Historian discusses 'Gods and Generals'

Register & Bee ^ | Jan 29, 2003 | CATHY KOPLEN

[stainlessbanner]

Movie Bump

[Ancesthntr]

"This is the greatest Civil War movie ever made," Robertson said as he spoke to a Danville's Wednesday Club. "What college professor can say his book was made into a mega-movie?

Humble, aren't we?

I hope that he is close to right - Gettysburg was an excellent movie, and this looks to be also. Despite Ted Turner being involved, I'll be seeing this.

[billbears]

I once said casting Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee (in the movie "Gettysburg") was like casting Jane Fonda as Mother Theresa," Robertson said.

Thanks for posting this. I read this line and about fell out of my chair. Can't wait for the movie

[Sam Cree]

I suppose that Dr. Robertson is not one of the many communist historians that universities seem to be afflicted with these days?

I am a little unclear as to whether Robertson or Shaara wrote the book here.

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing this, I think. How about you?

[stand watie]

!!!!

[AzSteven]

I loved the Sheen quote. Gettysburg was an amazingly-good film, even if Turner was involved. Much as I hate to say it, I was even pleased with Sheen's acting int he film, but I think Robert Duvall will make a MUCH better Lee. I enjoyed the novel Gods and Generals, and if they portray Jackson as well as it sounds, including his strong religious faith, this should be something to see.

[stainlessbanner]

I have never read Robertson's work, but I def. look forward to seeing the movie - I hear it is quite a production.

Shaara wrote the book, I recommend reading any of his or his father's books and Jeff was consulted on the production of this movie. It would be interesting to hear what he thinks about the movie "deviating" from his work....especially Roberston's input about Jackson.

[stainlessbanner]

if they portray Jackson as well as it sounds, including his strong religious faith

...and lemon peels.

I actually hear that Jackson and Lee are portrayed as very strong Christians, just as they were in life.

[skeeter]

I loved Killer Angels by Shaara the elder and felt 'Gettysburg' the movie failed to measure up.

Now I've read some of Shaara the younger's work and have concluded he ain't his old man. I'm hoping the movie can improve upon his work.

[condi2008]

Stonewall bump!

...Longstreet, to whose sturdy breast the approach of battle seemed to bring gayety, said to Jackson: "General, do not all these multitudes frighten you?"
He replied: "We shall see very soon whether I shall not frighten them."
~Prior to the battle of Fredericksburg, as the generals looked upon the vast Union army lining up to do battle~

[bagman]

Professor Robertson is a chaired professor at the VPI&SU (Virginia Tech). I would consider him to be the "dean" of historians of the War of Northern Agression. I read his book on the Stonewall Brigade over 25 years ago, so he's been around a while. He has more recently published a biography of General Jackson, which is quite good.

The younger Shaara wrote "Gods and Generals". Haven't read it, don't plan to. He continues in his father's footsteps as a hagiographer of J. L. Chamberlain, an officer for whom I have little use.

[SandfleaCSC]

I hate to say it, but Gettysburg made me gag. That movie was so bad that the universe dies a little each time the someone watches the flick. I would rather eat a hard-back edition of Killer Angels than sit through that stinker of a movie again.

[Non-Sequitur]

bump

[Colt .45]

I once said casting Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee (in the movie "Gettysburg") was like casting Jane Fonda as Mother Theresa," Robertson said.

And I quote Bert Lahr -

"AIN'T IT THE TRUTH ... AIN'T IT THE TRUTH!!!"

[thatdewd]

BUMP! I thought "Gettysburg" to be historically 'misleading' as well.

[Aurelius]

BUMP

[SCDogPapa]

I have been invited to attend a privite showing of Gods and Generals on 2-16-03 in Charlotte NC.

It comes out 2-21-03.

I'll let y'all know how good it is.

[SandfleaCSC]

Lucky dog. May God grant you the strength of will not to throw anything at the screen when Sen.(West-Va. Mountain Hick) Byrd prances onscreen as a Confederacy General.

[stainlessbanner]

< much jealousy, my friend >

You better tell us how it is - make sure you enjoy it.

PS: Wear the 'ol butternut and gray to the preview : )