Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1495092
1 0 0 P E R S P E C T I V E | M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 3 RESHOOTS B Y K É D R A S . D AW K I N S , A D G D I R E C T O R S E L E C T I O N S F R O M T H E A D G A R C H I V E S I M A G E C O U RT E SY O F T H E A RT D I R E C TO R S G U I L D A R C H I V E S A. PRODUCTION PHOTO FROM THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE. ART DIRECTOR JOHN HUGHES. The 1936 film, The Charge of the Light Brigade, was a historical drama directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. The film was inspired by the poem of the same name by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which described the disastrous charge of the light brigade during the Crimean War. However, the film's script took many liberties with the historical facts and was criticized for its inaccuracies. Despite its flaws, the film's significance lies in its impact on the film industry. This can be attributed to its extravagant sets. The battle scene was shot on a remote location in Agoura Hills, California, and required the construction of a replica of the Balaklava battlefield. The film's success also popularized the use of matte paintings, which allowed filmmakers to create realistic backgrounds without having to film on location. It paved the way for more elaborate and expensive productions, and it became a benchmark for filmmakers to surpass. However, the battle scene's notoriety also stemmed from the director's use of trip wires to make the horses fall. Several horses were injured, and some had to be put down, leading to protests against the cruel treatment of animals in film. This incident prompted a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to monitor animal activity in movies, ultimately leading to the creation of the American Humane Association's "No animals were harmed" end-credit disclaimer. The Charge of the Light Brigade is a groundbreaking film, notorious for its contentious animal usage and impressive technical feats. Its impact on responsible and ethical filmmaking practices is undeniable, and it exemplifies the transformative power of cinema to illuminate crucial issues and inspire action. A