In this clip, Simmerson: -Is called dishonorable, disgraceful, and shameful -Is told he should have died -Is given a command that is more or less intended to cause his death The part that actually bothers him: -Sharpe being given a command A true hater.
He more or less hated the fact that He saw through his BS. He didn't give leftenant Gibbons his Gazetted promotion everything he tried, even trying to strongarm him with his "connections" was thwarted. Sharpe got Gazzeted instead.
" Major Lennox answered with his life" I have never heard a line in any media, delivered with such weight and significance. This scene is one of the greats.
It's the sheer _rage_ at Simmons' temerity in trying to blame his failure on a man who _died because of his incompetence._ Wellington is absolutely incredulous that Simmons can be _this_ lacking in honour and decency.
You can see the respect in the eyes of wellington when Sharpe makes his oath. He didn't, specifically say he didn't make an oath, just that no one heard it. You can see how wellington understands perfectly what he means, and how he is still maintaining his promise to Lennox and giving his word to Wellington. Now, that's scriptwriting.
@@brianbutton6346 He then tells Hogan to let the french know that the south essex will be holding the flank, Sharpe will be there and in the column he has the chance to fulfill his promis
You can also see Wellington suppressing a smile as he leans back to dismiss Sharpe, still as a Captain. Not only is it great writing, it's great acting all around.
@@MrShadowfax42 Hugh Fraser I think has more range in what he portrayed sometimes angry sometimes fooling about... it was good overall. I think the public is biased in favour of David Troughton, because he appeared on fewer occasions and was top notch on all of them. Overall they are both equally good. Who knows if we had David Troughton in goofy parts it would have looked bad.
And just think, Simmerson STILL can't find the 'balls' to restore his honor and self-respect on the battlefield, when he faces the French, the next day, he bolts! And runs again!
@@stefandustan8730 They didn't though. Vietnam wasn't lost on the battlefield. And the wars in the middle east will never end, not because we can't win but because there's nothing TO win. We're there fighting proxy wars for Israel and for oil, both of which are causes I and most other Americans oppose, but to suggest that the Afghans are "beating the shit" out of the US military is absurd. They have never won a single significant engagement.
"Major Hogan reports a number of losses, Sir Henry." His head, his nerve, 10 men, a major and two sergeants, his sense of honour, and the King's Colours.
Wellesley is perfectly happy to let Sharpe do whatever he wants so long as it either facilitates Wellesley's own goal (Sharpe's desire for the Imperial Eagle would compensate for Simmerson's incompetence/cowardice) or at least leaves Wellesley himself outside of scrutiny (later on sending Sharpe and Berry on a mission together when they intend to have a duel- something that Wellesley has banned- if they go through with it, officially the survivor can pass it off as the other getting killed by the French whereas the dead for obvious reasons cannot dispute, thus leaving Wellesley's authority unchallenged).
"Das war ein Befehl"'s equivalent here is : "Major Lennox answered with his life!" the first possible video that comes to mind can involve a new distribution of linux... however, as the world speaks english today it may not work.
It always annoys me when TV characters take two steps away from someone and then have a "secret" conversation at normal speaking volume in a totally silent room lol.
@@katherineberger6329 Or James Kirk to Khan in Star Trek II (just before they remotely lower 'Reliant's' shields and Sulu proceeds to open fire) when he says, "here it comes; Now, Mr. Spock".
That's a good line but my favorite is when Wellington finally loses his patience with the snivelling Simmerson trying to pass the buck: MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE, as you should've done if you had any sense of honor.
It was a spectacularly acted role. And the entirety of the UK and Ireland have many ways of politely saying "get ye the fucketh out of my line of sight." The most direct is "MAKE WAY FOR THE QUEEN'S/KING'S GUARD!" and barrelling over whoever is in your way as you march. The most polite is the "Good Morning," or the equally contemptuous "You stand relieved, Sir," which is military-speak for "You fucked up so badly that I, your 2IC or replacement, have relieved you of all your duties so you can go back to HQ and explain yourself while we, the actually warriors, stay here and fight."
"Major Hogan's coat buttons up tight over a number of other duties, sir." Great way of phrasing the sentiment "If you think that's all he is, then you're an even bigger fool than I originally took you for."
@@schizoidboy Hogan is an engineer- pretty much the only way an Irishman could get an army commission. His engineer role is secondary to his talent, namely exploration officer.
@@SantomPh "pretty much the only way an Irishman could get an army commission" writing from Ireland I would like to just say hogwash! Sir Arthur Wellesley was born in Dublin and did pretty well for himself as an officer.
@@chrisyoung5929 Wellington was as much an Irishman as Alexander Hamilton was Jamaican or Barack Obama was Hawaiian -- as a trivial fact, not as a real characteristic.
@@PogueMahone1 Irrelevant, this is about the comment that people from Ireland ( Dublin was considered the second city of the Empire) could not get commissions. Waterloo Major General Ponsonby from Cork led and died in the cavalry charge that included the Scot Grays and the Inniskilling Dragoons. There are 5 commissioned waterloo veterans in Glasnevin cemetery, Dublin alone. The Irish regiments Like 27 Foot had Irish officers. Read Lieut Col Harvey’s book "A Bloody Day - The Irish at Waterloo". His estimate is 8500 Irish at Waterloo. Now if you were poor then little or no chance, Officers were the landed gentry.
I love the "The man who loses the King's Colours... loses the King's friendship".... letting Simmerson know that his political allies will probably also run for cover.
Not even probably, that was a statement of fact as far as he was concerned. Simmerson's behavior had become an embarassment, at which point he would be cut loose. No one wants to be seen with the guy who shamed his country.
Its the bit just before when Simmerson tries to pull he "I have friends in high places" thing and the look Wellington gives him says it all. "Really? You're going to try that with me? Really?!" Always remember Hugh Fraiser as wellignton but this guy did a fair job, think i like that Fraiser made him a little more affable and human when he was around certain people.
It also gives an amazing badass response to a quote that in almost all royal court fiction is the end all. "He has friends at Court" = he cant be touched in a literary sense, the line is golden.
My Daughter likes sharpe and came into my Study to answer for her poor behavior. She played me like a fiddle. She looks at me and says “The Fault is not mine! Major Lennox must answer!” I didn’t miss a beat. I slammed my fist on the desk. “ Major Lennox answered with his life! As you should have done if you had any sense of honor!” Her “Dad wanna go watch Sharpe?” Me hopping up. “Ya” She’s seven.
It's great when you can bring a kid in to the stuff ou like. When my daughter saw the opening for the 70's show UFO, before she saw the whole thing she said, "They should put the headquarters underground and use the movie studio as a cover." I was so proud.
Wellington is wonderfully like Lord Vetinari in this depiction. He only had to say “Don’t let me detain you,” instead of “Good morning” and the characters would align eerily well.
So, as officers in the U.S. Marine Corps, we are still taught to follow the same tradition. You begin and end a conversation with the "proper greeting of the day". During training in particular, when addressing a superior you might say "Good morning, sir! There is nothing significant to report at this time. Good morning, sir!" Which is all well and good, until you try to speak to any other human like that.
Yup, Ciaran Hinds nailed the role of Caesar perfectly. He’s JC just as David Suchet is Poirot and Jeremy Brett is Holmes. As to Wellington... well, I believe it’s (David?) Troughton here, Patrick’s son? While Hugh Fraser was ok, I honestly think it’s a shame Troughton didn’t continue in the role, likewise Brian Cox as Hogan.
@@morfea123 Wellesley (later Marquis then Duke of Wellington) was played in the first year (Sharpe’s Rifles and Sharpe’s Eagle) by (David?) Troughton but was recast with Hugh (“Captain Hastings”) Fraser from the next series onwards, beginning with Sharpe’s Company. Fraser did ok, but relied heavily on barked lines to be more Wellington-ish, while Troughton played the role as more aloof, remote and calculated. This is closer to Sir Arthur as he’s described by contemporaries. Ironically, at this point in history and in Bernard Cornwell’s novels, Wellington isn’t actually a Duke yet, and Sharpe’s promotion from the ranks and saving of Wellesley’s life was at the Battle of Assaye in modern-day India, nearly ten years earlier. The series really needs remaking, with a much closer adherence to the novels, the written characters, and enough of a budget to make the scale closer to the historical reality - with more actual extras as well as some heavy CG work. It’s totally feasible given the work done on Rome and on Game of Thrones, although these themselves were heavily scaled down.
Wellington ending this scene by telling Simmerson he's throwing him to the French tomorrow and leaving him to sink or swim is both hilarious and extremely satisfying to watch.
That’s what he meant by ‘cower in England or be a hero in Spain’, in those days you were only really a hero after a noble death. So his two choices were either to live in shame and disgrace or die.
Simmersons stupidity is really astonishing: First he is stupid enough to write to horseguard over Wellesleys head, breaking the chain of command and than brag about the fact to the mans face. Second he does not know that Major Hogan is much more than just an engineer. Third he fails completely to notice that Wellesley is already seething with anger. Fourth he tries to push responsibility on Lennox, when it was in any case his regiment under his command that lost the colours and thus his responsibility. Fifth he tries to blackmail Wellesley with his "friends at court" and sixth he has the sheer gumption to still hold out for the brevet-Captaincy for his stupid nephew after Wellesley just ripped him a new one. What an absolute fool indeed.
He bought his way to command which was the style for nobility back then. Sharpe earned his commission. Officers that go up from NCO to commissioned officer usually don't forget where they came from or at least understand what the NCOs do. I have never seen the series, but it seems the general here expected everything to fall into line for him. It's also usual in most organizations that if you are called to account for your actions the person doing the calling already knows what happened.
Plus he tried to shit on major Lennox and called him a coward to Wellesley's face, despite Wellesley being a good friend of Lennox's who admired his bravery during their service together in India
@@Nuvendil Captain LeRoy's reactions during the entire time are interesting, from his glance toward Major Hogan, to his downward gaze, and his expressions of subtle incredulity at how simmerson promotes himself and giggons. Kudos to the actor, for saying nothing verbally but volumes with just a few motions of his eyes. Indeed all the supporting characters in this scene present the most powerful messages while saying not a single word.
"I have a cousin at Horse Guards, sir, and I have friends at court." "Neither of those facts makes you a good soldier or commander, and I'm here to win a war, not curry favor with people far, far away from any battlefield."
That's why Wellington commanded his cavalry brigades directly. The general officers did not answer to him as they were Horse Guards, appointed by the King's court. So Wellington just make them big generals in charge of stuff that didn't matter during a battle.
@@CrashCarlisle the Horse Guards mentioned here are not the cavalry but the Army HQ in London, which is called Horse Guards as well. Simmerson has friends there including Secretary of War Simon Fenner, who ultimately save him from prosecution.
More like "I have a cousin at Horse Guards-" "My man, you massively fucked up by losing the King's Colours, making yourself and your regiment a disgrace to the British Army, you don't have the sway you think you do"
fun fact: at the time, the word hero often meant to die in battle. wellington was being sarcastic when he said he'd help simmerson become a hero in spain. the subtext there was "i'm sending you to your death."
@@FellsApprentice [ It's what the original word means in ancient greece ] *Does not seem to be, at all.* Look anywhere, at the etymology, it always says (here is a typical wording) "The word hero comes from the Greek ἥρως (hērōs), "hero" (literally "protector" or "defender"), particularly one such as Heracles with divine ancestry or later given divine honors."
@@hortenseweinblatt1508 the meaning of the word hero depends largely on the culture, Greek was protector as you stated, in japan its a brave/corageous person, from brazil(were i live) its mostly a person that saves lives and from roman(? i think it was, dont quote me on that) it meant a powerful individual blessed by the gods, the word has many meanings other than its original form nowadays dependending on where youre from
@@filipecordeiro7109 (Sighhhhh.) Yeah. Well. Hello. He said that that is what it meant in Greek, and it ain't. Oh, and, in Mongolian, it means "extra typewriter ribbon" (don't quote me on that.) Glad to be of help!
I have no problems with Hugh Fraser, but I still think David Troughton was the better Wellington. He has this great balance of cool manner and menace that is demonstrated well here. Oh wells. Great show!
It's like Wellington couldn't believe the level of slander he just heard and had to take a moment get over the urge of wanting unload on Simmerson right there.
In the aftermath of the First Battle of Trenton (26 Dec. 1776), at which an entire Hessian brigade and minor attached units were captured or scattered, the ranking Hessian officers who had survived were questioned closely in trans-Atlantic correspondence by the Hessian General Staff and by a very angry Markgraf of Hesse himself. The officers attempted to lay the entire blame for the debacle on the two senior officers killed -- COL Rall and MAJ von Dechow. They largely got away with it. LESSON: When in a pinch, blame those who are unable to defend themselves.
You also notice how Captain Leroy is giving his (nominally) superior officer the side-eye as he (Simmerson) keeps bullshitting Wellington while simultaneously attempting to become part of the bookshelf behind them both.
Someone like Wellington would know exactly what connections Simmerson really had and how far they would go for him. Wellington did the political math and knew that Simmerson's threats were hollow.
@Weebo DX actually...I think the 'scariest' part is when he said: "You have two choices, Hide in England or be a Hero in Spain. I shall help you to be a Hero..." and then mention that he would no longer merely be a detachment brigade as he previously had chosen, now this pompous lord would be being placed directly on the front lines to face the enemy in full measure rather than just skirmishing with a random patrol in the hinterlands.
@Kabuki Kitsune there is also losing the colors not from cowardness but by bravery as well. especally if the unit did all it could to prevent it out right same with the officers then they will not be shammed and then some but idk if they would get a replacement colors sent in or something?
@Kabuki Kitsune unless said officer saw this tactic coming or knows this tactic and had something prepaired before hand or spin a good yard to turn the tables on said commanding officer.
"Major Lennox panicked" and you could notice Wellington stopped writing for just a short pause to take that in. It was the moment you knew that Wellington could see through Simmerson's fabrication of the events. Wellington knew Lennox well enough that the man doesn't just "panic" in the middle of an engagement.
Apparently when crossed by fools, Wellesley could go off like a bomb with a very correct and military dissection of why the offending person was wrong. He generally weeded out the useless men, which is why he had capable Divisional generals such as Hill, Picton and Crauford around - even if they screwed up they could hold tight and do nothing truly stupid.
@@mikereger1186 You will also notice that while he is clearly not happy, he doesn't really loose his temper until Simmerson tried to shift the blame to Major Lennox.
@@andrewgause6971 Therefore it should have been the case that Yolo should have made the context of word bravery like this - "bravery" thus mailing it a disputed phrase.
I've watched this clip like 100 times and each time I discover a new nuance. This scene is so excellently acted it boggles my mind. When Sir Henry says, "Major Hogan is just an engineer" and then Lawford looks over at Hogan while Wellesley starts telling Sir Henry about how Hogan's coat buttons up tight, then he looks back at Wellesley, then finally back at Sir Henry. When Wellesley tells Sir Henry how the light company will be under the command of a new captain and Sir Henry responds with, "To be commanded under the newly gazetted Captan Gibbons?" - that loud mouth noise when he opens his mouth followed by a very shaky "to" just conveys how shaken Sir Henry is. As others have pointed out - when Wellesley's pen stops moving briefly when Sir Henry says Lennox panicked. Even the more obvious things bring so much to the scene - How wide Sir Henry's arm swings when he walks out showing how pissed he is, to Hogan's wink at the end at Lawford when he lies to Wellesley, to that ridiculous glare that Wellesley gives when he says, "YOU WILL ANSWER!" and then he just glares in silence without blinking. He continues with saying how Sir Henry will fetch and carry meanwhile never blinks once while doing that whole scene. The way Wellesley exhales when he says "Sharpe" in a long drawn out way with a tired look on his face. I've watched it like 100 times and I'm not the least bit bored yet. I'm sure to all these actors this was just a day at he office and all this comes naturally to them but nonetheless it just stands out because no one's used to seeing this level of acting these days, especially on TV.
Another small detail is Sir Henry looking in the direction of Hogan at 1:51 as he listens to Wellesley reading Hogan’s report. He’s finally caught on that Major Hogan was a spy sent to keep a true report on Sir Henry’s whereabouts and ensure that Wessesley got an accurate report because a false report can lead to bad planning.
I have watched this scene now over 30 times. It's just brilliant. The script, the acting. Small, subtle details like Wellington stopping to write when Simmerson mentions Lennox panicking then carrying on. Even the ticking clock in the background is kind of great. It gives pace and sounds a bit like a bomb about to explode and boy does Wellington explode. The change of tone after Wellington's explosion is great as well. He is angry, but still a Field Marshall first. We learn more about Wellington and Simmerson in this brief scene than we learn about most Hollywood characters in 3 movies. Really wonderful.
My mum was having coffee with my brother, chatting away to him, not sure he was listening. She mentioned someone by the name of 'Lennox', at which point my brother erupted with a full blooded 'MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE!!!' including fist smashing on the table. The whole place jumped out of its wits :)
Two characters I remember well from my childhood memories of this show. Two characters I loved to hate, so immediately, so naturally, without understanding the bulk of the content and *why* (I was not yet even in school). Watching again, 20 years later, and the quality holds up, and these characters are so well-acted, that it truly is a treat to hate them. Superbly talented actors and crew!
That's David Troughton. Peter Troughton's (the 2nd Doctor) son. My understanding it had to do with the environment of the locations they were filming in. Which was in the Ukraine.
Leroy's face tells a whole story in itself. He's a pragmatist so he has to keep his mouth shut if he wants to survive, but little things like the way he looks at Simmerson at the mention of Lieutenant Gibbons give more information than Simmerson's so-called account ever could.
He is the most complex, simple scene barometers. (I made that up) I have ever seen. He, not Wellington. Major Hogan, Simmerson or anyone else present and depicted... Is the scenes beauty! When our favourite villain mentions his 'friends at court' (not forgetting his poor cousin in the horse guard). Captain Leroy's reaction, you would like to think. Is fully obvious to his actor in the scene. (Given the level of acting happening around him. and drunk as I am now writing this comment.....) Why? Whatever morally we feel about Captain Leroy's position in life. We are all in private cahoots to his reactions when standing BEHIND Simmerson. (not sure on capitals but hey) He's is us. Not literally. But realistically. Whatever you think about Captain Leroy, in all aspects. Is tested against against Simmerson. Drunken ramble over but it the crux of this scene. I'm of to volunteer for the foghorn hope. ( correct spelling right? On a ship somewhere?)
*"I have a cousin at Horse Guards, sir. And I have friends at Court."* "Then distance yourself from them so as not to further shame them. And do it before they come to the same conclusion. You have become an unpalatable poison, sir, and they shall spit you out as I have."
Simmerson's friends are probably friends of his money - and would continue to be his "friends" whilst his purse was open. Wellington probably would know this - which is why Simmerson continues to survive in later episodes despite acts of cowardice that would otherwise have seen him shot. But friends bought with money are not real friends.
Foolish of Simmerson, telling his two Lieutenants to "deal" with Sharpe right in front of Harper, but trust in arrogant officers to dismiss the presence of an enlisted
He also dismissed Hogan who didn't know that he was also an extension of Wellington. I remember the scene where Hogan tells Simmerson to go behind the tent, take out his pistol, and "blow out what's left of your brains."
This is the very first Sharpe clip I have ever seen. As an American I had never before heard of the book or film series. It started an intrigue which became a deep interest and eventually a love for Sharpe. A fantastic scene and for me a meaningful one. Thanks for this upload!
For me it was hornblower that i grew up with. The discipline and skill of the british navy sounds like myth until you read into how they kept their navy in control.
Wellington himself was not a believer in promotion from the ranks, but believed that anyone who bought a commission should live up to it, and preferred ability to politics whenever possible
not so much a delining nobility leadership but more the realisation that the nobility usually sent their rejects, pretty much in the hope they'd be killed off therefore unlikely to cause a commotion over inheritance :)
The "nobility leadership"/"promotion-by-merit" clash you mention is a myth. And it was a myth that has always been propagated and was propagated even then. Politics has always been politics. The powerful will promote their favorites until it doesn't suit them. Then new alliances are forged. The good and the brave may be rewarded, but soon they will start to expect their children and grandchildren to be rewarded.
Sorry but that's just wrong. Wellington himself is a "noble" and like someone else said not a believer in promotion from the ranks. This is a "noble" shouting at another "noble" about his conduct. Promotion-by-merit was arguably more of a French thing under Napoleon
I love how Wellington's tone of voice starts off as quite polite/casual right up until he confronts Simmerson about his cowardice. Then he lets loose with both barrels lol
In the book, something like 300 British soldiers died at that bridge battle Simmerson screwed up. The real Wellington would probably not have worked himself up that much over 10 dead.
@@Gemmabeta It was not the number of dead soldiers, it was a Bit about the Needless Death of Major Lenox, and more about losses of difficult to replace Healthy Soldiers (the Regiment (actually the 1st Battalion of the Regiment), Mostly it was about the Loss of the King's Colors (in a particularly Disgraceful manner)!
@@paladinsix9285 And Simmerson trying to pin responsibility on the dead. In an army as big as the British army, I doubt there isn't a litany of bafflingly idiotic commanders. Simmerson isn't just inept. Ineptitude can be worked around, fixed. He's a coward. And cowardice isn't so easily fixed.
"Major Hogan's coat buttons up tight over a number of other duties, Sir Henry." This line, and its delivery, is the core of this great, great scene. I long to employ its essence in a business/office- politics situation as soon as possible... What a joy to have discovered this series! I'm trying to spread the word to friends here. Most haven't heard of it.
I must have watched this scene more than a dozen times. So good. The actor who played Wellington earned his paycheck on this scene. The anger portrayed on his face would make any officer pee a little in his pants. It is a rare scene, real or fiction, to see an officer get properly raked by a commander for being incompetent. For me, as a veteran, it is the equivalent of watching a good train crash... over and over again.
Well, considering the character Lennox was a friend of Wellington's....hearing a departed friend or family member get verbally bitched about does not go over well with some people. I slammed a kid against a wall a few times for that shit.
The corrollary is that the King now has to be friends with the frenchman who now has the colours. Pierre is insisting that the king to turn out on Samedi for his Boules league, and to bring a crate of beer. Of course the king is livid.
Unfortunately, the king was madder than Mad Jack McMad, the Winner of Mister Madman 1801, and currently believed himself to be a small village in Lincolnshire with superb views of the Nene Valley, and wanted his son to marry a rose bush. Wibble.
@@theradgegadgie6352 Aye, he was absolutely mental. But he was still king of England and loved his colours 🇬🇧 although it really should've be this 🏴
4:12 Some of the foreshadowing and background details are astounding. Later on, Harper comes out of nowhere to save Sharpe from Lt. Berry, but here, he's in the scene sitting down, and you can tell he eavesdropped and hence knows there will be an attempt on Sharpe's life.
Honestly, though, I do gotta give him some credit for having the balls to go "Uh, are you still gonna have Gibbons gazetted captain, sir?" after all that
Good news! You will be at the front of the line. You will be a dead hero. With all of the column backing you up and pushing you from behind, you are sure to get a medal posthumously.
2:00 "Major Lennox Answered With His Life!" Felt so RAW and emotional. I watched this whole series for the first time 3 weeks ago and this scene stuck out the most for me.
Major Lennox happened to be a friend of Wellington. Try losing a friend and having some asshole shit-talk them. See how you react. Also, it helps when the guy playing Wellington is the son of a Doctor, the 2nd one.
Lennox served with Wellington in India and was the hero of the (real) battle of Assaye. He was the only capable senior officer in the South Essex, something Wellington regretted as that was the only commission Lennox could afford.
@@JonesNate It seems like a series of movies from how I can find it to watch. It's set during England's conflict with Napoleon during the late 18th and early 19th century. Oddly, Sean Bean doesn't die once...
"MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE, AS YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE IF YOU HAD ANY SENSE OF HONOUR" One of those lines that for no reason whatsoever pops into my head every now and again. I wish I had vocal chords capable of replicating the delivery of that line, it's brilliant.
My husband and I often randomly say things like "Torre do Castro" or "Horse Guards, Sir!" to each other. This has to be one of the least known about, underrated shows EVER! People who like this also liked Hornblower, and vice versa. Great, great shows.
Can confirm, I have sacrificed multipe DVD players to the ritual re-re-re-re-re-re-rewatching of both Sharpe and Hornblower. And both shows had actors which I didn't know of previously who somehow ended up in my top-five list of "I'd watch them read a phonebook"-actors.
That's funny, but totally agree. The Sharpe series of books by Bernard Cornwell are all great reads too. As is all of Cornwell's historical fiction (The Saxon Chronicles, the Grail Quest series and many others). The same can be said of the Hornblower series by C.S. Forester as well, though unfortunately Forester passed away before he could finish it.
"Well, sir, on sighting the college paper, i naturally gave the order to not begin until the night before it was due, that's my style sir!" Edit; Bruh, love you guys. Larping as Wellington and simmerson is literally the funniest thing.
@@mikeyc2110 sadly, my imagination is a little limited when it comes to the Napoleonic wars... no idea about uniform, behaviour, weaponry so this series just brings everything to life.. Sean Bean is ideal for this role as are some of the other great characters... it’s how I would imagine war in the 19th century but without the gore... true boys own adventure
@@franceleeparis37 i do recommend reading the books as Bernard Cornwall (the author) did heaps of research to make the stories as historically accurate as he could which he blend with his stories. It also gives you more insight into how things were done, like french and British battle tactics for example..... also I agree about Sean bean being right for the role even the author thought so considering in his later books he changed sharpes appearance to match more with Sean bean lol
Then you realise later on Wellington actually wants him to take the Eagle he just can't state it openly (Hogan is seen watching the battle as Sharpe goes for the eagle)
Top class drama with amazing actors. Let us not forget our protagonists would have been but pale shadows without strong antagonists. I hate Sir Henry from the bottom of my heart. This would not be possible if not for the superb actor who perfected being utterly despicable. Fantastic work.🎉🎉🎉
"What you do to then, sir, is up to you. Good morning." The wideness of those eyes will haunt my dreams forever. They'll chase me down dark alleys and the corridors of abandoned hospitals. I'll cry out that I surrender, and a voice will respond, "MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE!" and "GIVE ME NIGHT OR GIVE ME BLUCHER!" and "BRING ME FEGELEIN! FEGELEIN! FEGELEEEIIINN!!!"
I keep coming back to the first two seasons of Sharpe because David Troughton's Wellington and Brian Cox's Hogan are just so perfectly performed. The nuance they brought to these roles was simply unmatched by those who followed them.
Wellington just gives Simmerson enough rope. He already knows the solid facts from Hogan. Now Wellington's trap is sprung and what a fantastic explosion when Simmerson blames Lennox and tries to bullshit him again. Sharpe was like the British A-Team in the 90s. Saturday teatime. The battle action was a bit ropey, but it was all about the script and the magic the actors applied to it.
- Brian Cox - Sean Bean - Daniel Craig Jesus, no wonder everybody talks about how great this series was. The acting prowess on display alone is enough to put you in awe.
I really like how Wellesley keeps a calm manner for the first few minutes of Simmerson's report until he gives Major Hogans report contradicting Simmerson's report and slowly reveals his displeasure. It's not until he mentions the loss of the Kings Colours that he drops the facade entirely and revealing he already knew what really happened how angry he is at Simmerson's incompetence and cowardice.
"Well, sir, on my 58678th sighting of this video, I naturally watched it again, that's my style sir!"
Did any part from this clip distinguish itself?
Major Simmons dithered, sir.
@frankmann1060 Yes, I heard he was cut off when he insulted the memory of Major Lenox.
now that's soldiering
Honks a bunch of stuff
In this clip, Simmerson:
-Is called dishonorable, disgraceful, and shameful
-Is told he should have died
-Is given a command that is more or less intended to cause his death
The part that actually bothers him:
-Sharpe being given a command
A true hater.
He do be a hater, sir
Committed.
He more or less hated the fact that
He saw through his BS.
He didn't give leftenant Gibbons his Gazetted promotion
everything he tried, even trying to strongarm him with his "connections" was thwarted.
Sharpe got Gazzeted instead.
Winner of the 1809, Player Hater of the Year... it's Sir Henry Simmerson!
@@chrisblack556 he truly exceeds the other garden variety mark-ass marks and trick-ass marks.
" Major Lennox answered with his life" I have never heard a line in any media, delivered with such weight and significance. This scene is one of the greats.
Chesty Puller in The Pacific delivered some keepers to his charges.
HE WAS A CONSUL OF ROME
It's the sheer _rage_ at Simmons' temerity in trying to blame his failure on a man who _died because of his incompetence._ Wellington is absolutely incredulous that Simmons can be _this_ lacking in honour and decency.
@@CentaurMoe man that one comes close
100% agree... and to then follow it up at the end in complete contrast with a polite "... good morning!"
You can see the respect in the eyes of wellington when Sharpe makes his oath.
He didn't, specifically say he didn't make an oath, just that no one heard it.
You can see how wellington understands perfectly what he means, and how he is still maintaining his promise to Lennox and giving his word to Wellington.
Now, that's scriptwriting.
I missed that. Good catch!
I've never seen any of the Sharpe episodes. On the evidence of this clip, I'm wondering if I've made a mistake.
@@brianbutton6346 He then tells Hogan to let the french know that the south essex will be holding the flank, Sharpe will be there and in the column he has the chance to fulfill his promis
You can also see Wellington suppressing a smile as he leans back to dismiss Sharpe, still as a Captain.
Not only is it great writing, it's great acting all around.
A fairly common trope though.
Can we have a Sharpe spin-off where Wellesley just sits there and reprimands cowards all day
An excellent show it would be.
Well, Troughton is 70 now. And Hugh Fraser, who replaced him, is even 75....
@@MrShadowfax42 Hugh Fraser I think has more range in what he portrayed sometimes angry sometimes fooling about... it was good overall. I think the public is biased in favour of David Troughton, because he appeared on fewer occasions and was top notch on all of them. Overall they are both equally good. Who knows if we had David Troughton in goofy parts it would have looked bad.
It would be the best thing on TV in a decade
What's the name of the series?
I'm American and even I'm pissed off Simmerson lost the King's colors.
@@stefandustan8730 *laughs in 934 billion Military spending*
@@akinadownhillace All that and the Afghans and the Vietnamese still beat the shit out of you lmao.
@@stefandustan8730 are you europoor?🤣
And just think, Simmerson STILL can't find the 'balls' to restore his honor and self-respect on the battlefield, when he faces the French, the next day, he bolts! And runs again!
@@stefandustan8730 They didn't though. Vietnam wasn't lost on the battlefield. And the wars in the middle east will never end, not because we can't win but because there's nothing TO win. We're there fighting proxy wars for Israel and for oil, both of which are causes I and most other Americans oppose, but to suggest that the Afghans are "beating the shit" out of the US military is absurd. They have never won a single significant engagement.
"Major Hogan reports a number of losses, Sir Henry."
His head, his nerve, 10 men, a major and two sergeants, his sense of honour, and the King's Colours.
"The fault was not mine, sir. Major Lennox must answer."
@@JonathanToolonie *MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE*
@@shogun2215 That's what you pay me for, suh AAAAAHPPPFPFPPFPFPTPTTT
@@kittydaddy2023 not everyone gets away with sneezing all over the man who will be the Duke of Wellington
@@mottthehoople693 Also love that Wellington subtly starts moving to the side as if he knows what's about to happen
Well sir, when I saw the Sharpe clip I naturally clicked on it, that’s my style sir.
"Did you make Lennox some stupid promise?"
"No one HEARD me make him a promise, sir"
"Good enough"
yep lennox himself said that as his dieing wish. even weselly saw though that.
Wellesley is perfectly happy to let Sharpe do whatever he wants so long as it either facilitates Wellesley's own goal (Sharpe's desire for the Imperial Eagle would compensate for Simmerson's incompetence/cowardice) or at least leaves Wellesley himself outside of scrutiny (later on sending Sharpe and Berry on a mission together when they intend to have a duel- something that Wellesley has banned- if they go through with it, officially the survivor can pass it off as the other getting killed by the French whereas the dead for obvious reasons cannot dispute, thus leaving Wellesley's authority unchallenged).
In military translation, it's spot on.
He knows exactly what Sharpe is planning to do, and that's fine with him. An Eagle for the King's Colors? Sounds like a fair trade.
@@GrayNeko one can say and its the eagle from the 8th e infantry to boot.
I bet in Germany people are adding subtitles in German with Wellington ranting about obscure reality tv shows.
This reference to Downfall isn't getting enough love.
Can we try that over a German dub of this?
Haha that's awesome!! I hope this actually happens!
Germany here: I love this in english and I watched this A LOT, I really like it the way it is.
"Das war ein Befehl"'s equivalent here is : "Major Lennox answered with his life!"
the first possible video that comes to mind can involve a new distribution of linux... however, as the world speaks english today it may not work.
"Leave Sharpe to me, Sir."
SAY IT LOUDER FOR PADDY IN THE BACK.
Yes! Paddy heard all of that!
It always annoys me when TV characters take two steps away from someone and then have a "secret" conversation at normal speaking volume in a totally silent room lol.
“You Will Answer!” Is the most sinister delivery of this entire exchange. The amount of venom he has for Simmerson is palpable. Very well acted.
In terms of barely veiled death threats to a character, the only thing I can think of that comes close is Joker telling Murray that he's awful.
Yeah but like… Fuck Simmerson, so…
@@katherineberger6329 Or James Kirk to Khan in Star Trek II (just before they remotely lower 'Reliant's' shields and Sulu proceeds to open fire) when he says, "here it comes; Now, Mr. Spock".
That's a good line but my favorite is when Wellington finally loses his patience with the snivelling Simmerson trying to pass the buck: MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE, as you should've done if you had any sense of honor.
the most passive aggressive "Good Morning" in history.
Only the English can say "Good Morning", and make my ears hear "Get the F Out."
I said Good Morning, sir!
people who make sweeping suppositions about " a breed" are,at best, a buffoon. .. live and LEARN, Tursillini. ... too many tv drama's i suspect.
Wellington was Irish.
Or, to say, “Sir” so repeatedly, with such a kaleidoscope of conspicuous contempt.
It was a spectacularly acted role. And the entirety of the UK and Ireland have many ways of politely saying "get ye the fucketh out of my line of sight." The most direct is "MAKE WAY FOR THE QUEEN'S/KING'S GUARD!" and barrelling over whoever is in your way as you march. The most polite is the "Good Morning," or the equally contemptuous "You stand relieved, Sir," which is military-speak for "You fucked up so badly that I, your 2IC or replacement, have relieved you of all your duties so you can go back to HQ and explain yourself while we, the actually warriors, stay here and fight."
"Major Hogan's coat buttons up tight over a number of other duties, sir." Great way of phrasing the sentiment "If you think that's all he is, then you're an even bigger fool than I originally took you for."
An "engineer" in the military is going to know certain things especially if he's also an intelligence officer.
@@schizoidboy Hogan is an engineer- pretty much the only way an Irishman could get an army commission. His engineer role is secondary to his talent, namely exploration officer.
@@SantomPh "pretty much the only way an Irishman could get an army commission" writing from Ireland I would like to just say hogwash! Sir Arthur Wellesley was born in Dublin and did pretty well for himself as an officer.
@@chrisyoung5929 Wellington was as much an Irishman as Alexander Hamilton was Jamaican or Barack Obama was Hawaiian -- as a trivial fact, not as a real characteristic.
@@PogueMahone1 Irrelevant, this is about the comment that people from Ireland ( Dublin was considered the second city of the Empire) could not get commissions.
Waterloo
Major General Ponsonby from Cork led and died in the cavalry charge that included the Scot Grays and the Inniskilling Dragoons. There are 5 commissioned waterloo veterans in Glasnevin cemetery, Dublin alone. The Irish regiments Like 27 Foot had Irish officers.
Read Lieut Col Harvey’s book "A Bloody Day - The Irish at Waterloo". His estimate is 8500 Irish at Waterloo.
Now if you were poor then little or no chance, Officers were the landed gentry.
I love the "The man who loses the King's Colours... loses the King's friendship".... letting Simmerson know that his political allies will probably also run for cover.
Not even probably, that was a statement of fact as far as he was concerned. Simmerson's behavior had become an embarassment, at which point he would be cut loose. No one wants to be seen with the guy who shamed his country.
Its the bit just before when Simmerson tries to pull he "I have friends in high places" thing and the look Wellington gives him says it all. "Really? You're going to try that with me? Really?!"
Always remember Hugh Fraiser as wellignton but this guy did a fair job, think i like that Fraiser made him a little more affable and human when he was around certain people.
I agree, that icey stare he gives Simmerson is phenomenal. His name is David Troughton, the son of the 2nd Doctor Patrick Troughton.
@@wairong Now that you pointed that out I can see it in the eyes and mouth.
It also gives an amazing badass response to a quote that in almost all royal court fiction is the end all. "He has friends at Court" = he cant be touched in a literary sense, the line is golden.
My Daughter likes sharpe and came into my Study to answer for her poor behavior. She played me like a fiddle. She looks at me and says “The Fault is not mine! Major Lennox must answer!” I didn’t miss a beat. I slammed my fist on the desk. “ Major Lennox answered with his life! As you should have done if you had any sense of honor!” Her “Dad wanna go watch Sharpe?” Me hopping up. “Ya”
She’s seven.
Did she tell you she has friends at court? 😄
And then everyone gave 3 cheers! Hip hip!
@@gwilliams4674and she has a cousin at horse guard
It's great when you can bring a kid in to the stuff ou like. When my daughter saw the opening for the 70's show UFO, before she saw the whole thing she said, "They should put the headquarters underground and use the movie studio as a cover." I was so proud.
Did she tell you she is a friend of your wife
Never has a "Good Morning" sounded so clearly like "Now F*ck off!" 🤣
The English are legendary in their weaponized use of manners !
Its just like when John Adams says "Good Day Sir"
Wellington is wonderfully like Lord Vetinari in this depiction. He only had to say “Don’t let me detain you,” instead of “Good morning” and the characters would align eerily well.
That seems to be how the Brits do it. Bilbo Baggins "Good Morninged" Gandalf when he wanted him to move along and stop bothering him.
So, as officers in the U.S. Marine Corps, we are still taught to follow the same tradition. You begin and end a conversation with the "proper greeting of the day". During training in particular, when addressing a superior you might say "Good morning, sir! There is nothing significant to report at this time. Good morning, sir!" Which is all well and good, until you try to speak to any other human like that.
the 90s version of "HE WAS A CONSUL OF ROME!"
@@seanmarken8536 They have powerful gods on their side, and I will not kill any man with friends of that sort
Yup, Ciaran Hinds nailed the role of Caesar perfectly. He’s JC just as David Suchet is Poirot and Jeremy Brett is Holmes.
As to Wellington... well, I believe it’s (David?) Troughton here, Patrick’s son? While Hugh Fraser was ok, I honestly think it’s a shame Troughton didn’t continue in the role, likewise Brian Cox as Hogan.
@@mikereger1186 As I only had seen clips, i always wondered are there 2 different dukes or what is going on
@@morfea123 Wellesley (later Marquis then Duke of Wellington) was played in the first year (Sharpe’s Rifles and Sharpe’s Eagle) by (David?) Troughton but was recast with Hugh (“Captain Hastings”) Fraser from the next series onwards, beginning with Sharpe’s Company.
Fraser did ok, but relied heavily on barked lines to be more Wellington-ish, while Troughton played the role as more aloof, remote and calculated. This is closer to Sir Arthur as he’s described by contemporaries.
Ironically, at this point in history and in Bernard Cornwell’s novels, Wellington isn’t actually a Duke yet, and Sharpe’s promotion from the ranks and saving of Wellesley’s life was at the Battle of Assaye in modern-day India, nearly ten years earlier.
The series really needs remaking, with a much closer adherence to the novels, the written characters, and enough of a budget to make the scale closer to the historical reality - with more actual extras as well as some heavy CG work. It’s totally feasible given the work done on Rome and on Game of Thrones, although these themselves were heavily scaled down.
@@mikereger1186 But who would you cast for the major roles? It's so British it turns water to tea. Are there enough actors up to it?
It's a damn shame this man only played Wellington in 2 episodes. He had the look, and the voice, truly iconic for his short time on the show.
Amazing portrayal. This scene never gets old. Great script and acting all around.
Who is this actor who played Wellington?
@@oludotunjohnshowemimo434 David Troughton
I heard he didn’t want to travel abroad to film Sharpe.
@@mastercontrol469 he didn't want to go to Ukraine, where they shot the earlier episodes of the series.
Wellington ending this scene by telling Simmerson he's throwing him to the French tomorrow and leaving him to sink or swim is both hilarious and extremely satisfying to watch.
That’s what he meant by ‘cower in England or be a hero in Spain’, in those days you were only really a hero after a noble death. So his two choices were either to live in shame and disgrace or die.
"I shit my pants and ran from the enemy, that's my style sir"
Never abandon the colours. Just don't.
[throat clearing intensifies]
Keeps one strong, keeps one healthy, well done, sir!
Well done, sir! You ambushed me right and proper with that :D
Simmersons stupidity is really astonishing: First he is stupid enough to write to horseguard over Wellesleys head, breaking the chain of command and than brag about the fact to the mans face. Second he does not know that Major Hogan is much more than just an engineer. Third he fails completely to notice that Wellesley is already seething with anger. Fourth he tries to push responsibility on Lennox, when it was in any case his regiment under his command that lost the colours and thus his responsibility. Fifth he tries to blackmail Wellesley with his "friends at court" and sixth he has the sheer gumption to still hold out for the brevet-Captaincy for his stupid nephew after Wellesley just ripped him a new one. What an absolute fool indeed.
This is why arrogance is a deadly sin.
He bought his way to command which was the style for nobility back then. Sharpe earned his commission. Officers that go up from NCO to commissioned officer usually don't forget where they came from or at least understand what the NCOs do. I have never seen the series, but it seems the general here expected everything to fall into line for him. It's also usual in most organizations that if you are called to account for your actions the person doing the calling already knows what happened.
Plus he tried to shit on major Lennox and called him a coward to Wellesley's face, despite Wellesley being a good friend of Lennox's who admired his bravery during their service together in India
And then he issued a hit on Sharpe within earshot of Sharpe’s second-in-command/bestie Harper. When Simmerson gets going he can’t stop!
Next he'll demand to speak to the manager
I love captain Leroy in the background just looking at Simmerson like “shut the hell up bro, your making it worse and you’re taking me down with you”
When Henry steps forward to try his little threat, you can just see him thinking "Don't you f***ing do it..."
@@Nuvendil Captain LeRoy's reactions during the entire time are interesting, from his glance toward Major Hogan, to his downward gaze, and his expressions of subtle incredulity at how simmerson promotes himself and giggons. Kudos to the actor, for saying nothing verbally but volumes with just a few motions of his eyes.
Indeed all the supporting characters in this scene present the most powerful messages while saying not a single word.
That glance downward while Simmerson is threatening Wellesley just screams that he’s composing his last words for the firing squad…
@@tr4480I never noticed how amazingly Leroy was acted. Thank you for pointing it out
"I have a cousin at Horse Guards, sir, and I have friends at court."
"Neither of those facts makes you a good soldier or commander, and I'm here to win a war, not curry favor with people far, far away from any battlefield."
That's why Wellington commanded his cavalry brigades directly. The general officers did not answer to him as they were Horse Guards, appointed by the King's court. So Wellington just make them big generals in charge of stuff that didn't matter during a battle.
@@CrashCarlisle the Horse Guards mentioned here are not the cavalry but the Army HQ in London, which is called Horse Guards as well. Simmerson has friends there including Secretary of War Simon Fenner, who ultimately save him from prosecution.
Cowards tend to rely on "friends at court" - see Janos Slynt from GoT.
@@OlYables Janos Slynt: I HAVE FRIENDS AT COURT!
The friends in question: We spoke once...ONCE!
More like
"I have a cousin at Horse Guards-"
"My man, you massively fucked up by losing the King's Colours, making yourself and your regiment a disgrace to the British Army, you don't have the sway you think you do"
fun fact: at the time, the word hero often meant to die in battle. wellington was being sarcastic when he said he'd help simmerson become a hero in spain. the subtext there was "i'm sending you to your death."
Did not know that. Thanks, CZcams commenter!
It's what the original word means in ancient greece: the corpse of a person who died too young.
@@FellsApprentice [ It's what the original word means in ancient greece ] *Does not seem to be, at all.* Look anywhere, at the etymology, it always says (here is a typical wording) "The word hero comes from the Greek ἥρως (hērōs), "hero" (literally "protector" or "defender"), particularly one such as Heracles with divine ancestry or later given divine honors."
@@hortenseweinblatt1508 the meaning of the word hero depends largely on the culture, Greek was protector as you stated, in japan its a brave/corageous person, from brazil(were i live) its mostly a person that saves lives and from roman(? i think it was, dont quote me on that) it meant a powerful individual blessed by the gods, the word has many meanings other than its original form nowadays dependending on where youre from
@@filipecordeiro7109 (Sighhhhh.) Yeah. Well. Hello. He said that that is what it meant in Greek, and it ain't. Oh, and, in Mongolian, it means "extra typewriter ribbon" (don't quote me on that.) Glad to be of help!
"Did I ever tell you..."
"no sir"
"your a dam liar"
"that's what you pay me for sir"
Major Hogan is always so much fun what a spy master
Shame they couldn’t get the actor to do more. He was in nearly all the books.
Hogan is just as funny in the books
Hogan is an Irish man they all have the blarney and those from Cork twice over.
I love his sly wink to Colonel Lawford as he says "No sir."
@@pintpullinggeek you mean major hogan
I have no problems with Hugh Fraser, but I still think David Troughton was the better Wellington. He has this great balance of cool manner and menace that is demonstrated well here. Oh wells. Great show!
gotta agree
I couldn't agree more
I agree. I think Troughton was ill and filming had to continue.
@@Kiangaf From my understanding he didn't like the filming location (Which was Ukraine).
I concur. Hugh Fraser is a delight but he's just too amicable for Wellsley, especially after a fabulous career bringing alive captain Hastings.
Upon sighting a Sharpe video naturally I clicked on it, that's my style, Sir.
I like that when he says "Major Lennox panicked", there's a brief but noticeable stop of his writing.
It's like Wellington couldn't believe the level of slander he just heard and had to take a moment get over the urge of wanting unload on Simmerson right there.
In the aftermath of the First Battle of Trenton (26 Dec. 1776), at which an entire Hessian brigade and minor attached units were captured or scattered, the ranking Hessian officers who had survived were questioned closely in trans-Atlantic correspondence by the Hessian General Staff and by a very angry Markgraf of Hesse himself. The officers attempted to lay the entire blame for the debacle on the two senior officers killed -- COL Rall and MAJ von Dechow. They largely got away with it. LESSON: When in a pinch, blame those who are unable to defend themselves.
That pause was his way of saying, 'U W0T M8?"
And equally beautiful is how, like so many other things, Simmerson simply doesn't notice those little details.
You also notice how Captain Leroy is giving his (nominally) superior officer the side-eye as he (Simmerson) keeps bullshitting Wellington while simultaneously attempting to become part of the bookshelf behind them both.
I like how Wellington is not fooled by Simmerson's attempts to lie and to intimidate Wellington with his connections. He sees right through him.
Someone like Wellington would know exactly what connections Simmerson really had and how far they would go for him. Wellington did the political math and knew that Simmerson's threats were hollow.
Sir Arthur was a real genius
@Weebo DX actually...I think the 'scariest' part is when he said:
"You have two choices, Hide in England or be a Hero in Spain. I shall help you to be a Hero..." and then mention that he would no longer merely be a detachment brigade as he previously had chosen, now this pompous lord would be being placed directly on the front lines to face the enemy in full measure rather than just skirmishing with a random patrol in the hinterlands.
@Kabuki Kitsune there is also losing the colors not from cowardness but by bravery as well. especally if the unit did all it could to prevent it out right same with the officers then they will not be shammed and then some but idk if they would get a replacement colors sent in or something?
@Kabuki Kitsune unless said officer saw this tactic coming or knows this tactic and had something prepaired before hand or spin a good yard to turn the tables on said commanding officer.
"Major Lennox panicked" and you could notice Wellington stopped writing for just a short pause to take that in. It was the moment you knew that Wellington could see through Simmerson's fabrication of the events. Wellington knew Lennox well enough that the man doesn't just "panic" in the middle of an engagement.
Wellington would have fought in India with Lennox
@@Active_Sun_ParticlesMajor Lennox was a damn fine officer. Did I tell you the story of how he steadied the line at Assaye?
"Good morning".
The most polite way of saying "now get the hell out of my sight".
A man who looses the Kings colours, looses the Kings friendship. Brilliant line. He looks a scary man!
Agreed :) Loses* btw.
@@hanzup4117 Wellington was a terse general
Apparently when crossed by fools, Wellesley could go off like a bomb with a very correct and military dissection of why the offending person was wrong. He generally weeded out the useless men, which is why he had capable Divisional generals such as Hill, Picton and Crauford around - even if they screwed up they could hold tight and do nothing truly stupid.
@@mikereger1186 You will also notice that while he is clearly not happy, he doesn't really loose his temper until Simmerson tried to shift the blame to Major Lennox.
@CZcams sucks mostly due to the crap education system that everybody keeps pretending is OK.
Can't believe Major Lennox lost the King's colors despite the unparalleled bravery of Simmons.
Yolo you can't put Bravery and that idiot, in the same sentence.
@@walboyfredo6025 sure you can. As long as bravery is proceeded by "a lack of" or some variation.
Mustn't forget lieutenant Gibbons's (ahem) devotion to duty aswell ;-)
🤣 ... but by the end of the series in India, Simmerson was a pathetic, almost pitable man. Almost...
@@andrewgause6971 Therefore it should have been the case that Yolo should have made the context of word bravery like this - "bravery" thus mailing it a disputed phrase.
I've watched this clip like 100 times and each time I discover a new nuance. This scene is so excellently acted it boggles my mind. When Sir Henry says, "Major Hogan is just an engineer" and then Lawford looks over at Hogan while Wellesley starts telling Sir Henry about how Hogan's coat buttons up tight, then he looks back at Wellesley, then finally back at Sir Henry. When Wellesley tells Sir Henry how the light company will be under the command of a new captain and Sir Henry responds with, "To be commanded under the newly gazetted Captan Gibbons?" - that loud mouth noise when he opens his mouth followed by a very shaky "to" just conveys how shaken Sir Henry is. As others have pointed out - when Wellesley's pen stops moving briefly when Sir Henry says Lennox panicked.
Even the more obvious things bring so much to the scene - How wide Sir Henry's arm swings when he walks out showing how pissed he is, to Hogan's wink at the end at Lawford when he lies to Wellesley, to that ridiculous glare that Wellesley gives when he says, "YOU WILL ANSWER!" and then he just glares in silence without blinking. He continues with saying how Sir Henry will fetch and carry meanwhile never blinks once while doing that whole scene. The way Wellesley exhales when he says "Sharpe" in a long drawn out way with a tired look on his face.
I've watched it like 100 times and I'm not the least bit bored yet.
I'm sure to all these actors this was just a day at he office and all this comes naturally to them but nonetheless it just stands out because no one's used to seeing this level of acting these days, especially on TV.
Another small detail is Sir Henry looking in the direction of Hogan at 1:51 as he listens to Wellesley reading Hogan’s report. He’s finally caught on that Major Hogan was a spy sent to keep a true report on Sir Henry’s whereabouts and ensure that Wessesley got an accurate report because a false report can lead to bad planning.
You need to watch Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy…
The captain behind him glaring at Simmersonas he lies about what happened.
Catching this clip on YT was what prompted me to watch the show. Amazing scene.
Is the text correct? I don't hear "you will answer" but "you alone, Sir".
"no one heard me make any promise"
nicely done
I have watched this scene now over 30 times. It's just brilliant. The script, the acting. Small, subtle details like Wellington stopping to write when Simmerson mentions Lennox panicking then carrying on. Even the ticking clock in the background is kind of great. It gives pace and sounds a bit like a bomb about to explode and boy does Wellington explode. The change of tone after Wellington's explosion is great as well. He is angry, but still a Field Marshall first. We learn more about Wellington and Simmerson in this brief scene than we learn about most Hollywood characters in 3 movies. Really wonderful.
one of the finest moments of acting EVER.
you know, it's possible to admire one work of film without having to denigrate others
@@DaveDexterMusic Yes, I know and I chose not to. What‘s your point?
Broadly agree, but Wellesley was a General at the time these events are meant to have occurred.
@@DaveDexterMusic It's a fair comparison. There's no obvious problem with pointing out that some movies, actors, or scenes are superior to others.
My mum was having coffee with my brother, chatting away to him, not sure he was listening. She mentioned someone by the name of 'Lennox', at which point my brother erupted with a full blooded 'MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE!!!' including fist smashing on the table. The whole place jumped out of its wits :)
that did not happen.
But it's a great story
@@geekdiggy Indeed, I have a report that differs somewhat from Captain Fisher's account.
@@TankUni Captain Fisher is merely a CZcams commenter sir. *smugface*
@@SpecR22 Captain Fisher's coat buttons up tight over a number of other duties, Sir Spec-R.
RIP Gavan O'Herlihy. The more you watch this scene, the more you appreciate just how well his face narrates the emotions within.
Yeah, but at the same time he gave the impression the character was trying to hide his emotions.
Just perfect.
Hear hear. An unsung hero. Slaves, cotton and mollasses. Sir.
Michael Cochrane was so bloody perfect as Sir Henry. Between him and Postlethwaite as Hakeswill, this series had the absolute best villains.
Every now and again he plays good guys, he featured in the Sharpe series frequently as 'guest bastard' twrilling his mutton chops.
Two characters I remember well from my childhood memories of this show. Two characters I loved to hate, so immediately, so naturally, without understanding the bulk of the content and *why* (I was not yet even in school). Watching again, 20 years later, and the quality holds up, and these characters are so well-acted, that it truly is a treat to hate them. Superbly talented actors and crew!
Not forgetting Féodor Atkine as Ducos!
@@theradgegadgie6352 You beat me to it
He's SO hateable, I love him
The actor playing Wellington is fantastic. He'd have made an admirable King Stannis.
Sad they recast the role in the other episodes
@@rhysroberts3010 I wonder why they did that?
That's David Troughton. Peter Troughton's (the 2nd Doctor) son.
My understanding it had to do with the environment of the locations they were filming in. Which was in the Ukraine.
@@TalsarGeldon David Troughton left due to illness. Brian Cox (Hogan) was the one who left due to the conditions.
Or Sam Vimes.
Love Leroy's face in the background, he's like "holy shit he's going ballistic on this fool."
All the Golden guineas in England ain't gonna buy a way out of this.
😂😂😂😂😂 watch his eyes get real big when he steps forward to threaten him with the cousin and friends line
Leroy's face tells a whole story in itself. He's a pragmatist so he has to keep his mouth shut if he wants to survive, but little things like the way he looks at Simmerson at the mention of Lieutenant Gibbons give more information than Simmerson's so-called account ever could.
"Sheeeeit. I backed the wrong pony."
Leroy's faces during this entire scene are just pure gold.
LEROY'S FACES ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE SIR!!!!!
He is a true soldier, he knows the score and he sees right through the bullshit. Fortunately, Wellington does so too.
Captain Leroy face speaks volumes without saying a word.
He is the most complex, simple scene barometers. (I made that up) I have ever seen.
He, not Wellington. Major Hogan, Simmerson or anyone else present and depicted... Is the scenes beauty!
When our favourite villain mentions his 'friends at court' (not forgetting his poor cousin in the horse guard). Captain Leroy's reaction, you would like to think. Is fully obvious to his actor in the scene.
(Given the level of acting happening around him. and drunk as I am now writing this comment.....)
Why?
Whatever morally we feel about Captain Leroy's position in life. We are all in private cahoots to his reactions when standing BEHIND Simmerson. (not sure on capitals but hey)
He's is us.
Not literally.
But realistically.
Whatever you think about Captain Leroy, in all aspects. Is tested against against Simmerson.
Drunken ramble over but it the crux of this scene.
I'm of to volunteer for the foghorn hope. ( correct spelling right? On a ship somewhere?)
*"I have a cousin at Horse Guards, sir. And I have friends at Court."*
"Then distance yourself from them so as not to further shame them. And do it before they come to the same conclusion. You have become an unpalatable poison, sir, and they shall spit you out as I have."
Is that from the book or am I missing a different reference?
BRILLIANT I TRAVEL PAST THE Dukes Statue about Once a year and HIS HUGS HOUSE too at THATCHHAM Berkshire England a GREAT MAN ✌g
Simmerson's friends are probably friends of his money - and would continue to be his "friends" whilst his purse was open. Wellington probably would know this - which is why Simmerson continues to survive in later episodes despite acts of cowardice that would otherwise have seen him shot.
But friends bought with money are not real friends.
Foolish of Simmerson, telling his two Lieutenants to "deal" with Sharpe right in front of Harper, but trust in arrogant officers to dismiss the presence of an enlisted
He also dismissed Hogan who didn't know that he was also an extension of Wellington. I remember the scene where Hogan tells Simmerson to go behind the tent, take out his pistol, and "blow out what's left of your brains."
Pretty sure from the tone of voice, if not the words based on distance, Harper is quite capable of putting two and two together.
The two officers are a young Daniel Craig of James Bond fame, and a young Neil Dudgeon of Midsomer Murders fame.
Lieutenant Gibbons is a weak man & no threat but the other played by Daniel Craig is an evil type.
To men like him the lower classes are invisible. They think nothing of discussing their secrets in front of them.
This is the very first Sharpe clip I have ever seen. As an American I had never before heard of the book or film series. It started an intrigue which became a deep interest and eventually a love for Sharpe. A fantastic scene and for me a meaningful one. Thanks for this upload!
It's a truly iconic British series, although at times it outstretches its budget. Either way, the dialogue and performances are brilliant throughout.
Then you’re in for a real treat. I saw these shows when they first arrived on American tv, 30 some years ago.
For me it was hornblower that i grew up with. The discipline and skill of the british navy sounds like myth until you read into how they kept their navy in control.
This scene is a perfect representation of the clash between the declining "nobility leadership" and the incoming "promotion-by-merit" leadership.
Wellington himself was not a believer in promotion from the ranks, but believed that anyone who bought a commission should live up to it, and preferred ability to politics whenever possible
not so much a delining nobility leadership but more the realisation that the nobility usually sent their rejects, pretty much in the hope they'd be killed off therefore unlikely to cause a commotion over inheritance :)
The "nobility leadership"/"promotion-by-merit" clash you mention is a myth. And it was a myth that has always been propagated and was propagated even then. Politics has always been politics. The powerful will promote their favorites until it doesn't suit them. Then new alliances are forged. The good and the brave may be rewarded, but soon they will start to expect their children and grandchildren to be rewarded.
Sorry but that's just wrong. Wellington himself is a "noble" and like someone else said not a believer in promotion from the ranks. This is a "noble" shouting at another "noble" about his conduct. Promotion-by-merit was arguably more of a French thing under Napoleon
Are yoy using imagination starting off a TV show and call it history? I'd call it amusing depending on how old are you.
I love how Wellington's tone of voice starts off as quite polite/casual right up until he confronts Simmerson about his cowardice. Then he lets loose with both barrels lol
In the book, something like 300 British soldiers died at that bridge battle Simmerson screwed up. The real Wellington would probably not have worked himself up that much over 10 dead.
@@Gemmabeta It was not the number of dead soldiers, it was a Bit about the Needless Death of Major Lenox, and more about losses of difficult to replace Healthy Soldiers (the Regiment (actually the 1st Battalion of the Regiment), Mostly it was about the Loss of the King's Colors (in a particularly Disgraceful manner)!
The second Simmerson blames a dead man who can't defend himself and Wellington loses it is the best.
@@paladinsix9285 And Simmerson trying to pin responsibility on the dead. In an army as big as the British army, I doubt there isn't a litany of bafflingly idiotic commanders.
Simmerson isn't just inept. Ineptitude can be worked around, fixed. He's a coward. And cowardice isn't so easily fixed.
Charles Dance used the quiet to loud transition very effectively as Tywin Lannister. ...good lord, can you imagine Sharpe going season 8?
That ‘good morning’ is legendary
"Major Hogan's coat buttons up tight over a number of other duties, Sir Henry." This line, and its delivery, is the core of this great, great scene. I long to employ its essence in a business/office- politics situation as soon as possible... What a joy to have discovered this series! I'm trying to spread the word to friends here. Most haven't heard of it.
I must have watched this scene more than a dozen times. So good.
The actor who played Wellington earned his paycheck on this scene. The anger portrayed on his face would make any officer pee a little in his pants.
It is a rare scene, real or fiction, to see an officer get properly raked by a commander for being incompetent.
For me, as a veteran, it is the equivalent of watching a good train crash... over and over again.
And while he is the bad guy everyone hates - the guy playing Simmerson also is incredible. It needs talent to feel so unlikable...
Well, considering the character Lennox was a friend of Wellington's....hearing a departed friend or family member get verbally bitched about does not go over well with some people. I slammed a kid against a wall a few times for that shit.
"Good Morning." That's the most badass British "Good Morning" I've ever heard.
A scene so well done it alone has been viewed 2.6 million times and watched in 2024
Can we simply admit that Hogan was a legend?
Was that ever in doubt?
He was a murderin' officer, as Pat would say
That's what he's paid for
"A man that loses the King's Colours loses the King's friendship." Truer words never spoken.
🇬🇧🏴
Rule Britannia
The corrollary is that the King now has to be friends with the frenchman who now has the colours. Pierre is insisting that the king to turn out on Samedi for his Boules league, and to bring a crate of beer. Of course the king is livid.
Unfortunately, the king was madder than Mad Jack McMad, the Winner of Mister Madman 1801, and currently believed himself to be a small village in Lincolnshire with superb views of the Nene Valley, and wanted his son to marry a rose bush.
Wibble.
@@theradgegadgie6352 Aye, he was absolutely mental. But he was still king of England and loved his colours 🇬🇧 although it really should've be this 🏴
@@smnbee75 Why? The British Army always marched under the Union Jack.
Every death Sharpe avoided was a death payed by a Sean Bean character.
too true. he gets shot or stabbed in pretty much every episode but still manages to bag a girl and win the battle
@@concars1234 ... I know it's old and worn out... but by the laws of this here comment section I have to say it:
"Now that's soldiering."
Sorry.
@@robertnett9793 Horseguards will hear of this affrontery, sah
The universe always seeks a balance. Every near death incurs a debt to death.
3:08 - "And I have friends at court... Powerful friends! In the Capital! You'll see! The King himself made me a Lord!" - Henry Simmerslynt
2:14 "You lost the Colours of the King of England!" love the delivery haha
"You're a damned liar, Hogan!" "That's what you pay me for, Sir!"
*covers his nose about to sneeze*
...hahah, I hope I can say that some day ...
Oh my goodness sir, did you watch the video too?
The bollocking by which all bollockings are measured.
yeah but this has nothing on the bollocking by Malcolm Tucker, especially when it's helped by Steve Fleming or Jamie Macdonald.
I watch this clip about once a week.
I haven't even watched the show aside from this one clip
4:12 Some of the foreshadowing and background details are astounding. Later on, Harper comes out of nowhere to save Sharpe from Lt. Berry, but here, he's in the scene sitting down, and you can tell he eavesdropped and hence knows there will be an attempt on Sharpe's life.
"the fault was not mine, sir" is never the right answer in these situations, Sir Henry.
Honestly, though, I do gotta give him some credit for having the balls to go "Uh, are you still gonna have Gibbons gazetted captain, sir?" after all that
Good news! You will be at the front of the line. You will be a dead hero. With all of the column backing you up and pushing you from behind, you are sure to get a medal posthumously.
"He was a consul of Rome!" has big "Major Lennox answered with his life, sir!" energy.
Good catch!
2:00 "Major Lennox Answered With His Life!" Felt so RAW and emotional. I watched this whole series for the first time 3 weeks ago and this scene stuck out the most for me.
Major Lennox happened to be a friend of Wellington. Try losing a friend and having some asshole shit-talk them. See how you react. Also, it helps when the guy playing Wellington is the son of a Doctor, the 2nd one.
@@JnEricsonx a friend whom he personally served previously with and knee far better the man was no coward
Lennox served with Wellington in India and was the hero of the (real) battle of Assaye. He was the only capable senior officer in the South Essex, something Wellington regretted as that was the only commission Lennox could afford.
This clip lives rent free in my head. The delivery of Wellington's chastisement ("MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE!!!") is _perfect._
Leroy’s Face when Simmerson threatens Wellington is perfect.
"Oh Christ is it too late to go back to America?"
"Let the French know the fool who lost the Colours is holding our flank"
Wellington, you fucking legend, you.
My favourite scene on the entire series. So many good lines and moments.
What an incredible cast! BBC shows were brodcast free and they're better than our cable was at the time, and still better than much.
@@warpdriveby it was an ITV show
@@craigmcghee4 I'm not familiar with ITV, I saw a clip on BBC America. Even so, I think my point that the UK has better network shows holds up 😉
What's the show called?
@@JonesNate It seems like a series of movies from how I can find it to watch. It's set during England's conflict with Napoleon during the late 18th and early 19th century. Oddly, Sean Bean doesn't die once...
"MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE, AS YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE IF YOU HAD ANY SENSE OF HONOUR"
One of those lines that for no reason whatsoever pops into my head every now and again.
I wish I had vocal chords capable of replicating the delivery of that line, it's brilliant.
I don't think I've ever seen anything more British than this exchange... Love it!
..couldn't be more British if they made British 10 times more British than currently allowed by Her Majesty.
My husband and I often randomly say things like "Torre do Castro" or "Horse Guards, Sir!" to each other. This has to be one of the least known about, underrated shows EVER! People who like this also liked Hornblower, and vice versa. Great, great shows.
Can confirm, I have sacrificed multipe DVD players to the ritual re-re-re-re-re-re-rewatching of both Sharpe and Hornblower. And both shows had actors which I didn't know of previously who somehow ended up in my top-five list of "I'd watch them read a phonebook"-actors.
That's funny, but totally agree. The Sharpe series of books by Bernard Cornwell are all great reads too. As is all of Cornwell's historical fiction (The Saxon Chronicles, the Grail Quest series and many others). The same can be said of the Hornblower series by C.S. Forester as well, though unfortunately Forester passed away before he could finish it.
LOVE hornblower. has its own set of idiot officers lol
Based.
Being from the Netherlands I did not know this serie. I watched this 6 minute part in awe. Splendid acting, fascinating !
Same with me, being from the Czech Republic.
I intend to watch the whole series though.
I love how Simmerson's throat clearing backfired on him. All soldiers know it's best that the command element doesn't notice you.
"Well, sir, on sighting the college paper, i naturally gave the order to not begin until the night before it was due, that's my style sir!"
Edit; Bruh, love you guys. Larping as Wellington and simmerson is literally the funniest thing.
Ahaha this deserves so much more!
Dang but you know me so well sir!
Ohh damn I know that all too well!
"Upon opening Microsoft Word the computer panicked, so I destroyed the keyboard, Sir"
Then i panicked and destroyed the paper claiming the dog ate it
Brilliant dialogue.... brilliant acting... brilliant series..... pure brilliance... Hollywood.. Schmollywood can never match this
If you think the TV movie are good, I suggest reading the books, the TV movie leave out so many good/funny moments
@@mikeyc2110 sadly, my imagination is a little limited when it comes to the Napoleonic wars... no idea about uniform, behaviour, weaponry so this series just brings everything to life.. Sean Bean is ideal for this role as are some of the other great characters... it’s how I would imagine war in the 19th century but without the gore... true boys own adventure
@@franceleeparis37 Sadly, the gore was all too real. Organ guns and grape shot make short work of most things,,, :(
@@franceleeparis37 i do recommend reading the books as Bernard Cornwall (the author) did heaps of research to make the stories as historically accurate as he could which he blend with his stories. It also gives you more insight into how things were done, like french and British battle tactics for example..... also I agree about Sean bean being right for the role even the author thought so considering in his later books he changed sharpes appearance to match more with Sean bean lol
@@mikeyc2110 Indeed Cornwell dedicated one novel to Sean Bean, and rightly so!
Every actor in this scene deserves recognition...brilliant
I love a man who can say "good morning" with the same verve as "f**k off" 3:39
Putting Sir Henry in his place? Now that is some damn fine soldiering.
I like how at the end he didn't deny he made a promise... he just stated that no person ever heard him say such a promise...
Telling white lies to your commanding officer so you both get what you want? That's soldiering...
Then you realise later on Wellington actually wants him to take the Eagle he just can't state it openly (Hogan is seen watching the battle as Sharpe goes for the eagle)
Technically, didn’t Lennox just ask for Sharpe to take an Eagle with Sharpe saying nothing in reply? Now I need to watch that scene again.
The side eye he gives Major Hogan at 1:52 is just brilliant. You can't teach that sort of acting
Good catch.
My favourite part in the whole series, i miss the original Wellington
We all did.
The other actor is too personable - he was better cast in Poirot.
Agreed on that... I’m still struggling to recall which of the Troughtons we’re seeing here. I know it’s one of Pat’s sons?
And Hogan, the replacement was ok but Hogan was top notch
@@mikereger1186 David...
You can clearly see the officer with Simmerson think “Oh shit he just openly threatened his superior. We are in SO much trouble.”
I really love when this video pops up in my recommended
Top class drama with amazing actors. Let us not forget our protagonists would have been but pale shadows without strong antagonists. I hate Sir Henry from the bottom of my heart. This would not be possible if not for the superb actor who perfected being utterly despicable. Fantastic work.🎉🎉🎉
"That's what you pay me for sir." It's good to meet a man who knows his role
David Troughton is just BRILLIANT in this scene.
Ah yes, Patrick Troughton's son!
That “that’s what you pay me for sir.” After doing a bump is hilarious
Note Sharpe's wording: "No one heard me make any promise to Major Lennox."
He didn't say he didn't make the promise to Major Lennox.
I love that bit. It's blatant circuitous honesty. Wellington knows exactly what Sharpe did - and didn't - say, and that's good enough for him! 😀
"What you do to then, sir, is up to you. Good morning."
The wideness of those eyes will haunt my dreams forever. They'll chase me down dark alleys and the corridors of abandoned hospitals. I'll cry out that I surrender, and a voice will respond, "MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE!" and "GIVE ME NIGHT OR GIVE ME BLUCHER!" and "BRING ME FEGELEIN! FEGELEIN! FEGELEEEIIINN!!!"
I keep coming back to the first two seasons of Sharpe because David Troughton's Wellington and Brian Cox's Hogan are just so perfectly performed. The nuance they brought to these roles was simply unmatched by those who followed them.
It's almost like giving 2 quality actors ridiculous Georgian costumes and dialogue to ham it up with can produce magical TV
Wellington just gives Simmerson enough rope. He already knows the solid facts from Hogan. Now Wellington's trap is sprung and what a fantastic explosion when Simmerson blames Lennox and tries to bullshit him again.
Sharpe was like the British A-Team in the 90s. Saturday teatime. The battle action was a bit ropey, but it was all about the script and the magic the actors applied to it.
- Brian Cox
- Sean Bean
- Daniel Craig
Jesus, no wonder everybody talks about how great this series was. The acting prowess on display alone is enough to put you in awe.
That's soldiering.
Where was daniel craig?
@@Vikturus22 At 4:11 he's the one who says "Leave Sharpe to me sir". Picture ain't the best quality but it's him.
Holy crap he has a lot more hair here but now that you mention it I recognise the James Bond stare...
@@muttley8818 Geez, I've never recognized him before now!!!
The actor playing Simmerson was brilliant. Just brilliant.
I really like how Wellesley keeps a calm manner for the first few minutes of Simmerson's report until he gives Major Hogans report contradicting Simmerson's report and slowly reveals his displeasure. It's not until he mentions the loss of the Kings Colours that he drops the facade entirely and revealing he already knew what really happened how angry he is at Simmerson's incompetence and cowardice.
For all the corny, low budget moments, the acting and script writing were fantastic. I fucking love this show
This is one of the best scenes on TV, brilliantly acted, I almost felt guilty myself!
The acting in this scene is top notch. The Virginian behind Simmerson conveys so much with out a word. Wellington is so menacing.
The sound of that feather pen on paper is so oddly satisfying.
*scrip scrippitty scrip*