MovieChat Forums > The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid (1972) Discussion > Story has more holes than swiss cheese

Story has more holes than swiss cheese

posted 16 years ago by marmac2768
6 replies | jump to latest

Just finished watching it on AMC. It was enjoyable, but the facts were strictly ignored for the drama. For example, there is no indication that the townsfolk of Northfield went on a lynching spree as they searched for the gang. For that matter, since they hanged those fellows for just looking like riff raff at the whorehouse, why did they spare the Youngers after shooting them full of holes?? And how did the Youngers, particularly Cole survive if he was shot up like he was. There is no doubt he was wounded in the gunfight, but not nearly shot to pieces like he was.

I don't know why Hollywood would do things like that when the truth is just as interesting.

[–] DD-931 16 years ago

Weren't you paying any attention to the movie? How could you forget what Cole had been wearing over his torso for the entire movie?

[–] SinclairJA 16 years ago

I'm not sure if you are being serious with this reply of not, DD-931, but it's a valid point. Except for the way they showed the blood spurting from his chest when he was shot (multiple times).

If your story is that his leather "bullet-resistent vest" protected him, then I would think you wouldn't show it being so clearly penetrated by the bullets.

By the way, since you happened to comment on such a relatively obscure movie today (April 4th), you must've watched it today on AMC - as did I. I'd never heard of the movie (although I was familiar with the historical incident) before this morning.

[–] DD-931 16 years ago

I did see it at the same time you did. And I'm ashamed to say it was my first time, even though I'd wanted to see it since it came out in 1972. It was actually considered a quality, even progressive movie when it first came out. I can actually see how subsequent movies have stolen some of it's more interesting features, considered pretty innovative back then.

It is true, though, that the movie cheats a little in showing the blood coming from Cole Younger when he is shot.

[–] aarronwaite 12 years ago

I'd say you see the blood spurt because the vest would have lessened the impact of the bullet so he still would have been shot but it would have been flesh wounds.

Even much better modern vests of today don't stop you being hurt.

[–] Fitvideo 14 years ago

But do we care ...?
Not a jot...

Great stuff in its time... all about filmakng, not about historical accuracy, something you Americans won't ever get right anyway ...if you require that , go watch Clash Of The Titans , either version....

regards

Fitvideo

[–] wineguy999 14 years ago

Cole Younger was shot 11 times at Northfield.

That's the truth.