There is a sweet little movie that came out in 2001 called The Emperor's New Clothes. It's essentially a love story. It's comedic yet very poignant and whimsical as well. It's pure fiction, it's a what if movie. What if while on St. Helena Napoleon loyalists devised a scheme to get him back in power. That's all I'll say. It's a charming little movie. It's based on a book called The Death of Napoleon by Simon Leys. Ian Holm plays Napoleon and he's great in the role. Tim McInnerny from Black Adder fame is in it too. It was filmed in Italy. It's really a treat.
Had no idea there were so many other films on Napoleon and/or War and Peace. A few of these I have seen myself - although can barely recall the details. The most memorable for me was the Waterloo version, with Christopher Plummer as the Iron Duke. One scene has always stood out for me: when Napoleon escaped from the first island they put him on, and approached a battalion of French troops all with their guns trained on him - and I guess with some dramatic license (I'm not sure it actually did happen) were told to fire at Napoleon by the French commander - and all of them refused to do so. Was a well choreographed scene and memorable. Quite a film collection you have. I think I'm a bit jealous! Thanks for sharing.
It appears the scene of the soldiers refusing to shoot at Napoleon has sources. From the Wikipedia article Hundred days: "An anecdote illustrates Napoleon's charisma: when royalist troops were deployed to stop the march of Napoleon's force before Grenoble at Laffrey, Napoleon stepped out in front of them, ripped open his coat and said "If any of you will shoot his Emperor, here I am." The men joined his cause. [19] The reference is: Hamilton-Williams, David (1996). Waterloo New Perspectives: the Great Battle Reappraised. Wiley.
@@MariaMartinez-researcher I wonder if the commander actually ordered them to shoot. Or if Napoleon walked up to them beforehand and the commander said nothing?
Another excellent book is "The Campaigns of Napoleon" by the late David G. Chandler. Also recommended is Woody Allen's 1975 satire "Love and Death", in which a rag-tag band of characters plot to assassinate Napoleon (played by tough guy actor James Tolkan). It's occasionally shown as part of an Allen marathon on TCM.
Many thanks for going through your collection Gilbert. A number of them looked of interest to me, and I'm pleased to say the two I've already got, Waterloo & War & Peace (BBC), are amongst your favourites.
Thank you so much Gilbert! I highly recommend the "Kingdom of Heaven - Director's Cut" if you get a chance, it makes the film even better. I am hoping that Ridley Scott's 4 hour cut does the same for "Napoleon", but I won't hold my breath.
Kingdom of Heaven was a great film. I think it has become even better received over the years, as more people have watched it. Unfortunate how Scott just fell flat with Napoleon. Maybe he's just getting old (like many of us are)??
@@jamenta2 I have the directors cut of Kingdom of Heaven and enjoyed it very much. I will not even purchase ANY version of Scott's Napoleon. The extra footage is not going to save this one. It's organically corrupted from the start.
Thank you Gilbert for providing some much needed alternatives to Ridley Scott`s dire `Napoleon`. Bondarchuk`s two Napoleonic films are my personal favourites, `Waterloo` my favourite film of all time, the one that introduced me to Napoleon. I agree withy your assessment of Rod Steiger`s portrayal of the French Emperor, he is believable, commanding, and charismatic, everything Phoenix is not in his portrayal. Phoenix has proved himself a fine actor, but even he cannot overcome a feeble script, and poor direction.
Very Extensive collection but you are missing one in particular. In the 80’s French singer Serge Lama did a series of albums containing songs on Napoleon life. These were then used to make a musical in theatre with Lama has Napoleon and other French and French Canadian actors. I have the VHS copy but I am not sure if it’s still available or ever been released on DVD. It’s all in French, maybe if there was a DVD version it might have subs
Thanks for the tip. I didn't know about that one. I also forgot Woody Allens "Love and Death" which is another film that I really like. It's a comedy of course but very well done.
Britfolk artist Eliza Carthy has recorded a few songs about Napoleon, including "Bonaparte's Lament" and the traditional "Grand Conversation on Napoleon".
Great overview of the Napoleonic film genre! Glad you included the rare 1937 Conquest. I've always felt Charles Boyer and Herbert Lom gave us the film Napoleons closest to what I've read of the man.
Wellington was 46 at Waterloo. George Arliss was 66 when he played The Iron Duke (but he had good makeup and lighting, which the original Wellington lacked in 1815).
I've always wanted to watch a version of War and Peace, but don't know which one I should watch. If you could only watch one version, which one would it be?
I got the 2002 mini series on dvd in that exact same box set too. I really enjoyed it. Waterloo is great too, although since its not available on DVD in the united states, I had to rely on youtube to watch the movie.
Yes, there are actually 'different cuts' of the film. Only minutes of difference but they are definitely there. In particular near the beginning when La Bedwyoir whispers to Napoleon.@@cadjebushey6524
I think you forgot the 2001 movie 'The Emperor's New Clothes' - a delightful alternative history drama with Ian Holm flawlessly playing Napoleon. It has a fantastical plot - to confuse his enemies, Napoleon escapes on one ship from St Helena while a lookalike escapes on another. Things go wrong when Napoleon's ship heads to Belgium instead and by the time he makes it to France, the fake Napoleon has already lost Waterloo and Napoleon has to make his way alone to Paris to reclaim his throne! A tale that was both wistfully sad and hilariously funny.
I actually did not forget it as I have not even seen the film. However, a few of my viewers recommended it I have since purchased it and quite liked it. Although I think it could've been much more, Ian had already played Napoleon in the BBC series 'Napoleon and Love', and he was quite good in it.
I saw this movie this last weekend. I was severely disappointed. Even without the historical accuracy of the battles. This was such a disjointed story about Napoleon's relationship. A very poor movie indeed!!!
you should look at some of the other german napoleonic films such as Die Letzte Kompanie: Eine Handvoll Helden which is where some prussians trying to delay the advancing french in 1806 following the Jena defeat, holed up in windmill . Then also there is Die Luetzower , about Luetzow's Freikorps in 1813
@@XLEGION1 yes true, i have die Letzte Kompanie, but i am not sure if there is an english translation for it. i have seen Die Luetzower around on youtube in the past in full, but finding a copy to own has been hard
Oh yes. I knew that from the 'get go'. But the main character was fictional anyway. I think Ridley does better when he does not have a strict historical character to go with. Gladiator may not be 'historical' but it certainly was a success.
There is a sweet little movie that came out in 2001 called The Emperor's New Clothes. It's essentially a love story. It's comedic yet very poignant and whimsical as well. It's pure fiction, it's a what if movie.
What if while on St. Helena Napoleon loyalists devised a scheme to get him back in power. That's all I'll say. It's a charming little movie. It's based on a book called The Death of Napoleon by Simon Leys.
Ian Holm plays Napoleon and he's great in the role. Tim McInnerny from Black Adder fame is in it too. It was filmed in Italy. It's really a treat.
In complete agreement with you. What a delightful way to spend a couple of hours.
Had no idea there were so many other films on Napoleon and/or War and Peace. A few of these I have seen myself - although can barely recall the details. The most memorable for me was the Waterloo version, with Christopher Plummer as the Iron Duke. One scene has always stood out for me: when Napoleon escaped from the first island they put him on, and approached a battalion of French troops all with their guns trained on him - and I guess with some dramatic license (I'm not sure it actually did happen) were told to fire at Napoleon by the French commander - and all of them refused to do so. Was a well choreographed scene and memorable.
Quite a film collection you have. I think I'm a bit jealous! Thanks for sharing.
Yes, that is quite a good scene. Not half as well done in the Scott version.
It appears the scene of the soldiers refusing to shoot at Napoleon has sources. From the Wikipedia article Hundred days:
"An anecdote illustrates Napoleon's charisma: when royalist troops were deployed to stop the march of Napoleon's force before Grenoble at Laffrey, Napoleon stepped out in front of them, ripped open his coat and said "If any of you will shoot his Emperor, here I am." The men joined his cause. [19]
The reference is: Hamilton-Williams, David (1996). Waterloo New Perspectives: the Great Battle Reappraised. Wiley.
@@MariaMartinez-researcher I wonder if the commander actually ordered them to shoot. Or if Napoleon walked up to them beforehand and the commander said nothing?
Wow you have books and movies in addition to games great show thanks
Great collection! So many hard to find movies! I love the 1970 Waterloo.
Another excellent book is "The Campaigns of Napoleon" by the late David G. Chandler.
Also recommended is Woody Allen's 1975 satire "Love and Death", in which a rag-tag band of characters plot to assassinate Napoleon (played by tough guy actor James Tolkan). It's occasionally shown as part of an Allen marathon on TCM.
Yes, I forgot to add that one. I just love the film. Kind of a satire of "War and Peace" and the 'Brothers Karamazov'.
1970 Waterloo is a masterpiece epic.
Many thanks for going through your collection Gilbert. A number of them looked of interest to me, and I'm pleased to say the two I've already got, Waterloo & War & Peace (BBC), are amongst your favourites.
Thank you so much Gilbert!
I highly recommend the "Kingdom of Heaven - Director's Cut" if you get a chance, it makes the film even better. I am hoping that Ridley Scott's 4 hour cut does the same for "Napoleon", but I won't hold my breath.
Kingdom of Heaven was a great film. I think it has become even better received over the years, as more people have watched it. Unfortunate how Scott just fell flat with Napoleon. Maybe he's just getting old (like many of us are)??
@@jamenta2 I have the directors cut of Kingdom of Heaven and enjoyed it very much. I will not even purchase ANY version of Scott's Napoleon. The extra footage is not going to save this one. It's organically corrupted from the start.
@@XLEGION1 Well - I might be tempted to buy it just for "completionist" sake - once it hits the bargain bin! heh. Thx for responding.
@@jamenta2 I'm tempted too, just to add to the collection. But I think I can resist this one.
@@XLEGION1 haha! Well it's your collection - but you know, to make it complete! ;) You can keep it in the shrink wrap.
Thank you Gilbert for providing some much needed alternatives to Ridley Scott`s dire `Napoleon`. Bondarchuk`s two Napoleonic films are my personal favourites, `Waterloo` my favourite film of all time, the one that introduced me to Napoleon. I agree withy your assessment of Rod Steiger`s portrayal of the French Emperor, he is believable, commanding, and charismatic, everything Phoenix is not in his portrayal. Phoenix has proved himself a fine actor, but even he cannot overcome a feeble script, and poor direction.
Very Extensive collection but you are missing one in particular. In the 80’s French singer Serge Lama did a series of albums containing songs on Napoleon life. These were then used to make a musical in theatre with Lama has Napoleon and other French and French Canadian actors. I have the VHS copy but I am not sure if it’s still available or ever been released on DVD. It’s all in French, maybe if there was a DVD version it might have subs
Thanks for the tip. I didn't know about that one. I also forgot Woody Allens "Love and Death" which is another film that I really like. It's a comedy of course but very well done.
Britfolk artist Eliza Carthy has recorded a few songs about Napoleon, including "Bonaparte's Lament" and the traditional "Grand Conversation on Napoleon".
Wow, that's quite an extensive list, I've added a few titles to my watchlist. Thanks!
Clavier and Mallovich are superb! The charfe across the bridge? Superb.
Great overview of the Napoleonic film genre! Glad you included the rare 1937 Conquest. I've always felt Charles Boyer and Herbert Lom gave us the film Napoleons closest to what I've read of the man.
I agree, I loved Herber Mom as Napoleon. He actually reprised the role in a few other black and white film. Cameo roles only.
Wellington was 46 at Waterloo. George Arliss was 66 when he played The Iron Duke (but he had good makeup and lighting, which the original Wellington lacked in 1815).
Wow, I had no idea there were so many movies on the subject out there, but I should have known that Gilbert would own them all. Well done.
agreed , ole Ridley morphed into Quentin Tarantino's alternated history on this one .
I've always wanted to watch a version of War and Peace, but don't know which one I should watch. If you could only watch one version, which one would it be?
I got the 2002 mini series on dvd in that exact same box set too. I really enjoyed it. Waterloo is great too, although since its not available on DVD in the united states, I had to rely on youtube to watch the movie.
The You Tube copy of the movie was MORE COMPLETE than some of the other versions that I had purchased. (as imports)
@@XLEGION1 complete? As in missing footage from the imported dvds?
Not sure what you are asking here??? @@cadjebushey6524
Yes, there are actually 'different cuts' of the film. Only minutes of difference but they are definitely there. In particular near the beginning when La Bedwyoir whispers to Napoleon.@@cadjebushey6524
I think you forgot the 2001 movie 'The Emperor's New Clothes' - a delightful alternative history drama with Ian Holm flawlessly playing Napoleon. It has a fantastical plot - to confuse his enemies, Napoleon escapes on one ship from St Helena while a lookalike escapes on another. Things go wrong when Napoleon's ship heads to Belgium instead and by the time he makes it to France, the fake Napoleon has already lost Waterloo and Napoleon has to make his way alone to Paris to reclaim his throne! A tale that was both wistfully sad and hilariously funny.
I actually did not forget it as I have not even seen the film. However, a few of my viewers recommended it I have since purchased it and quite liked it. Although I think it could've been much more, Ian had already played Napoleon in the BBC series 'Napoleon and Love', and he was quite good in it.
wow... what a comprehensive list. don't forget Love and Death by Woody Allen. its kind of a spoof of war and peace. Extremely witty
Check out "Desiree" with Marlon Brando as Napoleon.
But don't expect historical accuracy 😉🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
I saw this movie this last weekend. I was severely disappointed. Even without the historical accuracy of the battles. This was such a disjointed story about Napoleon's relationship. A very poor movie indeed!!!
Very nice overview, thank you.
i realy liked the 2016 version of war and peace - an amazing soundtrack also
thank you for the reccomendations Gilbert
thanks great for reference
you should look at some of the other german napoleonic films such as Die Letzte Kompanie: Eine Handvoll Helden which is where some prussians trying to delay the advancing french in 1806 following the Jena defeat, holed up in windmill . Then also there is Die Luetzower , about Luetzow's Freikorps in 1813
Would love to see those films. The problems, as always, is getting a copy of them.
@@XLEGION1 yes true, i have die Letzte Kompanie, but i am not sure if there is an english translation for it. i have seen Die Luetzower around on youtube in the past in full, but finding a copy to own has been hard
I'm a Roman historian and I can tell you that Gladiator, whatever its qualities as a film, was a horrible mess in terms of its historical accuracy.
Oh yes. I knew that from the 'get go'. But the main character was fictional anyway. I think Ridley does better when he does not have a strict historical character to go with. Gladiator may not be 'historical' but it certainly was a success.