MovieChat Forums > Privates (2013) Discussion > Basic and avoidable mistakes

Basic and avoidable mistakes

posted 11 years ago by donwhitehead
10 replies | jump to latest

It is such a shame that this series, which in many ways is very true to life as a National Serviceman, has been marred by mistakes which a little research could have avoided.

1 The helmets worn are not the type as issued to National Servicemen . The genuine ones would have had rims as were worn in WW2.The ones shown were issued later
2 No NCO or OR would have dared to wander round unshaven as the corporal did regularly.
3 Berets were worn with the "tails " tucked away out of sight.
4 Soldiers do not salute when capless.
5 On Remembrance days the poppies were generally worn behind the cap badge not in the lapel and I never ever saw white poppies. In fact they would not have been tolerated.

Although the series brought back memories to one who was there you really should try harder to avoid elementary mistakes.

[–] russbdenny 11 years ago

The dangling tails of the berets bugged me as well. I'm also not sure that leather banded berets would have been general issue in the 1960's, they certainly weren't in the 1980's.

And the berets being worn halfway down the back of the head! FFS, I would love to meet the military advisor for this and give him a slap on the head!

The other thing that gripped me was the apparent ease by which soldiers undergoing basic training could just wander off on their own at the drop of a hat.

Still enjoyed it though ;)

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] tonymjames 11 years ago

Good comments, also nice to see the Union Flag being flown upside down in episode 5.

[–] blackpeters 11 years ago

In ep4 the Morris Minor had a "G" registration which was 1968/69 !!!!

[–] Broadsman 11 years ago

TWO WORDS FICTION AND ENTERTAINMENT!
If you want the real thing read the hundreds of books writen by former National Service Men!

[–] Undutchable1939 11 years ago

Three words; Do your job.

Just because it is tv does not mean you don't have to do your job.
Mistakes in movie or tv are just an example of someone on the production not doing the job they are paid to do properly.

ESPECIALLY when you are talking about a real historical subject, it is your task to get things as correct as possible.
They hire consultants, art directors, costume designers and set dressers to get these things right.
So when a mistake is made it is quite right to point them out.

And yes, I should know because I am actually a Historical consultant for film and tv and yes, I am very grateful to anyone pointing out mistakes I may have made so I can improve.

As for this show, I must say I rather liked it.
Yes it has mistakes, silly mistakes that should not have been made and could have been avoided.

BUT I was rather excited to FINALLY see a historical drama piece where the men actually had authentic haircuts.
For more then half the 20th century men had very very short hair and in almost 80% of modern day drama this is something they overlook.

So bravo to the makeup department.

Complaining about mistakes is almost as bad as complaining about complaining about mistakes.

[–] donwhitehead 11 years ago

Agree! I know those of us who were there are getting fewer every year (LOL) but surely it would not have been too difficult or expensive to ask someone who was actually there to just cast an eye over it . I still have vivid memories going back beyond national Service and shudder at some of the more obvious clangers.

[–] donwhitehead 11 years ago

I don't need to - I was there

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] donwhitehead 11 years ago

Unusual but possible if he was highest ranking NCO