One of my favorite movies. And Woodward recites this poem so well.
That’s what comes of Empire building!
To think the Dutch were once the wealthiest and most powerful empire in Europe. Funny how history works (or doesn’t) sometimes.
“Rule 303! We executed them under Rule 303!”
Morant and Hancock were hardly the angels the movie portrayed them as being. But there is no way they were accorded a fair trial. Practically every rule of procedure, evidence, and testimony was violated by the Crown prosecutors. The trial was a sham from the outset, and both men were doomed. I especially felt the frustration of Maj. Thomas, the defense counsel, who tried his best to defend his client ethically, relying on a system that was grossly corrupt.
The movie is very well done, even if the presentation is biased and incomplete. It’s one of my favorites too.