MovieChat Forums > Glory (1990) Discussion > Robert leading the charge

Robert leading the charge

posted 8 years ago by jfitzpatrick3
3 replies | jump to latest

Does the scene when Robert drives off his horse indicate that he didn't have to be in the front with his men like he was? I seemed to interpret it that way when I saw how long he was looking at the ocean, walking through his men, and the fact that his second-in-command walks to the rear when he shows up in front.

Another question: the first scene after the battle: is that a dead horse in the water or just a rock?

"At the end of life, we will be judged by love" ST John of the Cross

[–] echoesofglory 8 years ago

It's a stunt man with a breathing device in the water. As for Shaw leaving his horse behind I'm not sure what you mean, I assumed the horse was useless in this assault as the fort walls would have been too steep, and he would have been an easy target for the enemy. Horses were usually not used when attacking fortifications.

Perhaps there's also one symbolic meaning with Shaw storming the fort on foot with his men, showing that he is not elevated above them. Shaw's parens apparantly did not like the idea of Shaw being mounted in the statue in Boston, because it showed him as being above the men.

[–] dueville (41) 2 years ago

He sent his horse to show his men he would not desert them.

[–] Sandman81 (1503) a year ago

From a symbolic standpoint, it was to show his men that he was right there with them.

From a military and common-sense standpoint: An officer on horseback would be a very inviting and easy target to an enemy. Especially when you're attacking a fortified position. The movie Gettysburg discusses this more.