Why ‘The Killer Angels’ Was Left Out of the 1993 Movie ‘Gettysburg’

When planning to adapt Michael Shaara's novel The Killer Angels into a film in 1993, the directors at Turner Pictures chose not to use its original title. This decision was not a mere oversight but a strategic choice influenced by audience perception and the scope of the project.

Understanding the Decision to Change the Title

While the movie was actually filmed under its original title, The Killer Angels, Turner Pictures and New Line Cinema underwent a pivotal test screening process. In these screenings, they gauged audience reactions to the proposed title. The findings were unexpected but significant.

Most of the viewers who had no prior knowledge of the movie mistakenly believed the title The Killer Angels referred to a motorcycle gang. This misunderstanding highlighted that the title was not conducive to conveying the historical context and subject matter of the American Civil War. Consequently, the decision was made to change the title to Gettysburg to more accurately reflect the content.

The Impact of Ted Turner's Influence

The project's outcome was also heavily influenced by the financial clout of Ted Turner. As the producer and underwriter of the project, Turner held significant control over the direction of the film. His decision to transform the project from an 8-hour television event to a 3-hour theatrical release necessitated substantial changes to the script and storyline. This shift resulted in the cutback of several characters and plotlines, as the adaptation needed to condense the narrative to fit within the new time constraints.

Ted Turner's checkbook had the final say. His vision and financial power ensured that he got the type of project he wanted, which led to the title change and other production decisions. The change from The Killer Angels to Gettysburg was a strategic move to align the movie with the expectations and knowledge of its target audience, thereby increasing the chance of a successful and engaging viewing experience.

Additional Insights into Screen Adaptation Processes

Such changes in titles and content are not uncommon in the process of adapting literary works into films. Screen adaptation is a complex endeavor where the narrative needs to be adapted to fit the chosen medium. The title can be a critical factor in attracting audiences, and the test screening process serves as a valuable tool for filmmakers to gauge the effectiveness of their title and overall direction.

In the case of Gettysburg, the decision to change the title from The Killer Angels to Gettysburg highlights the importance of audience perception in the process of screen adaptation. By altering the title, the filmmakers were better able to inform potential viewers about the historical subject matter of the film, thereby increasing its relevance and appeal.

Conclusion

The decision to change the title from The Killer Angels to Gettysburg reflects a strategic choice based on market research and the influence of key industry figures. While the title change was unexpected for many readers of Shaara's novel, it was a necessary step to ensure the film's success and alignment with its intended audience. This process underscores the importance of research and adaptation in the film industry, particularly when dealing with historical subjects and their cultural significance.