A Man's Movie: Culloden

The 1964 BBC Docudrama, 'Culloden' will burn into your mind like a piece slow match. The anniversary of the 1746 battle is this Friday though I doubt few will be celebrating. It was directed by Peter Watkins and includes a TV news crew reporting 'live' from the battle (it works). With a budget to match the directors experience (nil) , amateur actors and one cannon, this film packs an emotional punch stronger than most of what Hollywood has ever made.

I first saw this film at Valley Forge National Historical Park. The National Park Service had a 16mm print and used the film to train rangers in 18th Century warfare. That's how historically accurate it is. Ball versus grapeshot. Musket shot versus bayonet. Movement and flanking. And lastly, the arrogance and stupidity of leadership on both sides. Always a lesson to me.

You no longer have to work at Valley Forge to see it. It's on DVD and well worth adding to your collection if for no other reason to remind us all that incompetence and war usually go hand in hand.