Saturday 19 November 2011

"With some guts behind it"





Colour Sergeant Bourne: It's a miracle.
Lieutenant John Chard: If it's a miracle, Colour Sergeant, it's a short chamber Boxer Henry point 45 caliber miracle. 
Colour Sergeant Bourne: And a bayonet, Sir, with some guts behind it. 


Perhaps one of the most memorable exchanges in the 1964 classic 'Zulu'; the immaculate Colour Sergeant Bourne quietly reminding the 'Officer of Engineers' that the British soldier armed with little more than a stiff upper lip could hold out and carry the day!

Nigel Green's portrayal of the larger than life Colour Sergeant owes much to the movie's appeal and it seems only fitting that Empress Miniatures  created a likeness in their 'Hollywood' version of the Defenders of Rorke's Drift set. 




As always the sculpt and pose make these miniatures a delight to paint.  My only dilema was in deciding whether to paint him accurately or in the 'Hollywood' style!




Pte. Thomas Cole: Why is it us? Why us? 
Colour Sergeant Bourne: Because we're here, lad. Nobody else. Just us.

14 comments:

  1. "Sentries have come in from the hills, Mr. Bromhead, sir. The sentries report Zulus to the south west. Thousands of them"
    Nigel green in the flesh (so to speak)
    Excellent mini and you´ve done a great paintjob on him.
    Cheers
    paul

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  2. Very nice mate. Does this guy play Major Dalby in the Ipcress file?

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  3. Now that's what you call a pair of whiskers!!!! Great painting Sir!!!

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  4. Thank you Gentlemen.

    @Brummie: Major Dalby, good Lord you are absolutely correct. Do you know I've never made that connection before.

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  5. Great work and I concur, he's certainly one of my favourite characters from the movie. Quite iconic!

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  6. I love this film. great job on the mini!

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  7. They put extra starch in those stiff-upper-lips in those days!

    Excellent work as usual, Michael!

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  8. LOL its only because I watched it on Friday :oD Catching up on some stuff i've been recommended I wouldn't of had a clue otherwise

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  9. Lovely work, I've got this figure in the lead pile somewhere, might just have to slap some paint on it!

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  10. That is my favorite exchange in the entire film. Good old Colour Sergeant Bourne.

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  11. If any of you are ever in Brecon, South Wales, call in to the Cathedral and have a look in the "Harvard Chapel". Thats where the colours of the 24th foot from this period are laid up. This is also where you will find the Silver Wreath of Immortals presented to the Regiment by Queen Victoria on their return from South Africa.
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/barrybookworm/5162702986/in/set-72157624047778835

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    1. What a splendid looking place Barry, thank you. We visited the regimental museum a couple of summers ago, but had no idea of the Cathedral. We must look it up next time.

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