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Difference between revisions of "The Ghost and the Darkness"
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[[Image:BSArifles.jpg|thumb|400px|none| Two well preserved specimens of Lee-Speed Sporters]] | [[Image:BSArifles.jpg|thumb|400px|none| Two well preserved specimens of Lee-Speed Sporters]] | ||
| − | [[Image:Two.jpg|thumb| | + | [[Image:Two.jpg|thumb|600px|none|Remington ([[Michael Douglas]]) with his double and Patterson([[Val Kilmer]]) with his Lee Speed.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd3.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Patterson ([[Val Kilmer]]) readies his Lee-Speed for a night of Lion hunting.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd18.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd18.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Patterson ([[Val Kilmer]]) stalks what he believes is just one Lion in the work camp.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd22.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd22.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Patterson discovers that there are two Lions working together.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd32.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd32.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Patterson cleaning his Lee-Speed the night before the first hunt with Remington ([[Michael Douglas]]). Here Patterson is putting the bolt back into the reciever.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd55.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd55.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Patterson ([[Val Kilmer]]) and Remington ([[Michael Douglas]]) working together. Acting as bait for the lions in the old field hospital.]] |
== Farquharson rifle == | == Farquharson rifle == | ||
Used by Doctor Hawthorne ([[Bernard Hill]]) and Patterson ([[Val Kilmer]]). Another popular design in the late 19th century with British shooters. The [[Farquharson Rifle]] design is still in use. Most notably the Ruger No. 1 single shot rifle. | Used by Doctor Hawthorne ([[Bernard Hill]]) and Patterson ([[Val Kilmer]]). Another popular design in the late 19th century with British shooters. The [[Farquharson Rifle]] design is still in use. Most notably the Ruger No. 1 single shot rifle. | ||
| − | [[Image:Farq2.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Farq2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A Jeffery Farquharson Rifle in .400 Nitro Express. Manufactured late 1800's. ]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd38.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd38.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Patterson ([[Val Kilmer]]), Samuel ([[John Kani]]), and Remington ([[Michael Douglas]]) move out on their first hunt for the lions.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd39.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd39.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Samuel ([[John Kani]]) gives Patterson ([[Val Kilmer]]) an anxious look as he prepares to move out with Remington. Remington wants Samuel with him and Samuel is scared of Lions. He told Patterson this the night before.Samuel ([[John Kani]]) is carrying a Lee-Enfield Artillery Carbine.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd41.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd41.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Patterson positions himself on the high ground waiting to see if the Lions are driven towards him. He traded the doctor ([[Bernard Hill]]) his Lee Speed for the doctor's Farqueson the night before. Patterson did not test fire the weapon or even give it a cursory inspection.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd47.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd47.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Patterson sees one of the Lions moving towards him.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd49.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd49.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Patterson takes care aim at the Lion as it advances towards him.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd50.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd50.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The hammer falls and the round fails to fire.Hence the need for a test fire and functions check.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd51.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd51.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Patterson realizes that the rifle didn't fire and the Lion is still advancing towards him.]] |
== Holland & Holland Double Rifle == | == Holland & Holland Double Rifle == | ||
| Line 34: | Line 34: | ||
[[Image:405nitro.jpg|thumb|350px|none|Holland & Holland Royal Ejector]] | [[Image:405nitro.jpg|thumb|350px|none|Holland & Holland Royal Ejector]] | ||
| − | [[Image:Two.jpg|thumb| | + | [[Image:Two.jpg|thumb|600px|none|Remington ([[Michael Douglas]]) with his double rifle and Patterson([[Val Kilmer]]) with his Lee Speed.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd36.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd36.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Remington shares a drink and some laughs with Samuel and Patterson the night before the first hunt. Things are going to get a whole lot more serious.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd45.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd45.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd46.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd46.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd48.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd48.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd54.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd54.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd55.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd55.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd61.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd61.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Patterson jumps from a tree to the ground to grab Remington's rifle during the climactic fight between Patterson and the sole surviving Lion.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd62.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd62.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A real world situation. No time to assume a text book firing position.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd63.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd63.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Patterson touches off the round in the second barrel as the Lion charges. Nice job simulating what would be a very violent recoil. Especially considering that the rifle isn't braced, but desperate times call for desperate measures.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd64.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd64.jpg|thumb|none|600px|With just inches to spare the Lion dies. Such dramatic events are not unusual on African safaris.]] |
== Martini-Henry rifle == | == Martini-Henry rifle == | ||
| Line 53: | Line 53: | ||
[[Image:Martini-HenryMarkIII(1881-1888).jpg|thumb|none|400px|Martini-Henry Mk. III (1881-1888) .577-.450 caliber.]] | [[Image:Martini-HenryMarkIII(1881-1888).jpg|thumb|none|400px|Martini-Henry Mk. III (1881-1888) .577-.450 caliber.]] | ||
| − | [[Image:Gd13.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd13.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Both Lions attack the camp in daylight. Angus ([[Brian McCardie]]), Samuel ([[John Kani]]) and Patterson ([[Val Kilmer]]) grab their weapons and run ''towards'' the danger while others run away.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd24.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd24.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd14.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd14.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] |
== Snider Enfield Mk.II* Artillery Carbine == | == Snider Enfield Mk.II* Artillery Carbine == | ||
| Line 61: | Line 61: | ||
[[Snider-Enfield Rifle|Snider Enfield Mk.II* Enfield Artillery Carbine]] is used by Samuel ([[John Kani]]) during the first hunt for the lions involving Remington ([[Michael Douglas]]) in the thicket. It's a nice touch and showed that somebody was thinking. In 1898 the Snider rifles were surplus and would probably have been readily available in Colonial Africa. Samuel is a native and though trusted by the Europeans would not have been a wealthy man. A surplus Snider rifle would have met his needs and been affordable for him. The fact that the rare Artillery Carbine was used also shows a good eye for detail. Easier to carry and manuever with than the full length infantry rifle version. | [[Snider-Enfield Rifle|Snider Enfield Mk.II* Enfield Artillery Carbine]] is used by Samuel ([[John Kani]]) during the first hunt for the lions involving Remington ([[Michael Douglas]]) in the thicket. It's a nice touch and showed that somebody was thinking. In 1898 the Snider rifles were surplus and would probably have been readily available in Colonial Africa. Samuel is a native and though trusted by the Europeans would not have been a wealthy man. A surplus Snider rifle would have met his needs and been affordable for him. The fact that the rare Artillery Carbine was used also shows a good eye for detail. Easier to carry and manuever with than the full length infantry rifle version. | ||
[[Image:Arty snider.jpg|thumb|none|450px|Snider Enfield Mk.II** Artillery Carbine]] | [[Image:Arty snider.jpg|thumb|none|450px|Snider Enfield Mk.II** Artillery Carbine]] | ||
| − | [[Image:Gd39.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd39.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Samuel ([[John Kani]]) moves out with Remington ([[Michael Douglas]]). The look that he gives Patterson ([[Val Kilmer]]) is worth a thousand words.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd44.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd44.jpg|thumb|none|600px|As Remington ([[Michael Douglas]]) scans the bush for sign of the Lion Samuel ([[John Kani]]) can be seen behind him pointing his carbine in the general direction of the Lion's location.]] |
== Howdah Pistol == | == Howdah Pistol == | ||
| Line 69: | Line 69: | ||
[[Image:How.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Holland & Holland "Howdah" pistol]] | [[Image:How.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Holland & Holland "Howdah" pistol]] | ||
[[Image:Howdy3.jpg|thumb|300px|none| "Howdah" pistol]] | [[Image:Howdy3.jpg|thumb|300px|none| "Howdah" pistol]] | ||
| − | [[Image:Gd27.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd27.jpg|thumb|none|600px|With many workers now dead their self-appointed leader Abdullah ([[Om Puri]]) leads the surviving workers in a confrontation with Patterson ([[Val Kilmer]]). Just as things are getting ready to explode Remington ([[Michael Douglas]]) shows up and enters into the negotiations.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd28.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd28.jpg|thumb|none|600px|"Change of Plans."]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd29.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd29.jpg|thumb|none|600px|"You have to ask yourself a question.Do you want to live or die?"]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd30.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd30.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd31.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd31.jpg|thumb|none|600px|"I am a man of peace." Funny how a great big pistol jammed against one's head will change one's nature.]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd56.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd56.jpg|thumb|none|600px|At the end of the movie Patterson confronts the surviving Lion who has killed Remington and is now after him. Note that he is using Remington's Howdah. The perfect weapon for such a close range confrontation.]] |
== 12 Gauge Double Barreled Shotgun == | == 12 Gauge Double Barreled Shotgun == | ||
It appears that Samuel ([[John Kani]]) owns both a [[Snider-Enfield Rifle|Snider Enfield Mk.II* Short Rifle]] and what looks like a hammerless [[12 Gauge Double Barreled Shotgun]] with a box lock action. The gauge or bore (as the British would call it) of the shotgun is just a guess, but dosen't appear to be as big as a 10 Gauge. In one of the screencaps it looks as if Samuel is wearing a bandolier of shotgun shells. The shells look to be red in color and could be made of paper which would be consistent with the late nineteenth century. Initally it would seem insane to go after a lion with a shotgun but many hunters over the decades have used shotguns against lions and other big cats with great success.It also makes sense that Samuel would own both a rifle and a shotgun. The two weapons would give him greater flexibilty for different game and situations. | It appears that Samuel ([[John Kani]]) owns both a [[Snider-Enfield Rifle|Snider Enfield Mk.II* Short Rifle]] and what looks like a hammerless [[12 Gauge Double Barreled Shotgun]] with a box lock action. The gauge or bore (as the British would call it) of the shotgun is just a guess, but dosen't appear to be as big as a 10 Gauge. In one of the screencaps it looks as if Samuel is wearing a bandolier of shotgun shells. The shells look to be red in color and could be made of paper which would be consistent with the late nineteenth century. Initally it would seem insane to go after a lion with a shotgun but many hunters over the decades have used shotguns against lions and other big cats with great success.It also makes sense that Samuel would own both a rifle and a shotgun. The two weapons would give him greater flexibilty for different game and situations. | ||
| − | [[Image:Gd14.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd14.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd15.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd15.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd24.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd24.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] |
| − | [[Image:Gd58.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:Gd58.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] |
== Ghost and Darkness Trio == | == Ghost and Darkness Trio == | ||
Revision as of 02:37, 19 October 2009
Based on a true story. The movie takes place in 1898 in Kenya along the Savo River. Two lions are killing railroad workers and Col. Patterson (Val Kilmer) has to hunt them down and kill them. He is assisted by the professional hunter Remington (Michael Douglas). Though the movie plays fast and loose with the actual details of the hunt it is an exciting adventure movie with a well written script by William Goldman ( Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid , Marathon Man ) It is also notable for featuring multiple British firearms, some of which almost never appear in American productions such as the BSA Lee-Speed Sporter rifle used by Patterson (Val Kilmer) and a Farquharson Rifle. The movie was filmed in South Africa in 1995.
The following guns can be seen in The Ghost and the Darkness:
Birmingham Small Arms Lee-Speed Sporter
Used by Patterson (Val Kilmer) throughout much of the movie. It appears to have a 26" barrel and is probably chambered for .303 British though the BSA Lee-Speed Sporter rifle was available in different calibers. The Lee-Speed was popular with British officers and other hunters who wanted a fine rifle but couldn't afford the expensive double barrel rifles made by Purdy and others. The Lee-Speeds were also popular because they fired the British service round and had the same action as the Lee-Enfield bolt action rifle. In the primitve conditons of Africa in the late 19th and early 20th century the Britsh Army was often a source of supply for hunters and colonists. Which would have included spare parts and ammo. Not many Cabelas sitting around on the grasslands of Tanzania.
Farquharson rifle
Used by Doctor Hawthorne (Bernard Hill) and Patterson (Val Kilmer). Another popular design in the late 19th century with British shooters. The Farquharson Rifle design is still in use. Most notably the Ruger No. 1 single shot rifle.
Holland & Holland Double Rifle
Though it is unknown which company (or gunsmith) manufactured the double barreled rifle used by Remington (Michael Douglas) and later Patterson (Val Kilmer) it appears to be a hammerless model. Given the time it is probably supposed to be a Westley - Richards, Purdy, Rigby or Holland & Holland Double Rifle. It would likely be in 450 3.25" Nitro Express or 500/450 3.25" Nitro Express since those were the premire Nitro calibers at the end of the 19th century. For the sake of convenience I'm electing to classify it as a Holland & Holland. If anyone has more information please contribute.
Martini-Henry rifle
Used by different charcters in the movie. Most notabley by Angus Starling (Brian McCardie) when the two lions invade the camp in the daytime and kill Angus. Historically accurate. By 1898 the British Army was using the Lee - Enfield bolt action rifle in .303 British. The Martini-Henry Mk. III was a black powder rifle and was classified as obsolete. It was available on the surplus gun market and it would have been cheap and plentiful. It fired a powerful round (.577/.450 Martini-Henry) and was considered effective against lions and other dangerous game.
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Snider Enfield Mk.II* Artillery Carbine
Snider Enfield Mk.II* Enfield Artillery Carbine is used by Samuel (John Kani) during the first hunt for the lions involving Remington (Michael Douglas) in the thicket. It's a nice touch and showed that somebody was thinking. In 1898 the Snider rifles were surplus and would probably have been readily available in Colonial Africa. Samuel is a native and though trusted by the Europeans would not have been a wealthy man. A surplus Snider rifle would have met his needs and been affordable for him. The fact that the rare Artillery Carbine was used also shows a good eye for detail. Easier to carry and manuever with than the full length infantry rifle version.
Howdah Pistol
A very powerful double barrel handgun developed by the British hunters in India for close range, last ditch, defense against Tigers and other dangerous game. Though it appears that a Lancaster Howdah is used in the movie other makers produced Howdah style handguns.Howdah was the basket that hunters rode in on top of elephants in India. Tigers were known to climb up the Elephant to reach the hunters in the Howdah. At such close range a long barreled rifle was less than effective.The "Howdah" pistol was perfect. They typically had two or four barrel designs. They were massive, powerful and delievered a hell of a wallop at both ends. However it was believed that in a life and death situation heavy recoil would not be noticed.Howdahs are now very collectible. Used by both Patterson (Val Kilmer) and Remington (Michael Douglas). In a nice bit of technical realism the Howdah is used as a last ditch defense weapon in the movie. The image below is not the same gun seen in the movie.There are rumors that the Howdah pistol carried by Remington (Michael Douglas) was actually fabricated by the armorer so that Remington would have a very distinctive pistol. At this time the rumors can't be verified or repudiated.
12 Gauge Double Barreled Shotgun
It appears that Samuel (John Kani) owns both a Snider Enfield Mk.II* Short Rifle and what looks like a hammerless 12 Gauge Double Barreled Shotgun with a box lock action. The gauge or bore (as the British would call it) of the shotgun is just a guess, but dosen't appear to be as big as a 10 Gauge. In one of the screencaps it looks as if Samuel is wearing a bandolier of shotgun shells. The shells look to be red in color and could be made of paper which would be consistent with the late nineteenth century. Initally it would seem insane to go after a lion with a shotgun but many hunters over the decades have used shotguns against lions and other big cats with great success.It also makes sense that Samuel would own both a rifle and a shotgun. The two weapons would give him greater flexibilty for different game and situations.
Ghost and Darkness Trio
Examples of the three main rifles used in the movie. From top to bottom. A BSA Lee-Speed Sporter, Farqueson falling block single shot rifle and a Holland & Holland double barrel rifle. Just a neat photo from the Nitroexpress.com forum.
