Ferraud and D'Hubert were both in the same army but wear different uniforms despite being of the same rank. Ferraud is a 'son of the czars'. What does that term mean ? Did it have anything to do with their rivalry ?
well, for me, the action is the juice.
During the Napoleonic era it was common for units within a single army to wear different uniforms. In theory, and sometimes in practice, the different units did perform different functions on the battlefield, but the primary reason for the differences was to instill a spirit of pride within the "elite" units.
Among the infantry the vast majority were "line" units that wore the standard uniform, but most armies also had "guard" or "grenadier" units that were usually made up of experienced vetrans and given special uniforms to set them apart. Some light infantry and skirmisher units were also given special uniforms, like the British rifle units who wore green uniforms.
Cavalry units always wanted to be elite, so most of them tried to find a way to differentiate themselves from the others, styling themselves as Lancers, Hussars, Dragoons, etc., and the variations in uniform could be quite extreme. There were differences in the tactics used by the various units, but the primary purpose for the differences was unit pride.
The two officers in this film were in different cavalry units, but there is no indication that their rivalry was influenced by that fact.
Not 'czars' - HUSSARS or in French Hussards.
The Hussars were elite - and extremely flashy - light cavalry units which went from irregular raiders and mercenaries in the early days (17th century thereabouts) to very colourful and dashing battlefield light horse. The legendary 'light brigade' in the Crimean War included two regiments of Hussars and their commander, Lord Cardigan, was colonel of the flashiest of them, the cherry-red trousered 11th Hussars.
I think actually BOTH of them are Hussars but in different regiments.
Shalom,
Tom516
Thank you very much for the explanation.
well, for me, the action is the juice.
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If I'm not mistaken, Feraud's red and blue uniform is meant to represent the 7th Hussars who had a reputation for being one of the best of the hussar regiments, further reinforcing the character's bellicose nature. D'Hubert's gray uniform is meant to represent the 3rd Hussars who, while no slackers, didn't enjoy the same hard-charging reputation as Feraud's outfit.
shareBelow is a link to illustrations that show uniform variations of Napoleon's Hussar units. The uniforms have the same cut but vary in colour. The cut or style shows the unit type (hussar) and the color the unit; gray for the 3rd, green and scarlet for the 7th. Different headgear within a regiment identified the difference between an elite company and a regular line company. It was usually the job of the elite company to carry and guard the regiment's flags. Flags were not merely symbolic but gave the men a point of reference in the smoke and confusion of battle should they become misaligned from the rest of the regiment's position. Note that by the time the film's protagonists have their duel on horseback they are wearing the bearskin chapeaus of their respective regiment's elite company, so not only had they advanced in rank they had also advanced in unit prestige. Being the member of the colour or elite company had perks but it was also the most dangerous company to belong to since carrying the colours made your company an important target for enemy artillery and sharpshooters.
Copy and paste the URL below into your search engine's address line to see the uniforms:
http://www.napoleon-series.org/military/organization/France/Cavalry/Hussars/c_Reesehussars.html
Was the jacket draped over the shoulder a trademark of Hussars, or was that just military fashion of the day?
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Ferands Hussars regiment was the 7th, noted by the red breeches. Each regiment had an elite company which would always fall out in a more ornate uniform. Ferand seems to be in that elite company.
D'Hubert's was the 5th regiment,noted by the sky blue uniform. He would have worn a white Pelisse (over jacket). Also interesting note about the 5th was that it was orginally known as the Lauzun's Legion which fought in the american war of independance. After their return to France they were numbered the 6th Hussars for a short period of time and took the final number of 5 in 1793.
However, I do believe that D'Hubert changes regiment by the time of the calvery charge duel. To me, he looks as if he is dressed as an officer of Chasseurs a Cheval (light calvery) 1st Chasseurs Regiment. And a member of there elite company marked by the bearskin busbie.
The elite company was to be the senior of 2 companies that made up the 1st squadron of any givin regiment. The elite companies got to wear bearskin busbies, flaming granades on trunbacks, buckle plates and cartridge pouches. Other distinctions were red plumes, cords and tassels and red epaulettes.
Also, as popular as dueling was in those days to settle agruments, Napoleon forbid it's practice. Esp, amongst his officer corp. In fact one could be put to death if you happen to kill someone. Ironic eh?
The uniforms that were used in this film are astonishingly real. I heard each one was hand made in Italy and each cost $16,000 a piece!
Hope this helps.
"I'll kill the Japo's. I'll kill the Japo's, the Sioux, the Cheyenne. I'll kill anyone you want for $500.00 a month. But, I want you to know something. I'd kill you for free." Last Of The Samuri.
$16,000 a piece! Jeez I thought I heard somewhere this was a low budget film costing only about $900,000. Thta would be impossbile if you needed an army full of uniforms to populate the screen. Maybe they saved money on the Russian front. That scene did look sort of like a sound stage.
Richard
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19,000 pounds for the two characters uniforms. And even though they paid for them the Italian costumers retained ownership. The women's costumes were done in England.
If you watch carefully you will see that each shot does not contain that many people (especially soldiers), so he could move background people around.
We/I remember more scenes with lots of soldiers but he (Scott), filled our imaginations with soldiers without filling the screen with soldiers.
gabh an latha,
Richard
Eugene, OR
The pelise, the jacket worn over the shoulder, was a military fashion. It was copied in many armies, as were the braided jackets and boots; most prominantly in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Military fashion is filled with ridiculous flourishes, such as this. Soldiers of the British Army of this era often wore stocks, leather collars to keep their heads up. If you notice, the Hussars also carry a sabretache, a case that hangs from their side. Although of practical use, its method of carry owes more to fashion than function.
Every army in every era has some peculiarity. The Napoleonic soldiers had their elaborate moustaches and hair braids, pelises and braiding. Today we have the way a beret is worn, or method of wearing equipment, or blousing your trousers. Its amazing how people try to dress up the dirty business of killing.
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