ZULU WAR (THE)

Zulu

Era: 19 th century.

Situation: Zulu War 1879 - Battle of Rorke's Drift. This film focuses on events that immediately followed the Zulu victory at Isandlwana. Some interesting leadership traits are evident with respect to Zulu combat tactics but the true meat of the film is found in the leadership numerous examples presented by the defenders of Rorke's Drift. Innovative leadership by the officers commanding, disciplined leadership by the Senior NCO as well as other forms of situational leadership exemplified by soldiers, commissary, and irregulars. Cowardice is also evident prior to the impending Zulu assault.

Primary Actors: Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobson, James Booth, and Michael Caine.

VHS 90002, ISBN 1-55847-262-2, Colour / 138 Min., Diamond Films, 1963 / Charter Entertainment, 1987.

Era: 19 th century.

Situation: Zulu War 1879 - Invasion of Zululand and Battle of Isandlwana. Events in the film provide the viewer with some of the cause factors for the war and the reaction to the potential for war by both primary participating entities. This film portrays leadership and ethical issues at both the political and military level from a strategic and operational perspective. It illustrates the extreme overconfidence of the British in their contrived invasion of Zululand and particularly how British command, due to an arrogant perception of a less technologically advanced aboriginal people, initially underestimated enemy potential. As with many historically based films, many of the events depicted were true and some were not but have survived in legends devised to explain away the loss to an allegedly less capable foe.

Primary Actors: Burt Lancaster, Sir John Mills, Peter O'Toole

VHS SV9048, Colour / 117 Min., HGV Video Treasures, 1986.