Freddie Miller. wrote:
An older codger like myself saw it in my mid-20's a few days after it's London Premiere at the Plaza in 1964.
About 3 years later,living in South Africa, I visited the site of the battle at Rorke's Drift to see only a few remains of the Mission Station portrayed in the film. No commemoration or graves so pretty disappointing. Also visited Isandlwana the site of the battle just before Rorke's Drift where the British were routed. There was a commemoration to the Zulus killed and that was it. Finally visited the location where the film was made which was in a Natal National Park about 90 miles from Rorke's Drift.
One of my favourite ever films and after seeing it I became fascinated with the history of the Zulus and read everything I could find about them.
I suspect things are very different today. That sounds like a hell of a experience - from Premiere to actual site. I doubt I'll ever get to visit unfortunately.
I still love Zulu, and despite a few historical embellishments (a few character 'enhancements', the final salute, the 24th being a Welsh regiment, the singing of Men of Harlech, etc) it's fairly true to the story. You're clearly clued up on the history of those events but I can highly recommend 'Battle Story: Rorke's Drift 1879' as a worthwhile read.
