Killer Angel: Chamberlain
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 เม.ย. 2020
- This is the last of 13 mashups of clips from "Gettysburg" (1993) that attempt to capture the motives of major characters from the film and its source, Michael Shaara's novel The Killer Angels. To go to the first and those that follow in order, go to • Killer Angel: Harrison... .
Meeting Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain as he made a speech to Maine mutineers, a thinking reader or viewer would believe he was there for the right reasons; here was someone to root for. It was tough audience, and one could sense Chamberlain's nerves as he began slowly, searching for the right words. But then, we're told, he began "to warm to it; the words were beginning to flow." Dismissing the reasons men had fought in previous wars, Chamberlain insisted "we're here for something new.... This hasn't happened much in the history of the world. We're an army going out to set other men free."
"My, Lawrence, you sure talk pretty," Tom Chamberlain told his big brother afterward. And it was true. But we should not forget what Chamberlain had done before the war: he was a Professor of Rhetoric - a Professor of Talking Pretty. We should not have been so impressed that he could make a nice speech. We should have taken seriously Chamberlain's own realization that the real challenge for him "was up the road a ways," where the whole Confederate army was converging on Gettysburg.
The most disappointing aspect of the film is the abbreviated encounter Chamberlain had with a "John Henry", a wounded Black found behind Union lines. In the film, the Colonel patted his arm, called for a surgeon to check his wound, and moved on. In the novel, however, Chamberlain was shaken by the revulsion he felt on looking at the man's "fat lips, brute jaw, red-veined eyeballs." He tried to rationalize his reaction as "instinctive. Any alien thing. And yet Chamberlain was ashamed; he had not known it was there. He thought: If I feel this way, even I, an educated man," might the reader - you or I - feel the same sense of doubt and shame if brought face to face with a challenge to our own most deeply held beliefs? "What if it is you who are wrong, after all?" Chamberlain asked of himself, and of us.
And if Chamberlain was having doubts here, how much deeper his doubts on realizing what he had done in the heat of battle. Ordered to defend the entire left flank of the Union Army, Chamberlain saw a gap in his line and ordered his brother to fill it, "like a warm bloody cork." Was it worth this? Chamberlain had no idea because, he admitted, "when the guns began firing he had ... completely ... forgotten the Cause." Out of ammunition as the enemy charged yet again, the Colonel found himself issuing unearthly screams to "Fix Bayonets!" and "Charge!" and down the hill we went with him, sharing his exhilaration: he had never been more alive than when he knew, any second, he might not be, and he couldn't wait to have this feeling again. And yet he knew that he, of all people, should not be enjoying this. He had become a killer angel.
Chamberlain told himself he would "have to come back to [Gettysburg] when the war [was] over. Maybe then [he would] understand it." But if Chamberlain, the idealist, was unsure, who could be certain? And this is the point of Michael Shaara's book, that this is the true tragedy of this war: those fighting and dying in it did not know if their sacrifice was worthy. Like Chamberlain, we should go back to this place four months later to see if Abraham Lincoln could help us find meaning in their sacrifice. And we should continuously ask if their descendants have been and remain worthy of their sacrifice.
The quotes are found on pages 31-33, 179-180, 363-365 in The Killer Angels.
When your instructor most recently visited Gettysburg, he and his companion hired a guide who took us to Little Round Top and confirmed in general terms the heroism of Chamberlain and the 20th Maine on Gettysburg's 2nd day, but he also pointed out that such heroic stands took place at many other sites and moments in the battle. The focus on Chamberlain's day at Little Round Top, our guide suggested, results in no small part from the eloquent Chamberlain's ceaseless self-promotion over the half century that followed the battle. His campaign culminated in the awarding of the Medal of Honor in 1893, and his image has been largely fixed by the account in this best-selling book and the film based on Shaara's novel.
You are not asked to withdraw the esteem you may have felt on learning Chamberlain's story in The Killer Angels or Gettysburg, but highly recommended is a short article on "Joshua L. Chamberlain and Civil War Memory" (werehistory.org/memory/), which offers a bit of balance to the account you have read and/or seen. The article also highlights the painful adjustment and postwar disappointments that Chamberlain, and many warriors, have faced in the aftermaths of their battles.
Wish they still made movies like this.
They didn't even when this came out. Now you join the club. We wait for the good ones. I dub you "David" as I have also been dubbed.
The small battles are the big ones. The turning point of the most horrific war in our history happened on that hill, the 20'th Maine, the 2'nd Maine, old Pennsylvania, many others. A small hill. A bigger one nearby. You wouldn't even notice it driving. A few hours by drive away from me now.
Welcome to the club.
@@davidatkinson47 I bet you really liked Master and Commander, Far side of the World with Russell Crowe too. Just like this one, that was also a GREAT fkn movie. People nowadays wouldn’t be interested in it whatsoever. I wish they still made movies like these man, fkn shame people are just too into shit like the avengers and what not, cryin damn fkn shame!!
Sadly, if the good folks in Hollywood made this movie today -- in 2023 -- the soldiers would be played by Black transgender women and the dialogue would be written by sensitivity writers.
@@jeffcarlin5866
Is that how things work in the alternate reality where you live? 😅
@@neilkurzman4907 I was being cheeky. I was peeing on "wokeness."
I know it's a film, and i know they are actors But knowing that this is based upon fact.... that "CHARGE" genuinely raised the hairs on the back of my neck!
Most of them are not actually actors. The film was made with reenactors.
" BAYONETS!!" did it for me.
Imagine rushing towards the firing!
I Believe Major General Chamberlin earned himself the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle of Little Round Top.
I think this was Jeff Daniels finest performance as an artist. Awesome and compelling.
Chamberlain did (and suffered) more than shown here. History that deserves to be remembered!
I think it's no exaggeration that Chamberlain saved the Union on 3 July 1863.
I don't know I been reading and seeing a lot of comments about how he could of withdrawn without endangering the flank. Apparently they had reserves in place in case that scenario happened.
No biggie, but it was July 2. Pickett's Charge was on July 3, and that ended the battle. Peace.
While much credit, deservedly, is given to the 20th Maine, and what they did on Little Round Top July 2nd let us not forget what was done by the 1st Minnesota on the same day.
The 1st Minnesota saved the Union line from being breeched and broken with a suicide charge. 82% causalities in a matter of minutes. All to buy a few minutes, allowing reinforcements to arrive in time. Saving the day!!
From a Pioneer Press article:
The regiment arrived outside Gettysburg exhausted on the eve of the second day of battle after marching an average of 14 miles a day for two weeks, according to Moe, following Lee’s army north from Virginia. They were roused early July 2 and assigned to protect an artillery unit on what’s known as Cemetery Ridge, back from the fighting. The Union army had claimed the high ground, and Confederates attacked in the afternoon.
Toward evening, the Confederate attack rolled north and forced the portion of the Union line directly in front of the Minnesotans into a chaotic retreat. The Minnesotans stood on their low ridge as panicked Union soldiers ran back toward them and through their ranks. Then the Minnesotans saw a hazy line of Confederate troops coming down the opposite low ridge into the rocky creek bed right below.
Gen. Winfield Hancock was surveying the disintegrating line from horseback and, according to one account, came up to the well-ordered Minnesotans and asked Colvill, “What regiment is this?”
Hancock ordered the Minnesotans to charge down the slope and take the Confederate’s colors.
Brian Leehan’s book “Pale Horse at Plum Run” quotes Hancock’s later reflection: “Reinforcements were coming on the run, but I knew that before they could reach the threatened point the Confederates, unless checked, would seize the position. I would have ordered that regiment in if I had known every man would be killed. It had to be done.”
Lt. William Lochran, an Irish-born lawyer from St. Anthony, later wrote, “Every man realized in an instant what that order meant - death or wounds to us all; the sacrifice of the regiment to gain a few minutes’ time and save the position, and probably the battlefield.”
The men ran in formation down the slope through the stubble of a wheat field to the dry creek known as Plum Run, where they faced 1,300 to 1,500 Alabamans. (Likely count for the number who charged is 289 and casualty numbers ranging from 222 to 245.)
“This absolutely stunned the Alabamans because it was the last thing they expected,” Moe said.
“Hancock was trying to buy time through this tactic, and it worked. They stopped the advance of the Alabamans, but in the course of it, they suffered tremendous casualties. It’s incredible because they never hesitated. They knew what was going to happen to them and they went and did it anyway. And they played a decisive role in the battle.”
“Bullets whistled past us, shells screeched over us; canister and grape fell about us,” wrote Sgt. Alfred Carpenter, who survived Gettysburg only to die of yellow fever a year later. “Comrade after comrade dropped from the ranks; but on the line went. No one took a second look at his fallen companion. We had no time to weep.”
The regiment was nearly demolished before the order came to retreat.
Imo, it was Custer who saved the Union. Lee sent JEB Stuart cavalry to get into the rear of the Union lines. If done it's game over. Custer stopped Stuart's cavalry.
@@edwardofgreene I have told this story many many times to friends and acquaintances who had only heard of Pickett’s charge, Devil’s Den, Little Round Top and Culp’s Hill but not of the heroism of the 1st Minnesota.
Much has been made of the bravery, courage and heroism of the Confederate soldier during the War but there were no soldiers on either side who were braver, more courageous or heroic than the men of the First Minnesota.
Standing on this hill, looking down the slope to where the 20th Maine made their right wheel charge is truly an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend it to everyone.
Yes, I've been there several times now. On the hill, looking down. Imagining the 15th Alabama boys charging towards me. As a Maine man myself, it's quite a feeling to hold that spot, then have to go down that hill to kill or capture. Little Round Top is a solemn place now.The trees and the rocks that bore witness to the events of a hot July 2nd afternoon seem frozen in place with hope it will never have to be repeated.
Some of these men fought for a cause, some fought because they thought they were right, many died thinking that the war had to be won at all costs.
not thinking, but knowing.
It's known as 'The Ultimate Sacrifice'
This was an incredible movie
Was told by a local guy that was an extra he did that speech in one take.
Amazing scene and amazing event.
Jeff Daniels best performance
Slightly above Dumb and Dumber.
that was Horn at the end from tour of duty. i never noticed.awesome editing btw
Swing like a door, Hanibal tactic
Tom! Tooooom! It was his very own brother. And, as illustrated, motivation for entire different unit. Fuck all, this is a medal of honor recipient, by congress. They don't give it out lightly.
The thing was that Chamberlain Joshua, was a teacher of Theology, before He became A Soldier, for the Cause.
He knew what Men needed too hear, and be Told. In January of 1862, Abraham Lincoln, had issued the Emancipation, Proclamation!
With that document, He had made the Decision, that the war was also aimed at ending Slavery! Before that time, it was about the States Rights vs The Federal Government, in Washington, and how they were trying too Govern the Other States.
They say Lincoln was a Visionary, Man, and by thus issuing the mentioned Order! He was not only giving the Nation, another reason too Fight? But by allowing the Slaves too flee to Union occupied area's? He was also taking a manpower resource, from the Southern Forces. This being done made it more difficult for them too continue on with the Fight. The Civil War was a prolonged struggle of almost Six full yrs. If you count from the Day of First Secession, to the End at Appomattox, Virginia, in April of 1865.
FYI, IF one checks back there were many, many reasons why Men went to War. Oh well, these are just some thoughts, that go through this History, Buffs Head. In closing, I'll say Thank You for the short Clip of Chamberlain, on July 1st, 1863 and then at Little Round Top, on July 2nd, 1863. Your Clip was Excellent 👌👍🙏🙏.
IT personally Affects me Everytime I view it. Wyoming, Robert, 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇨🇦🇺🇸🤔🤔👀👀😂😂👍👍🙏🙏🙏🙏
In the early part of the movie, Jeff Daniel's epaulets are for Lt Col. Later in the movie, he has the full bird colonal epaulets.
We fight for truth Justice and uprightness
Chamberlain was like the first Sgt. York
That must have been the last bayonet charge in a major battle in history that decided the outcome, there was something of Greece in that or a Roman Legion on the attack. High ground was not lost that was the key, and Lee was very lucky that Wellington or Blucher were not in charge the Civil War would have ended there and then, they would not have escaped.
WW II and even 'Nam had a few.
5:17 Do not mess with this dude.
Can you please upload "Killer Angel: Vincent"
Vincent's role was not emphasized in either source, but I would welcome your suggestions of scenes from the film and book that convey his motives and/or doubts.
@@patrickreed1967 Yes, I thought more of an all scenes video. I wish he had more screentime because his charakter played an important role in the battle😟
Ideals are peaceful
HISTORY is VIOLENT
[Brad Ptt in FURY]
and he's not listening
Very moving words by Chamberlain there, but that’s not why the Union army was fighting the Civil War. They were fighting to force the CSA back into the Union.
And the Same in 2021
What movie is that ?
You'll find the information in the description.
@@patrickreed1967 so it’s killer angel ?
@@steventwiddy3402 No, the film is "Gettysburg" (1993), which is based very closely on the book "The Killer Angels" (1974).
well I'll be
Curious if this effent actually occurred
Yes, this did actually happen. Chamberlain was an extraordinary man, in every aspect of his life. Before, during, and after the war, he was a man of exemplary character and achievement.
like the American revolutionly war
what?
Never saw Gettysburg.
It's not done too badly; have a go.
watch it my friend...u won't regret it
Me neither. I'm not big on movies where the bad guys win.
@@honkeykong4049 Well, that invites a lot of trolling bullcrap. I have the bulldozer. Here we go!
@@davidatkinson47
Que?
The reality of the civil war was that once they're freed the slaves they were like lost sheep without a shepherd.
They were men, woman, and children. Not sheep. Shortly after the war there was much success and advancement amongst the freed peoples. It could have and would have continued, but when the Federal troops mostly left the south the southern whites re-subjected the former slaves.
These are easy facts to look up if you desire.
Edit: They could not be made slaves again, but the subjugation took different forms. Terror from the KKK, Jim Crow laws, share cropping, etc.
Yeah that's not why the civil war was faught
Yeah sorry but that was the principle reason. The southern whites were lazy and used blacks to do their hard labor while the north wanted to set them free, especially with northern blacks being successful. You can have whatever thought you want - the civil war was fought to free slaves. Every other reason comes after.
Damn Yankees