"Culloden" - directed by Peter Watkins - 3 of 3 excerpts

[USAsoldier1955]

They should have stabbed their rebel arses! :D

[novadrian]

Please, please, please, please upload the rest. Where's the final part? This was a real shocker at 10 years old...Talk about bringing history alive....up until I saw this in !964 I'd thought battles were just about learning dates. It was such a clever film way way ahead of its time and so revealing of the stupidity of war.

[ThePsychicMantis]

Mel Gibson needs to see this. Hell...all of Hollywood needs to see this! There are no heroes here, only hypocrites and devils.

[mickigoe]

The Scots are like us Irish - stupidly nursing anti-English bitterness. When the truth is that the English have given civilised leadership to these isles for the last 1000 years. The clan system like our gaelic one was despotic and unenlightened. The English gave us all democratic systems and the freedom to think. The Fields of Athenry , how are you.

[anthonythirteen]

There were more than 50 Government dead. Watkins tended to swallow the myths of the battle. Why are the British soldiers interviewed not Scottish? At least it shows both sides suffering.

[SalsaShakers]

when oh when will this lot be put to sleep! christ! live for now, the present, the future! fick the past. fick the history. what's wrong with you Scots. forget it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[blueray1969]

would they have been able to stop at the end of it and have a nice cup of tea?

[kpadmirer]

Gives the lie to the perception that the 18th century soldier was a powdered poofter.

[delavalmilker]

Yes it is grim. Yes it is brutal. But this was the 18th century. That's the way wars wer fought. There was no Geneva Convention at that time.

It is risky and unrealistic to apply the standards of the 21st century to judge right and wrong in the 18th.

Suppose the Scots--aided by better tactics and a better leader---together with the proven superiority of their French allies; had overwhelmed the Duke of Cumberland's forces. Would they have been any better to the wounded Redcoats?

[Kelly14UK]

I'm DISGUSTED to be British watching this.

[blueray1969]

@Kelly14UK why? It's not real! that's usually what happens in a civil war.

[belmontsmild]

I'm confused about them being catholics. I thought most of scotland was Presbyterian at this time? Did a significant catholic uprising happen? Or is this merely the divide between Gaelic and non-gaelic scotland ?

[oarfrost]

@belmontsmild " I thought most of scotland was Presbyterian at this time"

Most of it was, which is one of the reasons that the catholic Charles Stuart had so much trouble raising support.

[andreww507]

death to the union.

[Nosregni]

@andreww507 "And name one song about the Duke of Cumberland!"

Hail The Conquering Hero Comes, by Handel.

[76595313PE]

Twelve of my ancestors are named in the muster-roll of the Jacobite army. The battlefield and it's related visitor centre are well worth a visit. Remember the brave clansmen who faced the finest infantry in Europe, and remember the end of the clan system of the Highlands. Emigration and the factories of the Lowlands awaited the survivors of the battle. But the blood is strong, and Scots have made a significant contribution to many countries. And name one song about the Duke of Cumberland!

[pbonney]

The first time I saw this film was when I was a fifth grader. One scene that had a profound effect was the screams of the wounded boy. This movie shows indelible proof that incompetent leaders lead to disasters on the battlefield. It also shows how the musket and the bayonet would become the new standard equipment of soldiers world wide.

[SteveKaczynski]

Irish troops in French service and soldiers of the Royals Ecossais were generally treated better than others when captured at or after Culloden, as they were considered to be technically French troops rather than rebels, and so covered by the laws of war, such as they were at the time.

[GatorsFan]

MacLean blood was spilt on that moor. I am proud to be a MacLean. Cha togar m' fhearg gun dìoladh.

[theearlofsurrey1]

Modern-day immigrants from foreign continents get treated a million times better than the Highlanders were, by the British Government. With politicians like ours, who needs enemies?

[suzanneetmoi]

And the erstwhile Prince sat back with his silver tea set and lit out for France...what a waste... may the Duke of Cumberland rot in the hell he most certainly is in.

[Sordidmaster]

@suzanneetmoi more like a wee dram or several. He ended up an alchoholic wreck.

[Kenjutsumasters]

(1)What the fuck are you english pricks talking about poor medical treatment? better of dead? Scottish complience to the brittish empire? sounds like your making excuses for what was plain and simple attemted GENOCIDE! such things by a 21th century audience should be looked upon for what they are JUST PLAIN SICK! and down right criminal no different then the treatment of the north american indian by the U.S goverment who were also fighting for there independence....

[MobiusJM]

@Kenjutsumasters Within your remark-21st century audience, as sick as it is, this was how enemies were put down back down to take preventive measures against future uprisings. EVERYBODY back then did it. No one's hands are clean, so get this self-righteousness notion you have and humble it quickly for chances are that in total desperatation or paranoia, those who claim to be the self-righteous will just as quickly try to rationalize theri own barbarism.

[delavalmilker]

@MobiusJM Please see my comment above.

It is risky and unrealistic to apply standards of morality of the 21st century to judge behavior in the 18th. It has a note of us acting haughtily superior to the people of this time.

After all, what would people of the 18th century have to say about some things in our "modern" morality--such as Auschwitz and the Cambodian Killing Fields? Do WE have the right to denounce them and pass moral judgements on their actions? I think not.

[jaldorian]

A few lowland scots was hardly a cause of concern for the english, once the highlanders came down then they knew they had serious trouble

[crematio]

Only thumbs down for stating that wounded had little chance in prison. But no comment. Stout modern Jacobites? Christians? Moralists? Reality is hard my friends. Pre 20th century colonial war officers in all countries had a codex, never let a wounded fall into enemies hands. If it was impossible to evacuate, they had to kill them. No torture or endless pain in dungeons for the men. Similar to the stories of the weakest being eaten after accidents. True but not openly spoken about.

[crematio]

To kill the wounded Jacobites is mostly seen as a crime, but you might see it as mercy. Medical treatment was bad in this time. The list of British losses names for the artillery six wounded. Not stating that ALL six died later! If this happened to the victors, imagin the fate of the Jacobite wounded. Without good medical treatment in prison most would have died anyway with horrible pains. But "good" humans give only horses the mercy of death, not fellow humans.

[billycfclub7962]

thay had no right beeing there scum english basterds

[kezzar666]

Thats kinda one of the points Watkins makes with this film

[LordGodofMercy]

billycfclub7962

What English bastards? Are you thinking of another historical battle

[vivascargill]

Well said! They did it in Ireland too mate Brit murderers! No one knows that Handel wrote Hail the Conquering Hero to celebrate duke of cumberland the 18th century hitler!

[ballynafeighbluedog]

Rum and brandy,cheese and biscuits for the loyal men.Then a bit of cold steel for the rebels.They dont like it up them Captain Mainwaring sir.

[collinchris]

amusement wouldnt be the correct word for this kind of slaughter..cowardly upper class scum would probably fit better.

[KaranfilPatro]

Exactly, avoid WAR from European vocabularies!

[deathbybagpipes]

If anyone is to blame for this, it is the pompous, arrogant, sub-human scum that was the European upper class, who used human beings as though they were checker pieces, playthings, or instruments made solely for their own amusement.

[Sickboy551977]

Sassenach Bastards!!

[SteveKaczynski]

I detect deadpan irony in the comment by the narrator about "liberty and Protestant religion". Obviously the dragoon has killed a fugitive in the house, hence his need to clean his blade. More effective than showing it in all its gory detail...

[thinazzabird]

this sort of thing is hated by the salespersons culture who are paid to judge men treacherous and bullies all- the left and it's fine art and workings is dead in The United States and Britain- sold for a front against the unknown known- the right to exclude- now that the hand of treason is shown we'll have them in the nooses yet As God Is Our Witness- We'll call them the Disney Dead and scrawl points on their kicking legs systems where the trees are red and the river flows thick with them

[thinazzabird]

so in the last scene we hear from the script what an englishman will do to protect protestant religion- and the commentator sounds a bit whiny here if I may say so- but we don't see it happen- had it not passed some english -er british censorship board? perhaps there is more that could be uploaded

[Robbysmile1]

I've always had certain fondness for the English and their institutions. But they've left a trail of blood througout the world...Africa, Asia, Europe, Austraia, New Zealand, North America, and even the Falkland Islands.

[shylence]

I would agree with you there except on the Falklands.

[TheMozy2009]

robby, Africa? the last time any of them saw stable govt was under the british. Asia, when the uk pulled out we left the largest democracy on the planet..INDIA, New Zealand, there are still maori who DONT live on reserves. North America erm the USA founded by Brits. The Falklands, its a bitch when one has to defend themselves from invasion by fascists eh?.

[collinchris]

emmm...on an un-technical comment,there arseholes mate.

[LordGodofMercy]

The Scotts have totally been complient in the British Empire from the time they instigated the Union. Blaming the English is just biggoted nonsense.

[rodleyeric]

haha...the British got their Culloden when they tried to fight us in the Revolutionary War, payback is sweet and I am sure in that war there were Scots here in America that fought the British and remembered Culloden and got even.

[TheMozy2009]

Who got payback? in the Anglo French war, a commander of the French was a Scot, in the newly raised highland regiments ex jacobites joined up to get payback on the French for betrayal in the 45.

[io2bonk2]

What a lot of the people who have commented on this video fail to appreciate is that the war which culminated with the Battle of Culloden was NOT a case of England vs Scotland but a British civil war. Many Scots fought on the government (ie government of Scotland and England) side confronting the highlanders under the French born and raised Charles Edward Stuart.

[Prospro8]

I don' t think some of you lor understand this film. The director was English for a start! The purpose of the film was'nt anti- English, but anti class-system..  Charlie was painted as a similar villain to Cumberland, the poor at the mercy of the aristocracy. As for the 2 Americans who posted anti-English comments here, you have no business doing so. Britain has a national health service, and you are still social Darwinists so this is not in any way a film in your cause..Watkins was socialist.

[nguttillo]

I would like to thank the British for banishing the Highlanders to America. They gave us the best of the best! Thanks for those hot Scots.

[Octavius0]

balls

[Octavius0]

Very good documentary, though the fetid reek of

Anti-English propaganda is throughout.

[wozza2341]

Which part of this documentary do you consider untrue?

[Pointyhat]

To the souls who died in Culloden: We wiped the smarmy, smug looks off the redcoat army 20 years later. You may call us the United States of America.

[24michiganironbrigad]

30 years later. I am an American, and by the way. We lost almost every single battle we fought against the British. Washington was only good at one thing at that was retreating. We only won because the French came behind the British at Yorktown. Then 30 years after that, the British came again and burned down the Capital. Learn your history before you insult Britain. Then Britain used there men in ww1, we came in at the end and did nothing. The British also won most of World War Two.

[nguttillo]

Eh, not altogether true. The French did help us win, yes, however, we won because we had such a great lay of the land. The British did not. USA was a bunch of shit kickers, period. " Washington only good at retreating". Are you kidding? Washington gave his money, his heart and soul to win the war, as did so many others. I KNOW MY HISTORY. By the way, Britain begged for USA help during WW1 and 2, and would not have won but for us. USA won those 2 wars. That's why we are in charge of UN.

[LordGodofMercy]

nguttillo

Another arrogant American numpty gobshite.

[Prospro8]

What a stupid comment. This is an English film, from an English director. It isn't anti-English, but anti class-system. Charlie is painted as just as villainous as Cumberland. It was a socialist film, and you Americans have no part in it. As long as you resist Obama's health reforms you are basically social Darwinists, and this is no film you can quote.

[funkyalfonso]

@Prospro8 Or understand.

[stevenstreets3]

USA Thanks the Redcoats for their help in Iraq and their blood donation in Afghanistan.I'm as Irish Yankee Free as a Wellfleet Mass boy can be but we gotta thank the Brits for laying it out there when it counts,

God Save the USAs friends

[Prospro8]

There are some very ignorant comments on this. This is not an anti-English film. The director was English and socialist. It's an anti-class film, and Charlie is presented as just as villainous as Cumberland. The POOR are the underdogs. As for the repulsive belch from a few US rednecks here, please understand that America can say nothing about this film. As a nation that still has no universal health insurance or health service, you're social Darwinists still and this film is not your ally.

[funkyalfonso]

@Prospro8 I was really looking foreward to some fascinating insights after these clips. Fat chance. I think the answer may be to stop reading comments altogether. As a matter of fact, with the furore at the time of the original transmission regarding the graphic violence, I as an 11 yr old wasn't allowed to watch it. I had to wait until the bbc replayed it.

[Prospro8]

Really? I call you idiot. This film is an English socialist film from an English director. It took no sides. Charlie is painted as darkly as Cumberland. The protagonists are the poor. The film isn't ant-Enfglish, but anti-class system. When you Americans stop resisting Obamas's health reforms and stop being social Darwinist rednecks, then you can embrace this film. Otherwise, shut up.

[LordGodofMercy]

We burned your Whitehouse to the ground in 1812.

[mvonwahlde]

And took our Lend Lease in 1940.

[Pointyhat]

God Bless the souls of Culloden. I hope they enjoyed the payback the smarmy, limey redcoats received at the hands of the bedraggled souls that became the United States of America. Payback is a bitch.

[tcher48]

Such a tragic waste of life. I've visited Culloden Moor and it was a very moving experience. I am Scots by ancestry and find the English reaction a crime against humanity,

[LordGodofMercy]

What are you on about? This was a Scots v Scots or more accurately Protestant v Catholic Battle. Blaming the English is historically inaccurate

[thestrongtiger82]

Isn't there more to this...like the "Highland Charge"???

[maggoli67]

The next armed attempt should have been done by all the UK gun owners who marched unarmed in protest recently.

[gaspode18]

Did they? When? I didn't notice.

[erichvon1967]

soldierme36 fuck off you spam. What the fuck would you know about Culloden?

[haxocnc]

Vive l'Ecosse !

[soldierme36]

all i have to say is... O! say can you see by the dawn's early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming.

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming.

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

[M1ggins]

thanks to the french and Lafayette

[Corso1863]

@M1ggins thx to the french ok..............but Lafayette were in the US Colonies not in Scotland dude

[soldierme36]

all i have to say is....oh say can you see, through the bronze early light, what so PROUDLY WE held was so gallantly streaming, and the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night THAT OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE........ OH SAY DOES THAT STAR SPANGLED BANNER YET WAVE. for the land of the free...... AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE.!!!!!!!

[krmcfet]

What the fuck are you on about?

[JUK1980]

@krmcfet He's reciting the US national anthem. Probably believes there is some sort of continuity between British civil war and US independence. *Shrugs shoulders*

[scousercolin]

Looking at these comments here, some people don't seem to realise that it is talking about the terrible war crimes our English soldiers did for our so called 'glorious monarchy'. It is not glorifying them in any way. Bloody brilliant! I would love to see the whole thing, as it is filmed in such a really good way.

[rockinbillyboy]

Hey Colin, Do you really believe, that if the Scots had been sucessful at culloden, they THEY wouldn't have slit the throats of the Hanovarian soldiers on the ground......you can bet your fucking life they would have!!!!

[JUK1980]

@rockinbillyboy The atrocities committed by your enemy do not justify the atrocities committed by you, and vice versa.

[bondsee]

does anybody know where i can get a copy of thisbrilliant doco

[JUK1980]

@bondsee Google -> video search -> advanced video search -> search for "Culloden" and set duration to "Long (>20 mins)"

[BlessedThistle]

this movie is certainly pro-sassenach. They try to make the clansmen seem to be barbarians enslaved to fight true some didn't want to but if most of them didn't it only stands to reason that they wouldn't have.

[woodbinedrinker]

I think Watkins was just showing the barbarity of war.

[anthonythirteen]

Well, most of those who marched south with Bonnie Prince Charlie went home before this battle...

[tazdog123]

they say only 50 government troops died. new evidence suggests about 300...still very one sided however

[ILUV74]

How can anybody feel upset over this,read the accounts of the battles of the somme, passhendale, vimmy ridge . All scots,English, etc got wiped out in a matter of hrs.I know this was A disaster for the Highlanders way of life social,clanwise,but this would have happened anyway these changes . in 1914 1918 etc read account of these battles and feel humble people .Much more carnage happened in closer to the future both ,scots english, aussies, kiwis etc, get real people

[Salvus967]

WTF I watched video number 2 (at the end of which it seems as though the main battle is about to get started) and then on video 3 its all over and they are interviewing english soldiers and showing them mopping up the battlefield. what about the battle!!!????, how can u have decided to skip the battle!?!@?!?!?!?! unless i somehow missed something.... but as i understand it, 3 comes after 2. unless u brits are ass backwards in the way you count, just like ur ass backwards in every other way

[TheScottsman13]

i dislike how the scot's are portraied in this fictional film the majority of the jacobite army by this time consisted of lowland scots and english jacobites and as the new proclaimer ran away and the majority of the army lied dead or dying from the bombardment of cannon fire and muskets,while the rest ran the highlanders were said to have sword charged the enemy seimingly suicidaly as cannon fire still rained from the sky they met the enemy and maintaned there honor this video is an insult

[LIVERPOOLSCOTTISH]

I think you need a reality check mate- read 'CULLODEN,' by John Prebble. This documentary is very accurate and was based on a lot of historical research.

[hognoxious]

Is there a bit missing?  It jumps from the preliminary bombardment to the aftermath and misses out the highlanders' charge.

[StonehavenFan]

The three clips are from separate parts of the film; there is nothing cut within each clip.

[rockinbillyboy]

Stonehavenfan, Do you have the rest of this?...i would love to see the whole programme.

But,...thanks for uploading what is here anyway, i have waited years to see this.

[cicero1453]

@StonehavenFan This is a great documentary--please upload the whole thing!

[Xenu]

The whole film is about an hour in length. These are only excerpts.

[longbow1415]

Glory for us south of the border.

Forever England.

[pdjamesc]

Glory? How so?

[THEGRIMMCREEPER]

Glory...

From what cause...

This was not an England vs Scotland football match you ignorant fool.

[LemmingHerda]

longbow1415 wrote; "Glory for us south of the border. Forever England."

'Glory', my ass, you idiots still wax lyrical for the tyranny of your old monnachs now replaced by the tyranny of your s'posedly "elected" officials who pretty much follow their own agenda despite the wishes of your people.

Fuck you, fuck your moronic bloodletting and fuck the formerly bloated, expanded empire you pomes are so fond of reminiscing over.

[THthefirst]

An Empire that Scotland was part of, freely chose to fight for, and made a lot of money from. It was the British Empire, not the English Empire.

And the Jacobites invaded England to impose a Catholic monarch on the throne against the English people's wishes - how is this fighting for freedom.

The clans had been stealing, raping and murdering each other for years.

[LIVERPOOLSCOTTISH]

A superb film that completely debunks any romantic nonsense associated with Bonny Prince Charlie & the battle of Culloden. BPC was an utter disaster to the Highland clans.

There was no glory at Culloden, only death.

[Robbiesmile]

Please post the entire film.

[warwolf4215]

thanks for posting this.