Patrick had a personal code, and did not suffer fools or incompetence... as a Canadian I am particularly amused with his involvement in a film called "Kings and Desperate Men" 1981. about a hostage taking, at the home studio of a radio talk show host. He was the host, and his wife was played by Margaret Trudeau (wife of Pierre, mother of Justin- both Prime ministers of Canada).
This account begins in such a highly opinionated and biased manner. 20,000 Zulu warriors attacking up to 1,800 British soldiers at Chelmsford's supplies camp is not almost his entire column being wiped out, nor does it equate to the Zulus taking on and beating the 150,000 strong British army. Let's not also forget that the leaders of the British Empire didn't want a war with the Zulus, and London clearly told Chelmsford, “No!” The Anglo-Zulu war of 1879 was 100% on Lord Chelmsford and Sir Bartle Frere, not Her Majesty or her Majesty's government. “Now there's a chance to find out”? What of the first hand accounts, from both sides, that were recorded and kept, and have been scrutinised by historians time and time again? Do they not give us information that can help us understand what happened on 22nd January 1879? The documentary openly sets out to attempt to humiliate the British Army and the Empire, but ends up showing that there was technical problems with the Martini Henry rifle that made them prone to jamming once twenty plus rounds had been fired in rapid succession, and also that the Zulu warriors had been drugged out of their skulls with cannabis and hallucinogenic mushrooms, as was their want during battle. Watching this part of the documentary made me think of the Mau Mau Rebellion of Kenya (1952-1960). There's also the question of impugning the defence of Rorke's Drift. The attack on Chelmsford's supplies camp at Isandlwana saw the defenders facing ten or eleven attackers to each defender. At Rorke's Drift the odds were twenty-six to one. This documentary has the feel of a failed attempt to rewrite history for the purpose of condemning colonialism and the evils of the British Empire. It failed because of the information uncovered and the integrity of those who were supposed to come to the conclusion that the empire was pure unadulterated evil and the Zulus faultless, pure, victims of colonialism. As far as I'm concerned the invasion of Zululand was strongly condemnable and was foisted upon the British Empire by a couple of ambitious men during a time when communication with one's government took literally weeks..
Having watched as a child, it was mind blowing. Terrifying. Visceral and intellectual. It's amazing networks broadcast it. The only thing remotely similar was nowhere man. In no way as brilliant or frightening, but that the powers that be can truly alter your reality.
The number 1,600 is misleading ,600 where african s armed with just spears tahe away medics cooks and so onky left with onky around 800 infantry . And to desgribe ut as a british army is riduculous it was part of a column not an army .
incredible insight into Patrick Mcgohan's mind , thanks Keith , pats daughter was awesome as well along with everyone , but Patrick was number 6 in real life it seems , fascinating❤
Keith , thank you for reviving the Whicker programmes. When presenters were really presenters. In your banner you have Ray Wilmott as Ray Wilhurst. Thank you again for making the effort on our behalf.
Very disappointing and the tile is grossly misleading. There was no mention, if not in passing, of the ring of fire, Instead it turned out to be more of a tourist promotion of the area.
Fast forward 40 years to 2024, immigrants in the UK are killing men, women and children. Stealing and robbing..Rape and sexual assaults are annually above 250,000, with a conviction rate of around 1 percent...And some crazy politcians and looney left wingers wonder why there is a huge right wing sweeping across the land..It just might be that they are all victims of these savages..
This was the only memory of the programme " Colditz" that i remembered as a child around 1972/3, and i now have a plan 60" scale, to build, for no other reason, but i can!
For me too. It has made me question and think of things in society, politics, religion and personal life. Ya man was a visionary genius. A true innovator.
Some fabulous footage thanks. Deeply concerning that the warning of a fairly distopian society is quite possible now, all the surveillance cameras we have, the ideas of 25 minute cities .
What a superb interviewer Alan Whicker was along with Michael Parkinson just asked a question and let the other person answer at length unlike todays narcissistic 'its my show' waste of spaces and as for Joanie C never get tired of those 'come hither' eyes!
I took part in a couple of concerts in Dumfries and Edinburgh in the early 1980s. My hosts presented me to the Corries and their Live in Scotland album. Have been and still is a huge fan! Thanks for sharing!
Wow! McGoohan's concentration must have been phenomenal. I think all the experience he had in stage plays and live action television must have helped. He would have made a great silent film actor. I think that is why Many Happy Returns is one of my favorite episodes. I also enjoyed The Hard Way a film with not much dialogue. Its on RU-vid. Another one where he's told he can't resign.
