Mistakes in Famous Movie Scenes: A Look at Historical Misunderstandings and Misuse of Animals

When movies capture events from history, they often imbue them with a sense of grandeur and significance. However, in some cases, these cinematic renditions can be marred by historical misunderstandings and even injustice to animals. This article delves into two such instances, shedding light on the controversial scenes in 'The Battle of Algiers' and 'The Charge of the Light Brigade.'

The Battle of Algiers: Shooting in the Middle of a Coup

One of the most infamous instances of a movie scene going awry occurred during the filming of 'The Battle of Algiers.' The film was shot on location in the Algerian capital, allowing for the realistic portrayal of the events. However, unbeknownst to the film crew, the location was being used as a cover by the Algerian army to stage a coup.

Only when tanks arrived at the Presidential Palace and troops began arresting the President did the film crew and civilian authorities realize the true nature of the situation. This was not a day of filming but rather a critical political event. Interestingly, while the Wikipedia article on 'The Battle of Algiers' does not mention this incident, there is discussion about it in the article on 'The 1965 Algerian coup d'état.'

The Charge of the Light Brigade: A Tragic Historical Error

Another instance where a movie scene became mired in controversy is the 'Charge of the Light Brigade' during the Crimean War. This military action, as it unfolded during the war, was a devastating error, as a group of light cavalry attacked the wrong position, leading to the loss of many lives.

The scene gained notoriety and fame, especially when the then-Poet Laureate wrote a poem about it just six weeks after the event. The public's imagination was captured, and this historical event became a significant part of cultural memory.

Edison Studios became the first to produce a movie based on these events in 1912. The film, which lasts just over 11 minutes, can be found on YouTube. In 1936, Hollywood took the story and gave it a big-budget treatment, starring Errol Flynn for Warner Brothers. The director, Michael Curtiz, was known for his expertise in action scenes, and 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' became one of his best works.

While the scene looked impressive on screen, behind the scenes, it was a disaster for the animals. In the real battle, almost 400 horses were killed. In the film, the number of horses killed ranged from 25 to 200, depending on who you believe. To make the scene more exciting, Curtiz used trip wires that, when tripped by the horses, caused them to fall over. This may have looked stunning, but it was devastating for the animals. Some of the badly hurt horses had to be put down.

The incident not only outraged animal lovers in America but also led to a public outcry. As a result, the story made the press, leading Congress to step in and lay down laws to prevent such animal cruelty in movies. Warner Brothers was so embarrassed by these events that after its first run, they withdrew the movie and it was not seen again until it appeared on television in 1956.

Conclusion

While movies can be powerful tools to capture and preserve history, they can also be marred by errors and controversies. The events surrounding 'The Battle of Algiers' and 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' highlight the importance of historical accuracy and the humane treatment of animals. These stories serve as important reminders for filmmakers to consider the impact of their work beyond the screen.