MovieChat Forums > Rough Riders (1997) Discussion > German advisers?

German advisers?

posted 15 years ago by The24thFoot
5 replies | jump to latest

Whats up with the various comments throughout the movie about German advisers and the line about "German fusiliers"? Also, their is the scene where they capture and execute a German officer. Now I know the Spanish Army of the time was heavily influenced by Germany, wore similar uniforms, and carried Mauser rifles, used Maxim machine guns and Krupp cannons, etc but were their really German troops present?

I have the order of battle on p.93 of Osprey Publishing's Campaign series book on San Juan Hill and it does not list any German Army units unless there were just some advisers assigned to the Spanish staff corps.

[–] pe81171 15 years ago

I believe this was definite artistic license on the director's part. I almost felt like it was an homage to the similar German advisers in 'The Wild Bunch'. I think John Milius is a fan of the director Sam Peckinpah who did the'The Wild Bunch'.

Frank: Just a man.
Harmonica: An ancient race.

[–] Hancock_the_Superb 15 years ago

This was definitely dramatic license, and even the machine guns they used weren't actually used by the Spanish, at least on San Juan Hill. He also made the Germans the primary bad guys in The Wind and the Lion, you'll recall. Might Milius's Jewishness have something to do with this? Either that, or he's just looking for an archetypical, easily-identifiable villain.

"If life gives you lemons, choke on 'em and die. You stupid lemon eater."

[–] pe81171 15 years ago

On the Director's commentary on the DVD I even think Milius accidentally calls them the 'Nazi' advisers before correcting himself.

Frank: Just a man.
Harmonica: An ancient race.

[–] Hancock_the_Superb 15 years ago

I didn't notice that when I listened to the commentary, or else I didn't make anything of it. Thanks for pointing it out. It wouldn't surprise me if that were the reason.

"If life gives you lemons, choke on 'em and die. You stupid lemon eater."

[–] jglapin 15 years ago

When Germany sold Mauser rifles and pistols, Maxim Guns and artillery to Spain,along came "instructors". There real purpose was to evaluate the weapons under battle conditions.

I salute Milius for finding Maxim and Colt machine guns and the Gatling guns- both .45-70 and 2 pounder. Most of the field artillery were French "75s"Model 1895 or 1898.

Close enough for government work.