MovieChat Forums > Rough Riders (1997) Discussion > Would YOU have shot the German?

Would YOU have shot the German?

posted 18 years ago by ervty
13 replies | jump to latest

In the final assult on San Juan Hill, there were two notable times when enemy troops surrendered. The first was a Spanish soldier, the second a German soldier. Now, I can understand shooting the Spanish soldier. He might have been more loyal to the enemy than he was putting on, and could have killed a soldier or two as he was going through American territory, or otherwise sabotaged their efforts. Plus, it didn't look like there were a lot of people behind him, so it'd be hard to keep an eye on him as he was taken into custody. But shooting the German soldier after they'd used him seemed a bit too unfair to me. First, he was definately a mercinary, wheras the Spanish soldier might have real loyalty towards the cause. Second, the battle was nearing a close, and they could probably tie him up until troops were freed, or spare an extra soldier or two to watch him. And third, he was nice enough to help them without struggling too much, and his life seems to be the least he deserves.

Now I know that soldiers have their discretion in wartime of whether or not to take a prisoner, and neither soldier was particularly important, but still, I think if I was there (though I'm glad I wasn't), I would have spared the German's life. Would you have done the same, and if so, why?

[–] MadTom 18 years ago

It's a moot point! It never happened in real-life! There are questions as to whether there were actually any Germans on San Juan Heights.

Killing unarmed and surrendered prisoners of war also happened in Platoon and Saving Private Ryan. What do those two movies have in common with Rough Riders? Dale Dye was the technical advisor and had a part as an actor in all three. I think the man has issues!

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] megatosspot 18 years ago

Well, he did stop shooting.

Pat a wet nun?

[–] roger-395 17 years ago

Anyone who believes enemy soldiers are always given quarter in the middle of a battle is simply mistaken and this has nothing to do with Dale Dye. German soldiers were killed by Americans during the D-Day invasion. It happen elsewhere in that war and in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War. It's unfortunate but it is fairly common and not just with American soldiers.

[–] roger-395 17 years ago

The German soldier was not shot. Indian Bob gutted him with a knife. Keep in mind this was G Troop who just lost their Captain Bucky O'Neil and these guys were in no mood to be merciful. It wouldn't have hurt the American cause to leave one man behind to guard the German and perhaps rules of war required this to occur. But as I said, these guys were in no mood to extend kindness. They were out for revenge.

[–] jennyfrombh 17 years ago

Ervty: if you feel that way, you're gay!!!!

[–] Angel_of_Mons_1914 17 years ago

Yes. Perfectly legal.

[–] magic8ball2112 16 years ago

If the situation were actually real, and not a Hollywood setup as in this movie, its a tough say.

Its really a spur of the moment battlefield decision that can't be reasoned in the way someone sitting at their computer in calm surroundings can.

[–] Hancock_the_Superb 16 years ago

The German wasn't there in real life so the issue's moot, really.

As for the Spanish soldier, if you watch the scene he shoots one of Roosevelt's men then immediately afterwards is confronted by Wadsworth (?), then tries to surrender. In the heat of battle I could hardly blame the American for that one.

I haven't had a horse shot out from under me in thirty years... Still a thrill!

[–] jglapin 15 years ago

In the context of the movie he would have immediately turned the Maxxim gun on the Rough Rider's rear as they moved forward up the Hill. An expediency of war.

[–] jglapin 14 years ago

Yer dern tootin' I would! (trying to imagine Gabby Hayes answer if asked).

Hard to say, it was a battle.

[–] chrismahon2005 14 years ago

In any war you are at risk if your taking a prisoner, the mens blood is up, they may not be able to spare any one to escort you back or keep an eye on you etc, so normally if they dont kill you out of hand fairly quick you may be ok, id have said i knew a lot of stuff about the spanish and there plans etc, try and bluff them just to get taking back and maybe handed over to other troops who not in the battle would not be so keen to kill me