It's preposterous that this programme does not credit any of the talking heads. I would not have bothered buying all those Daily Mails to get it had I known!
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Yep, I thought the same thing when i watched this series (and videoed it) a few years ago . It seems they didn't get around to giving names ( and capacities / positions ) until later documentaries eg The World at War. It does seem a shame :-(
shareYes, it would have been more complete. But it may be that the `talking heads' wanted to leave it at that. Most of those who survived were extremely private in their memories, seldom wanting to discuss what they had experienced. By keeping their identities undisclosed each would be saved from excessive or unwanted curiosity.
I have met survivors of both wars and been amazed at their courage and endurance, whilst also their modesty and reticence.
Thank you screenman for your different and intelligent take on this. It has made me think, and maybe I was a bit hasty in my criticism. I suppose also a bit selfish in that I wanted to complete the cast list on IMDb, as it would have been fascinating to know who they were.
Maybe I will give the series another go with a fresh attitude sometime.
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My vote history:
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If you ever get the chance vande be sure to pick up a copy of Forgotten Voices of the Great War which is essentially a collection of quotes from WWI veterans gathered in one book. Some quotes from the gentlemen interviewed in this series appear in the book and this time they are credited. If you have a copy of both the book and the series it can be quite fun trying to figure out who is who.
Incidentally one or two of the talking heads are instantly recognizable if you know who to look for. For example Sir Edward Spears, who discusses his experiences of being an aide/liaison to most of the major allied generals of the conflict also appears in an early episode of The World at War. Additionally the acclaimed writer Henry Williamson appears in the episode which features the Christmas truce describing his meeting with a German soldier.
The names of most of the talking heads can be found on this thread, on the Great War Forum:
http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?/topic/242044-identifying-the-interviewees-from-the-1964-bbc-series-the-great-war/
The thread I mentioned a few months ago, now contains the names of all of the interviewees from the series:
http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?/topic/242044-identifying-the-interviewees-from-the-1964-bbc-series-the-great-war/
Thank you for this. I have begun to add quite a few of the names.
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My votes: www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=2240596
You're welcome.
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