History in Technicolour
57 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 70 ratingsWolf and David explore the history films we love or (or sometimes, films we’d loved just a little less but find interesting). Turns out we like different things…anyway, then we given them a score for two things – how good are they as a film, and how accurate are they with their history.
When you’ve listened, join us at the History of England Facebook Group – you can vote, and tell us what you think of the film, and you can even tell us (in no uncertain terms) what you think of our views (while writing to your MP in the strongest possible terms).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
Napoleon
December 07, 2023 12:13 - 50 minutes - 37.7 MBRidley Scott's long awaited latest epic; a 'character study' of one of the most influential figures of European history, who reshaped a continent. It has been accompanied by furious debate, criticism, praise and confusion. Henry, Wolf and David rushed to see it, and to chat about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oppenheimer
August 05, 2023 06:46 - 1 hour - 38.2 MBChristopher Nolan's biography of J Robert Oppenheimer is visually stunning, rich, ambitious...also quite long. Did it engage you, was it thought provoking, present a convincing view of it's subject? We talk about that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Great Escape
December 18, 2022 08:04 - 55 minutes - 42 MBReleased in 1863 The Great Escape has got to be one of the definitive tales of derring-do, the ultimate escapism, in the 'film is fun' genre. What role would you have had if you had been there? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chariots of Fire
December 11, 2022 06:58 - 52 minutes - 39.6 MBI remember back in 1981 this film was a sensation; we were all running around on beaches in slo-mo. Has it stood the test of time, though, and is it any more than a bit of fluff? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bright Star
November 20, 2022 09:00 - 54 minutes - 42.1 MBJane Campion's Bright Star was released in 2009 and featured on the lives of Fanny Browne and John Keats in the last years of Keat's life. Abbie Cornish and Ben Wishaw do a brilliant job of recreating their lives Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gladiator
October 30, 2022 07:03 - 1 hour - 50.1 MBRidley Scott's classic - is it, and were you entertained or did it unleash hell? Has it stood the test of time? And how well does the revenge format work? This and much more - and a discussion of the ubiquitous agricultural yield ratios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lost King
October 16, 2022 07:00 - 58 minutes - 43.5 MBThe Lost King follows the remarkable story of Ricardian Phillipa Langley, whose steely determination and persistence led to the discovery of the body of Richard III and paints the academic community as determined to write her out of the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lagaan
September 25, 2022 07:00 - 52 minutes - 40.9 MBThe evil British oppressor Captain Russell - twiddly 'tache and all - forces the poor hapless (and stonkingly rich) Raja to impose the traditional tax, Lagaan threefold on the villagers unless they beat the English overlord at their weird game - Cricket (pre IPL days, obs). Find out what happens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Cold Blood
September 11, 2022 07:00 - 51 minutes - 40.6 MBThe 1967 film noir adaptation of Truman Capote's famous book, In Cold Blood tells of the gruesome story of the murders of the Clutter family. It used a quasi document style, and is not only strikingly filmed, but makes you ask why these people died. It won multiple nominations for Academy Awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Favourite
August 28, 2022 07:00 - 50 minutes - 38.2 MBThis 2018 film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos is a glorious tragi-comedy about the lives of three women - Queen Anne, Sarah Churchill and Abigail Hill. It travels the full spectrum from barking mad to genuinely moving. It is a blast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rob Roy
August 14, 2022 07:00 - 40 minutes - 32.3 MBRob Roy is a 1995 film telling a story of a Highland clan chief Rob Roy McGregor played by Liam Neeson; Jessica :Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Brian Cox are superb. The best film about scotland in 1995 for sure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Cromwell
July 31, 2022 07:00 - 55 minutes - 42.4 MBCromwell was a 1970 film starring Richard Harris as the eponymous, and Alec Guiness as Charles I. Massive in scale and ambition, in its attempt to present Oliver as a democratic hero of the people. Does it manage it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Marie Antoinette
September 11, 2021 10:17 - 51 minutes - 48.7 MBMarie Antoinette is the 2006 film directed by Sophia Coppola. It took a highly stylised and sumptuous approach, with modern music – though nailing the cake thing. Reception was quite hostile – but maybe has improved? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Duellists
August 22, 2021 08:00 - 45 minutes - 33.3 MBThe Duellists is Ridley Scott’s first feature film, in 1977. It describes a vicious feud of honour between two officers over the course of the Napoleonic wars Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Zulu
July 25, 2021 08:00 - 54 minutes - 53.7 MBThe 1964 Epic Zulu, first major role for Michael Caine was super popular - I saw it in my youth for sure. So how well has it worn? Is it a great drama, and in the light of changing attitudes to colonialism and Empire does it still stir the blood, in a good way? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kingdom of Heaven
July 11, 2021 07:08 - 55 minutes - 42.3 MBRidley Scott's 2005 historical epic came soon after the massive success of Gladiator, and consciously aimed to repeat it's success. It didn't manage it, but the Director's Cut was better received, and the film has very strong themes about religious fanaticism; and is a visual treat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monty Python
June 20, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 52.4 MBMonty Python produced two deeply researched dramas analysing the reign of the great British Hero King Arthur, and the religious leader, Brian. How accurate are they, and are we still a Python worshiping country? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Land and Freedom
June 06, 2021 08:00 - 41 minutes - 32.6 MBThe 1995 film about the Spanish Civil war, directed by Ken Loach and heavily influenced by Orwell's Homage to Catalonia. The film sees the war through the eyes of an English communist who goes to fight for the POUM militia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49th Parallel
May 23, 2021 08:00 - 40 minutes - 30.6 MBA 1941 Powell and Pressburger film designed to persuade the American people of the need to join the war against the Nazis. "Goebbels considered himself an expert on propaganda, but I thought I'd show him a thing or two" said Pressburger. Did the film work? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peterloo
May 09, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 40.1 MBThe massacre at St Peters Field in 1819 was a key date in the story of the development of democracy in Britain. Mike Lee's film sets out to restore that sense of outrage in loving and angry detail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Wind Rises
April 25, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 41 MBThe stunning 2013 Japanese animated historical drama by the master, Hayao Miyazaki. The Wind Rises is a biographical film of Jiro Horikoshi (1903–1982), designer of the Mitsubishi A5M fighter aircraft and its successor, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, used by the Empire of Japan during World War II. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Belle
April 04, 2021 08:00 - 42 minutes - 35.3 MBThe 2013 film directed by Amma Asante tells the story of the daughter of an enslaved African woman and Captain Lindsey, against the background of the Zhong slave ship court case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Private Life of Henry VIII
March 21, 2021 09:00 - 42 minutes - 42.5 MBThe 1933 classic from Alexander Korda which certainly convinced my mother that Henry VIII threw chicken bones around. It was a major international success, in particular for Charles Laughton, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Good Vibrations
March 07, 2021 09:00 - 38 minutes - 36.9 MB2013 film about the 'Godfather of Punk' Terri Hooley set against the Troubles of the 1970 in Northern Ireland. And described by Mark Kermode as the best film of 2018 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Last of the Mohicans
February 21, 2021 09:00 - 40 minutes - 39.7 MBThe 1992 film staring Daniel Day Lewis in the adaptation of James Cooper's novel, set in early colonial America Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Dig
February 07, 2021 11:57 - 47 minutes - 36.7 MBA very English drama about the dig on the eve of WWII which reveal one of the most dramatic discoveries in English archaeology - the 7th Century burial ship of Raedwald (probably) king of the East Saxons and one of Bede's Bretwalda Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Elizabeth
August 10, 2020 09:00 - 30 minutes - 25.1 MBRe-issued (not new) 'cos it didn't appear on the HiT feed anywhere. And we've reached Elizabeth on THoE too...The 1998 film ‘Elizabeth’ covers the reign of Queen Mary, and Elizabeth’s early years – and her arrival at a critical decision Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bajirao Mastani
August 18, 2019 05:50 - 45 minutes - 49.2 MBAn Indian epic of epic proportions - colour, drama,. music, dancing, big stars, big budget - on the story of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I (1700–1740 AD) and his second wife, Mastani. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Fall of the Roman Empire
August 04, 2019 07:07 - 1 hour - 66.7 MBSamuel Bronston's whopping epic, directed by Anthony Mann, failed to win audiences and was a financial disaster for Bronston. But it presents a well worked view of why Rome fell, and some great performances by James Mason and Christopher Plummer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Immortal Beloved
July 21, 2019 15:53 - 48 minutes - 53.6 MBThe story of Beethoven's life and music, through the lens of the mystery he left behind - who was the 'Immortal Beloved?' The Music is great, by the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Paths of Glory
July 07, 2019 08:00 - 50 minutes - 53.7 MBPaths of Glory is an anti war movie released in 1957, directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. Who does take his shirt off. It's based a novel but on a real case of French soldiers who refuse to continue a suicidal attack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Knights Tale
June 23, 2019 08:00 - 44 minutes - 49.4 MBA romp, ladies and gentlemen. Chaucer walking naked after betting his shirt, peasants jousting as knights, rock music at medieval jousts. A bit of fun or hideous tosh? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
June 09, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBThe 1989 film's trip through time started by being received most heinously by critics, and yet it's journey has been most unprecedented until now it is remembered most excellently. though probably not for the quality of its history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Made in Dagenham
May 26, 2019 08:00 - 39 minutes - 42.9 MBThe 2010 movie depicts the fight for women's rights at the Ford Dagenham site in 1968. loads of fun and laughter all mixed up with series issues produces a really good feel good movie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Selma
May 12, 2019 08:00 - 44 minutes - 48.1 MBThe historical drama directed by Ava DuVernay is about personal bravery, about moving, dramatic - and controversial events. Did it tell the story fairly? And did it convey the drama and engage the heart? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Henry V
April 23, 2019 07:03 - 57 minutes - 68.7 MBIn celebration of St George's Day, we watched Kenneth Branagh's Henry V. Was it a triumph of the order of Agincourt's, or worse than the Duke of Bedford's haircut? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Das Boot
March 31, 2019 20:43 - 48 minutes - 53.8 MBNot quite sure how many times I have watched Das Boot, but it is legion. A story of the war in one campaign, of the comradeship on board, and the terrors of living at the mercy of the sea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lost City of Z
March 17, 2019 09:00 - 55 minutes - 61.9 MBIt's an adventure, exploration yarn! Good solid honest stuff - British explorer Percy Fawcett journeys into the Amazon, where he discovers evidence of a previously unknown, advanced civilization. But was he the hero he was cracked up to be? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Robin and his various Hoods
March 03, 2019 09:00 - 1 hour - 86 MBGlen Longwell joins Wolf and I to compare and contrast 3 Robin Hood movies. Plus we had some questions so hie thee to the Facebook group to pitch in. We talk 1938, 1991, 2010 - and a brief homage to Disney, of course. Which will win?! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Papillon
February 17, 2019 07:51 - 52 minutes - 56.1 MBWhen I was at school we constantly discussed the book; we were fascinated by it, including where they kept their money (really? Ewe). So what about the film? How did the world's coolest ever actor and Dustin do? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mary Queen of Scots
January 27, 2019 09:00 - 1 hour - 77.8 MBWe discuss the intricate and fascinating story of Mary Queen of Scots and the new 2018 movie - along with the 1971 movie too. A chance to see how the our mores and filmmaking have moved on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Witch
January 20, 2019 09:00 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBThe first of an occasional series where we look at the representation of folk tales and beliefs of the past, and how accurately film has presented them. We are joined in the shed by our Witch expert, Millie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lion in Winter
January 06, 2019 09:00 - 44 minutes - 48.5 MBSuch a classic - Katherine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole giving it large, plus the world's most appalling article of clothing (see if you can spot which). Was it accurate? Was it fun? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Battle of Algiers
December 23, 2018 10:41 - 48 minutes - 54.4 MBMade in 1966 by Italian neo-realist director Gillo Pontecorvo, the film is based the actions of rebels and French government during the Algerian War of 1954–62. So realistic was it, that it has been used as a training film. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lady Jane
December 09, 2018 09:00 - 44 minutes - 35.6 MBLady Jane was the first leading role for a very young Helena Bonham Carter, and a film debut for the renowned theatre director Trevor Nunn. Plus its an amazing story. So, surely nothing could go wrong? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lawrence of Arabia
November 25, 2018 09:00 - 1 hour - 47.7 MBThis is one of the two movies my father picked out for me when I was nobbut a lad. It won 5 Oscars, was voted 3 on the BFI's list of best films of all time. It is a majestic masterpiece, telling the story of the Arab revolt in WWI, through the eyes of T E Lawrence, an intelligence office in the British army. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Last Emperor
November 11, 2018 07:44 - 40 minutes - 32.6 MBThe story of Puyi the Last Emperor of China is the MOST sumptuous of films, beautifully shot, it's an extraordinary story, and the history it passes through is fascinating. Was it all worth it? Do you root for the characters? As an authorised film - did it pull its punches? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Bridge Too Far
October 28, 2018 07:05 - 44 minutes - 35.4 MBOnce you've watched A Bridge too Far, you realise that you have just been playing with history movies. This film sets out its stall to tell you everything you ever wanted to know, and a few things you didn't, about Operation Market Garden. Was it also a good film? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Madness of King George
October 14, 2018 08:13 - 41 minutes - 33.5 MBAlan Bennett's play and film is a triumph on so many levels - it's sensitivity towards mental health, the rehabilitation of the character of a king from unfair historical judgement, it's very funny, with great music. Or is that just me? And is it accurate? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Geronimo
September 30, 2018 06:46 - 41 minutes - 33 MBThe 1993 film which tries to present a balanced picture of Geronimo and his armed resistance - through the eyes of a young US army officer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.