"The Waterloo Film" Topic

I have just watched the Waterloo DVD – the one where Rod Steiger played Napoleon. I felt I had to because of the anniversary.

It is still a great film but rather disappointingly Napoleon lost again. It is the same ending every time I watch it but I was expecting a different ending because of the anniversary.

Maybe the next centenary?

You might try playing the DVD backwards.

Out of the minor skirmish at that Belgian town, the French troops celebrate with Napoleon in the south of France.

End of movie.

Just an idea.

I tried that before but it ended with the Marshals walking out on Napoleon at Fontainbleau.

Broglie

You have learnt a valuable lesson in life by watching a film you have watched before and expecting it to end differently – history cannot be changed, and er, neither can the ending of films on DVD. Well, not for now, but with the way modern technology is progressing, that could be the next step. You watch a film and you don't like the ending-then change it. Could be a winner that.

Watched 4 times this week

"I WILL NOT!! I WILL NOT!!! IWILL NOT!!!!" lose at Mont St. Jean again!!!!

I hear the four hour version is different… but unfortunately, the outcome is still the same.

Thanks Gazzola

I understand the point you are making but every time I watch it I keep thinking ……….will it end differently this time?

I have great faith in the Emperor and I keep hoping he will learn from his mistakes.

Hmm…interesting observation…..I notice that each time I watch "A man for all seasons", Thomas More still gets his head chopped off.

I have been watching it many times but I always stop it when French Old Guard starts the charge. I can't really stand it!

I feel everyone's pain. You'd think the little guy could just eek out one more victory…but no.

Ok, I'll bite…where is the four hour version?

Still one of the last epic type movies with real people.

P.

The second time I watched the film I lost a $100 USD bet !!
I bet that the French would win -- just could not believe the French would try that huge cav charge again !!
regards
Russ Dunaway

Ok, I'll bite…where is the four hour version?

Per imdb the industry standard site on films:

2 hr 14 min (134 min)
2 hr 14 min (134 min) (Norway)
2 hr 12 min (132 min) (UK)
2 hr 3 min (123 min) (USA)

imdb.com/title/tt0066549

and

link

We have discussed this a couple of times. NO evidence a longer version was released in the West.

Inquires at Mosfilms have failed to turned up a longer version.

Much as we would wish a 4 hour version it is unlikely to ever be released, even if it ever existed. Look we almost lost Lawrence of Arabia because of decay or the film. Yes, there are stills show missing scenes. These may be publicity shots.

What is the source of the 4 hour rumour? A site called "TV Tropes". It's a very good site and an even bigger time sink than TMP, but unlike Wiki it doesn't seem to have any references. Do I trust tvtropes.com? Not entiely.

It existed but is still may be "lost". Bought my copy (2 hr+) from Belle & Blade a few years ago. When I bought it he said he was looking for the "Russian" version which was longer and had cut scenes. Last year he had the "Russian" version at Historicon but I didn't go into it any further then that. Will find out more this year when I go to Historicon.

Do have Russian version of War and Peace and it is Loonnngggg.

I've just gotten off the phone with Belle and Blade.

His version is about 2 hrs 15 minutes and is based on the Russian print.

There was a longer version which covered Quatre Bras/Ligny as well. He does not sell this version. He has contacted the achieves in both Rome and Moscow, neither have a copy. For the past 20 years he's been offering a $1,000 USD reward for a copy of the print with no takers. This copy now believed lost.

Hope this helps