I was watching TMZ and saw a young person describing a current Hollywood star as there hero, none of the shallow, self-serving things which this person used to justify such an evaluation seemed legitimate. To me it seemed ridiculous. Here is someone who is: Stanley Baker was a journeyman actor from Wales. He also happened to be a friend of fellow Welshman, Richard Burton. In 1964, he used every connection he had to make a movie about the magnificent defense of Rorkes Drift(Jan 1879), in a film called Zulu. His motivation was, in part, to right the wrong caused by the little disguised contempt and jealousy of superior officers for the two men in command, Lt. Chard and Lt. Bromhead. These behind the lines superiors used their jealousy to block and impede the promotion and recognition of these two Victoria Cross winners. However you may feel about the Zulu War, the 139 men who held off a Zulu army of 3,000 to 4,000 was an incredible story of bravery and courage. Stanley Baker made an excellent movie telling their story. He gave them the justice that they deserved and that history had denied them. Years later, after Stanleys death, his wife found the Victoria Cross that she believed was made for the film for the character of Lt. Chard, whom Stanley played, in his papers. It wasnt. It turned out that somehow Stanley had found the actual medal which had disappeared shortly after Chards death. Colonel Chard had died in 1897 at the age of 50. The Medal is now on display at the British Imperial Museum in London.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 12:01:50 +0000
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