank you. I'm British and I hate the atrocities committed in WW2 by the WW2 Japanese. You are a new generation and I applaud your words of peace. We must, together, look to the future. Once again, thank you.

[@tonyanderton3521]

I visited your country several years ago on holiday. I have to tell you that the experience was wonderful. The country is truly impressive, and the Japanese are the most, friendly, polite and courteous people I have ever met. I always tell my friends that they must visit Japan.

[@mikerandall995]

Out of China, across the bay, 2027

[@oldhippiejon]

Remembering my father Sgt J. Jones 14th Army, Burma Star, passed away aged 95 in 2018, he who served, peace at last Dad.

[@Lilbunnialice404]

A true hero, Godspeed sir

[@stephenbailey1931]

Respect and thanks to him. Never to be forgotten.

[@cjgangi0123]

Lest we forget. 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@COADempsey]

God Bless Him - thank you for your Service Sergeant Jones 🙏❤️

[@sugarcan1110]

My grand dad died 2020 he was in 14th where can I find more info on it he was 103

[@commando4481]

Never forget the soldiers of the commonwealth who fought the Japanese in the Far East. British,Indians,Aussies,New Zealanders,Malayans,Africans and Canadians. Never forget.

[@christopherdavis80]

They were magnificent. All of them. For me never to be forgotten.

[@mikeyates7931]

He who Forgets History is Doomed to Repeat it - so never let it be forgot

[@iandemontfort4276]

And the Rhodesians

[@yaminzayarthaw2448]

Please don't forget Burmese where the Road to Mandalay belongs.

[@Alfred5555]

@@iandemontfort4276 Those crying "never forget" the loudest, have already forgotten the most.

[@SimoneWhite-j4g]

My father was Major Thomas Tripp fought in Burma in the war - RIP dear dad - what a beautiful Poem

[@megamonkeyblaster3627]

I'm an American, but after hearing this, I have tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. And I'm not ashamed of that.

[@matthewgabbard6415]

We lost boys in Burma too

[@Morsificator]

I'm a Romanian and get tears in my eyes...

[@LonelyNPC]

@@matthewgabbard6415 yeah The Allies vs Japanese

[@nicolaking7798]

My father had nightmares about his time in Burma till the day he died. He loved Kipling and would recite this frequently

[@miksmith41]

One of the greatest readings I have ever heard. I watched this at the time and it is something I have never forgotten. He makes it all very real indeed.

[@terryleddra1973]

I love the way Charles slightly drops the 18/1900s cockney accent to emphasise the last few lines. Superb rendition. Thank you Charles.

[@tomaso1]

Melancholy is a potent emotion. Kipling’s poems are often timeless. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@lucasgrey927]

Come back you British soldier, come back to Mandalay. Nice one Charles.

[@criticuttam]

At least a hundred of the views must be mine. Kipling, who I think is one of the best poets in the whole of English language, is read marvellously by Dance.

[@mikeyates7931]

I couldn't agree more , my brother - "if" and "Gunga Din" are two of kipling's other masterpieces

[@davidharrison6615]

we can not begin to imagine what these giants among men endured no matter how much we watch films or read books . no matter how long we served ourselves . heroes all . After 19 years service I still cannot begin to imagine . RIP lads .

[@thechadillac1211]

I lived for 17 years in rural Vietnam and Cambodia. I understand. This may be my favorite poem ever. It still rings true. “If you heard the east a-callin……. I’ve a neater sweeter maiden, in a cleaner greener land”

[@stanbattle7436]

I cant believe how good this recitation is,,, Im learning this poem so that I can teach English in India and if I can do it half as well I will have accomplished something,,, now I have my benchmark and I will bloody well try!!

[@Stevenwigmore]

This is both beautiful and brilliant. Probably the best poem reading I've ever heard.

[@cellis3045]

Only an actor such as Dance could give this justice and recite it perfectly..

[@tonyanderton3521]

Such a moving recital; it brings a lump to my throat. This is why I love Kipling - he gives voice to the poorly-educated, working-class Brit in such affecting personal terms.

[@jamespfitz]

I'm neither British nor a veteran, but this brings tears to my eyes.

[@ayandameyiwa4381]

Oh my God, that was beautiful! And I'm not even British yet my eyes are welling up with tears😭😭😭

[@souvikmondal3591]

Who came here after watching season 3 of crown?? 😁 P.S- charles dance is a damn fine actor!! ❤️

[@chrisholland7367]

War in the far east British and commonwealth troops who fought the might of the Japanese imperial forces during ww2 🇬🇧🇦🇺

[@MrSunlander]

incredible they chose Dance to portray old Louie.....

[@ezequielmor]

I did

[@pjmoseley243]

I came after listening to Chris Ewbank reading IF to his son Chris EwBank the retired Boxer.

[@tassie57]

Rudyard Kipling and Charles Dance, perfect

[@jackfullerton5762]

Impressive, Inspiring!

[@MacMcCaskill]

Kipling's poem, written in 1890, refers to the third Anglo-Burmese war in 1885, when Britain annexed Burma. It was declared a British colony in 1886 and remained so until 1948, when it was returned to independence, along with India & Pakistan. The "steamers" and "paddles" refer to the paddle steamers the British used to transport troops up the Irrawaddy River to Mandalay.

[@hermoglyph2255]

I think that misunderstands the poem a bit. It's not a war poem, but a love poem. The chap is lamenting his lost love.

[@MrShekoexile]

I can't read or hear this without my tears; they fall like rain and my throat all choked and useless outta Thailand, back the day

[@vichoy6575]

nice one scott

[@twickersruss]

Beutifully said Scott , "and my throat all choked and useless " could almost be Kipling what you wrote. Its a magnificent work.

[@stephenbailey1931]

Well recited by an awesome actor. Thank you Charles.

[@lovearomatica]

I’m here because of The Crown season 3. Right after that seen with the same speech he eloquently, intelligently and flawlessly delivered I looked his name up and saw this footage. I’m astounded by this gentleman's acting skills back in GoT. Now I am seemingly reminded by his incredible talent. I’m in love with his acting. Literally clapped after the whole speech. Bravo.

[@benspigener3037]

I am not a brit but this truly stirs the heart for the heroes of the British people! GOD SAVE THE QUEEN !!!

[@jamesrobert7043]

GOD SAVE THE KING! ❤

[@chrisholland7367]

The titanic struggle to retake Burma by the British 14th army against a formidable enemy and an unforgiving environment. The poem completely describes what the British soldier may I have felt during his struggle for survival in jungles of Burma and Mayalisa.

[@corinam.2633]

What is with you British actors? Is something in the air or what? Not only you are talented beyond limit, but also gorgeous, polite, witty, you name it, they have it. Not to mention how regal Charles looks, i miss these old chivalry in a man.

[@pjmoseley243]

I just take it as a compliment so thankyou cousins

[@mikelloyd1486]

My old Lodge was formed by those who took part and served in the Burma/Kohima conflict and we sang that wonderful song after dinner every month! Every time there were grown men with tears falling down their faces, including me.

[@megamonkeyblaster3627]

My grandfather served in China and Burma, with an American outfit. 2nd Combat Cargo, USAAF, from November 1943 to Sept 1945. He flew C-47's over the "hump".

[@sabineingemeyer4853]

I've never heard of it before. I have tears in my eyes. So touching, so beautifully read. Thank you for uploading and thanks to charles dance

[@ericellis3506]

Written by Kipling at the age of 25

[@jks4465]

Charles Dance read this poem impressively. Due to the Crown and his performance as Lord Mountbatten I remembered this video. Although his performance in The Crown was good, this is very impressive.

[@shuc1985]

He also played Guy Perron in The Jewel in the Crown in the 1980s. That was a popular show as well.

[@Bruce-1956]

The Forgotten Army. I knew men who fought in Birma, they never talked about it.

[@BlayneRiley]

Excellent reading. He captures the humanity of the subject very well. I love this.

[@sandfly]

Very moving, beautifully recited. Whatever the PC crowd might think, Kipling hits the spot.

[@rogueriderhood1862]

A great poem, beautifully read by Charles Dance. I wish he'd done more of these.

[@stephen130]

And to see and hear the marvellous and stirring rendition of this great poem again by this same great man playing the Lord Mountbatten in season 3 of The Crown, 4 years later.. It makes ones heart swell with pride for ones noble ancestors who did so much and who sacrificed so much. Love from Australia

[@philiphamer5959]

Superb. A wonderful actor acts this brilliantly dramatic poem. Magnificently elegaic.

[@nannettesidebottom5960]

I learnt this in primary school, and the words still ring in my ears. On the Road to Mandalay

[@adventussaxonum448]

Reminds me of my dad. He used to recite it and sing the song. When he joined 42 cdo, a fair few of his NCOs were veterans of Kangaw, (although his best mate landed on Juno beach supporting the Canadians). Many of the veterans of all branches of the services later joined the Burma Star Association. Being part of the Forgotten Fourteenth, and attached units, was more important to them than the unit or branch. They understood in a way that others couldn't.

[@jonnnyren6245]

Him saying it as Uncle Dickie in full Admiral of the Fleet uniform in Episode 5 of Season 3 of the Crown makes this extremely scary and goosebump filled. Nicely done Tywin.

[@garethbroughton4530]

He says it like he was there thats how good he is ❤

[@lisastallingskeelor3328]

I loved this. Where have all the great writers gone?

[@pjmoseley243]

there are so many writers its hard to fined that unique writer like Kipling its worth reading kiplings "IF" the boxer Chris Eubank has learnt it off by heart because he quotes it to his boxer son I am sure you will love it.

[@rdewsbury777]

Beautiful poem. Beautifully read. It gave me shivers

[@guruji1215]

It refreshes my memory in a delightful way, taking me back to those days. Thanks sir

[@oliverlindsey1363]

A great poem with brilliant delivery!

[@davidgould5708]

Thanks for that KZbin algorithm. Fantastically emotive rendition from one of national treasures.

[@ThePoliticrat]

My favorite poem of all time. Makes me tear up whenever I hear it or recite it.

[@davidroman1342]

It makes me proud to be British. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧Brave men. It’s in our blood. Rest in peace queen Elizebeth. God save the king. Charles dance is awesome.

[@shuc1985]

For those who only know him for his role in The Crown: Charles Dance played Guy Perron in a mini-series 'The Jewel in the Crown' which was made in the 1980s. The show was very popular on television in its day. Do take a look at that

[@jackiesteward1958]

Very moving the music the words and Charles Dance voice 🇬🇧

[@mattep74]

Hands up if you want this at the funeral of the Queen

[@janeminwell4395]

Have loved Kipling from a young age reading the Jungle books. Charles does him credit here.

[@bl7355]

A beautiful Poem, beautifully read. The most haunting poem I have ever heard is the Rose of Coventry. I heard it read to Moonlight Sonata, which was also the name the Luftwaffe gave to the bombing mission. It moved me to tears.

[@sarahkoe1903]

Hi B L. I love poetry, so I tried to look up the poem you mentioned, "The Rose of Coventry". However, I could not find it online, or rather, I found many different poems which had slightly different titles. Could you give me the first few words or the author's name, so I can identify the poem you meant? Thanks!

[@Bobby071161]

Absolutely fantastic reading. Thank you

[@sparkymmilarky]

Downloaded this onto my phone. Absolutely beautiful

[@2490debrick]

Stunningly well read...

[@alexk6343]

The way he switches the accents... amazing.

[@schwartzenheimer1]

Well done, sir. Very moving, love this poem.

[@KingAgniKai]

Well well well. Who's seen The Crown Season 3 Episode 5

[@rampagenelson9658]

You can hear the Raw emotion in his voice

[@esejsnake1503]

Charming and very, very sad. This is why we adore Charles Dance.

[@tomburton8239]

So this is why they inserted into Series 3 of TheCrown, the scene where Charles Dance playing Lord Louis Mountbatten, reads the first verse to a packed hall of the Burma Star Association. A very moving scene - but I hadn’t realised he’s read it 4 years before on Horseguards.

[@Tony-ju6yh]

My wonderful father was at kohima, 23rd brigade behind Japanese lines. And received the news the war was over in Mandalay

[@Ianjeffery2500]

Brings me to tears every time.

[@KatharineOsborne]

Anyone else here after watching this recitation by him in The Crown? I didn’t realise this was this long.

[@oliverarado]

I love how he recited this again as Lord Mountbatten in “The Crown” Season 3

[@burkey548]

DEAR GOD WE OWE THESE POOR MEN AND WOMAN SO MUCH RIP TO ALL DEAR GOD I LOVE YOU ALL

[@Kapitainleutnant]

Seeing him do this in "The Crown" made me mourn Mountbatten all over again.

[@joshkolchins7753]

Truly fantastic. And all the more so because Dance recited the very same poem as Lord Mountbatten in, “The Crown,” this season.

[@connorblake2927]

come to think of it, it's possible that this in part got him the job for this season

[@divyanshushankar8134]

@@connorblake2927 indeed.

[@terenceotoole2542]

Very moving, thank's so much

[@HeideKristofersson]

What A Borned Talented . They Have To Be Thankful For Ch.Dance Presentation Of Mandalay👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ianredpath8359]

Gratitude and respect. Never forgotten.

[@tesserakt54]

Damn' fine, Mr Dance. Damn' fine!

[@tinmyintmo7341]

W'll never forget but I love British!🌹

[@philosophie608]

I'm here because of The Crown. I love scene with that poem.

[@h.huffen-puff4105]

Love this when sung by Sinatra. Didn't know it was Kipling. Thank you.

[@stevenbrown1888]

Frank Lee Steamed Funny. I didn't know Sinatra sang it. Thanks for the tip!

[@kareninacarado]

Who’s coming back here after watching Charles Dance in The Crown??

[@LGranthamsHeir]

A Lannister - and a Mountbatten - always pays his debts.

[@Alfakumbafu]

Am I the first person to be recommended this since The Crown came out 2 weeks ago? I like this version better and I am willing to bet they did it in the show after seeing this.

[@PfalzD3]

This made me shed tears.

[@ArturoFrost]

From 2015 and I just watched it in the crown one month ago.

[@matthewleonard2897]

Anyone who's enjoyed this video should check out Charles Dance reading Siegfried Sassoon at a Somme commemoration a few years ago. Stirring stuff!

[@eviloverlordsean]

There's no one like Charles Dance...

[@derekjennings220]

Brilliantly read A truly great poem

[@jackfullerton5762]

Excellent selection. Kudos sir.

[@markeustace199]

guaranteed to bring tears, Irish but some of our relatives ended up out east during the Raj

[@rogueriderhood1862]

Not many regiments in the British Army without a large Irish contingent.

[@Mapoposo512]

Who is here since the passing of the Queen? Come ye back you British Soldier 😢😢😢 From South Africa 🇿🇦 🇿🇦

[@LightxHeaven]

Love that they did this in the Crown too.

[@petercrosland5502]

Only Mr. Dance could do this. Lovely.

[@cwgarr]

I know that Charles Dance is an accomplished actor, and one who controls his presence very well. However, I choose to believe he is the man he appears to be and I would very much like to meet him and share a drink.

[@chaddixon5725]

That was great. That last line was powerful.

[@1abi07]

Greatest voice of all time

[@Jackthesmilingblack]

When you've heard the East a'calling You won't never need naught else Jack, the Japan Alps Brit

[@rogueriderhood1862]

It's 'heed', not 'need'.

[@michaelshelton5488]

Lord Tywin Lannister reading Kipling. 🤘 You don't get more badass than that.

[@Sal-m16]

Finally someone mentions Tywin Lannister.😅

[@jcmontecarlo6123]

Seriously good stuff .... look at those heroes, look what their grandkids made of it

[@jakdent2566]

absolutely brilliant!!! what I dont understand is: he gave that speech 4 years before, and they decided to use in "The Crown"? Or is to recite this very poem so special for Veterans that it was clear they had to use this?

[@larnce1395]

The Forgotten Army tore the Japanese apart. Long Live British India

[@caior5377]

Nicely done in both The Crown and real life

[@MadM0nte]

I said I wouldn't cry. I said I wouldn't cry. I said I wouldn't cry. DAMNIT I'M NOT EVEN BRITISH!!!

[@madmeerkat1158]

Very well read. Very moving.