Masterpiece Theatre: All the King's Men (2000)

All the King's men

To much emphasis was placed on the private lives of the soldiers. David Jason, although a good actor, was mis-cast. His age and physique was not in keeping the era portrayed. Another thing was that there was too much supposition on the fate of the soldiers ending. Were they killed in cold blood or was that theory. November 22, 2008

All the King's men

A thoughtful speculation on one of the great mysteries in WWI's forgotten war in the Dardanelles. May 7, 2007

semi factual film

I must say a lot of this film is pure fiction and is definitely sensationalised such as the young bride who has to have sex with the nearest man!

Captain Frank Beck was a real person, and I was brought up with the story about him, as his 3rd daughter was my grandmother.

I feel it shows his nephews as quite pathetic characters but in fact they were very brave men(as were a lot of soldiers of their time) and they were later decorated with military crosses although sadly none of them survived the war.

As fiction its ok as fact, take it with a pinch of salt-loosely based on fact

David Jason did a much better job than I expected from an actor more known for comedy February 25, 2006

All the King's Men

Slightly stuffy and fractured, but that really doesn't change this PBS miniseries' special qualities at all. Maggie Smith is quite good in her role, and adds humour to it as well. The other cast members are excellent, with direction and writing at tops.
A must if you enjoy Masterpiece Theater. January 31, 2003

Moving Drama

A very well made, moving drama about the Estate workers at Sandringham who volunteer during The First World war to fight the Turkish in Gallipoli. Unlike the Mel Gibson Film, this focuses purely on the British contingent at the Dardanelles and the suffering and losses involved.

The legend of the Sandringham soldiers has it that a mist descended on them as the marched into battle and that they were never seen again. This actually shows the reality of battle, the distinct lack of glory and the shambolic reconnaisance which leads in turn to the inevitable result.

As the drama unfolds, we are introduced to the characters and have enough time to get used to them and start to understand and like them.

If war films are not your thing, believe me, this is very different. Worth a watch, especially the ever-dependable David Jason. April 12, 2002

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