Braveheart

This has only incited more calls for the statue to be removed as it now appears that the Gibson/Wallace figure is imprisoned; an irony, considering that the statue bears the word "Freedom" on the plinth. Miniver that same year, she would have been eligible to be nominated for this film. After repairs were made, the statue was encased in a cage at night to prevent further vandalism. Had Greer Garson not been nominated for Best Actress in Mrs. In 1998 the statue was vandalised by someone who smashed the face in with a hammer. Rainier as well. The statue, which includes the word "Braveheart" on Wallace's shield, was the cause of much controversy and one local resident stated that it was wrong to "desecrate the main memorial to Wallace with a lump of crap". Of course it could not have been filmed that way, since the actress playing Paula would have to be seen as Mrs.

In 1997 a statue of Gibson as "William Wallace" was placed in the car-park of the Wallace Monument near Stirling, Scotland. Rainier" and "Paula" are the same woman until the very last page of the book. For a historical treatment of events see the William Wallace entry. The major difference between the two versions is that the reader does not realize that "Mrs. Some noted critiques include:. Rainier goes to him, a few words are spoken and readers realize Mrs. Rainier and Paula are the same woman. Modifications to the sequence of events create dramatic juxtapositions, allowing different lines in the story to appear to occur simultaneously. Mrs.

The anachronistic kilts and blue makeup worn by the Scots make the rebels more visually distinctive, the incomplete armor and missing helmets allow viewers to recognize the actors, and changes to characters and names make the story easier to follow. Mrs. Rainier and Harrison find Charles up on a hillside. Some of the "inaccuracies" in Braveheart may be motivated by artistic reasons. They wind up in Beachings Over and spot Charles' car. However, due to the intense level of detail in costuming, makeup and special effects, audiences may incorrectly assume that the production is intended to be historically accurate. She asks Harrision to take her for a drive, to get away from the news of impending war. Braveheart is a work of fiction which draws inspiration from real historical events. He outlines what has taken place.

. Rainier. Nominated:. Charles goes off to search and Harrison returns to the Rainier home, where he encounters Mrs. The film won numerous awards including the 1995 Academy Award for:. Of Paula, there is no trace. Mel Gibson played Wallace and also directed the film. Harrision helps him, finding out that the parson died in Liverpool shortly after Smith disappeared.

Braveheart is an American motion picture released in 1995 that was very loosely based on the life of William Wallace, a major Scottish hero. Charles is now a member of Parliament, but becomes more interested in piecing together his lost years than anything. This changed after the unexpected death of Alexander III in 1288 and when Edward I who was asked to resolve the dispute to the Scottish crown used it to revive English claims of overlordship. Harrision picks up the thread again, as Charles fills him in on the details of the missing years. Ironically the 13th century was one of the few centuries when Anglo-Scottish relations were relatively peaceful. Smith arrives in Liverpool, but slips whilst crossing the street in the rain. In his speech before the battle of Stirling Bridge, Mel Gibson's Wallace alludes to a 100 years of tyranny. Impressed, the editor asks Smith to come and talk with him.

Wallace was hunted down when the Scots were forced to surrender in 1305. The parson knows the editor of a newspaper in Liverpool, and has sent some of Smith's writings to him. The Scottish war effort collapsed a few years later because of the defeat of their French allies by the Flemish at Coutrai in 1304. Smith and Paula marry and Smith starts to help the parson in his work. He did eventually switch sides but that was a few years later and as a result of a dispute with the Comyns (not depicted in the film) who supported the Balliol claim to the throne. When they read in the newspaper about his fight and that the authorities are looking for him, Paula and Smithy move to London, where they are befriended by a kindly parson. Bruce did not betray Wallace at Falkirk. They decide to stay in the small village.

There is no historical record of this though Bruce himself contracted a disease before his death that has sometimes been alleged to be leprosy. Paula tracks him down. The movie depicts Robert the Bruce's father (who also had the same) name as a leper. Panicked by that and his fear of performing on stage, Smith leaves the troupe and travels to a small village named Beachings Over. The reality of William Wallace's capture and execution was far worse than shown in the film. Rushing to the theater one night he gets into a fight with a man in the street. Braveheart suggests Wallace supported the Bruce claim to the Scottish throne; however, Wallace supported the Balliol claim while Bruce was convinced of his father's rightful succession. Smith even does some performing.

The then-future King Robert the Bruce is described as "Earl of Bruce", but actually, his title before becoming king was Earl of Carrick. Paula and Smithy become close during this period. The argument escalated into a fight, resulting in Wallace killing the soldiers. She arranges a job with the travelling troup of actors. Wallace's long-standing hatred for the English may not have been because of his wife's death, according to one legend it was because two English soldiers challenged Wallace over some fish he had caught. A week or so later he goes to a vaudeville show, and is spotted in the audience by Paula, who is performing. She was indeed supposedly killed by the English sheriff of Lanark in May 1297, although it appears this was a reprisal by the English since Wallace was already revolting against them. Paula sends him away in time to the country.

Wallace is reputed to have had a wife named Marian Braidfoot (apparently her name was changed to Murron in the film so audiences would not confuse her with Maid Marian from the Robin Hood stories). Eventually the hospital finds out he is at the Owl. There is some controversy about the jus prima noctis (also known as the droit de seigneur), the supposed right of a Lord to deflower virgins in his territory, but it certainly did not exist in either England or Scotland during this period. He recovers and takes on odd jobs at the hotel, under the watchful eye of the owner, Biff, who Paula has convinced to protect Smithy from being returned to the hospital. A sword which is claimed to have belonged to Wallace (although this is disputed) exists in Scotland, it is significantly simpler. He becomes ill and she administers to him. The sword carried by Gibson is a 16th century Scottish claymore. Feeling poorly, "Smith" is helped by Paula to the Owl hotel, where she is staying.

In fact, Bruce had already been fighting a guerrilla campaign against the English for 8 years. The shopkeeper recognises he is from the asylum and goes to report him, but another shopper -- a young woman -- rescues him and they leave the shop. Near the end, the film implies that Bannockburn was a spontaneous battle. He goes into Melbury, and enters a tobacconist's shop. The film implies that Wallace's rebellion took place against a background of a fairly lengthy English occupation of Scotland. Actually they had only invaded Scotland the year before (1296) and the mass hanging of Scottish nobles which Wallace witnessed as a boy never happened. So he walks away from the hospital while the gatekeepers are celebrating. They did not take kindly to such intentions, even if they did not actually switch sides. The war has ended.

Edward I intended to use them as the first wave of attack and ssentially as schiltron fodder. He is walking in the foggy grounds of the hospital when sirens and church bells start to go off. The Celtic soldiers who did display some rebellious tendencies were the Welsh, who had been conquered about a decade earlier. The book now picks up Charle's life in the hospital, where he is suffering from memory loss. The Irish forces were hired mercenaries who, from all accounts, fought well for Edward I. He and Harrison drive there, where he finds the asylum he was in during the final days of World War I. The film shows Irish conscripts switching sides and joining Wallace's forces at the Battle of Falkirk. He starts to remember things, including being in a hospital in Melbury.

This implies his first wife Eleanor of Castile was his only spouse. On a lark they go see an old-fashioned vaudeville show, and something about it sparks a vague memory in Charles. Edward I's second wife, Margaret, whom he married in 1299 is absent from the film, although the span of history covered in the production includes this year. Harrison takes over as narrator again, and relates Charles' tale of throwing himself into work even more after Kitty left. (Kitty marries in Egypt, where she dies shortly thereafter.) War is on the horizon, and Harrison and Rainier spend time together going to music halls and working. Curiously, the fight shown in the film is more like the Battle of Bannockburn 17 years later, with English cavalry charging Scottish schiltrons and being repulsed. But before their wedding, Charles gets a note from Kitty breaking off the engagement, and telling him she is going abroad. (It is rumoured that Gibson told a Scottish local the bridge was removed as it got in the way, and the local replied "that's what the English found" [1] (http://www.fanaticus.org/DBA/battles/stirlingbraveheart.html).) The film also makes no mention of Andrew de Moray, Wallace's companion-in-arms and a major contributor at this battle. He and Kitty become engaged.

The actual conflict was more of an ambush of the English as they attempted to cross a river. He has saved the family fortune, but at the price of his own dreams. The Battle of Stirling Bridge, the first skirmish in the film, was filmed without a bridge. Kitty grows up, and Charles never gets back to college. Although most historians agree that Edward was a homosexual, many complained that the film presented demeaning stereotypes toward Edward. Years pass. Gibson was critiqued for his portrayal of Isabella's future husband, Edward II of England. He takes a leave from college and throws himself into work.

(Note this idea may derive from the play The Wallace by Sydney Goodsir Smith.). Under the poor leadership of Charles' older brother Chet, Rainier shares dwindle in worth until Charles has to take control of the company to save it from bankruptcy. Historically, the real Isabella was only a child still living in France at this time, and furthermore, was never a Princess of Wales. Then he goes off to Cambridge to enjoy a life as a scholar, living off his meager dividends. The film implies she is pregnant at the time of Wallace's execution, possibly carrying the future Edward III of England. Charles, wanting nothing to do with the family business, convinces his lawyer to sell his shares in the company and invest them in government securities. Braveheart's plot includes an affair between William Wallace and the character Princess Isabelle, based upon Isabella of France. Some do it willingly.

David Gant - Chief Justice/Executioner. Prompted by the family lawyer, each of the Rainier heirs agrees to give up a portion of their inheritence to Charles, so he may have an equal share. Martin Dunne - Lord Dolecroft. Shortly afterwards, Charles receives word that his father has died and returns home. The family gathers to pay their last respects, and included is 14-year old Kitty, step-daughter of Charles' elder sister Jill. Martin Dempsey - Drinker No 1. Rainier so he can change his will back and include Charles, who had been assumed dead. Peter Hanly - Prince Edward. Told by the doctor that the shock of his return could be fatal to his father, Charles decides to leave his home to lessen the risk to his father, despite the fact that the family lawyer insists on telling the senior Mr.

John Kavanagh - Craig. Charles' tale is told in the third person, and relates his return to Staunton, where he learns his father is gravely ill. Jimmy Keogh - Drinker No 2. One night Charles and Harrison are up late and Charles relates his story from the time he woke up in Liverpool in 1919, having lost two years of his life. Angus MacFadyen - Robert the Bruce. Rainier ("Helen" in the novel) reside at Stourton, their country manor, where she is the perfect hostess, and a young man named Woburn has been hired to catalogue the family library. Mal Whyte - Jailor. Charles and Mrs.

Brian Cox - Argyle Wallace. Harrison. David McKay - Young Soldier. The book is prefaced with this quote: "According to a British Official report, bombs fell at Random." The novel starts in 1937, and is narrated by Charles Rainier's secretary, Mr. James Cosmo - Campbell. There is much more detail about the "lost years," and there is a major character that does not appear in the movie (Charles' young assistant). Malcolm Tierney - Magistrate. It opens with Charles, years after his memory has been restored.

Sandy Nelson - John Wallace. Charles Rainier's time. Sean Lawlor - Malcolm Wallace. & Mrs. Jeanne Marine - Nicolette. While the film is shot in a linear timeline, the novel bounces back and forth between Smithy and Paula's time and Mrs. Gerard McSorley - Cheltham. He turns, memories flooding back; he cries out "Paula!" and the film ends as they embrace.

John Murtagh - Lochlan. She calls "Smithy!". Robert Paterson - Priest No 2. Hoping it was Charles, she goes to the cottage and sees him outside. Alan Tall - Elder Stewart. She is told someone else had just that morning asked about the same woman. Rupert Vansittart - Lord Bottoms. Margaret, about to leave for the boat train, makes an off-the-cuff remark to someone about the previous inn-keeper, whom she knew when she and Smithy stayed in the inn.

Donal Gibson - Stewart. His returning memory leads him to the shop where he and Paula first met, and eventually to the house he and Paula shared in the country. James Robinson - Young William. He succeeds and afterwards he begins to recall certain places and events from his missing years -- it turns out that the town he is in is the same one he was hospitalized in. Julie Austin - Mrs Morrison. While Margaret is remembering happier times with Smithy, Charles has to act as mediator in a strike at the Melbridge Cable Works. Tommy Flanagan - Morrison. With time to spare before her liner sails, she visits the hamlet she and Smithy lived in one more time.

Barry McGovern - King's Advisor No 2. Mentally exhausted by the stress of hoping Smithy will come back to her, Margaret decides to take an extended vacation abroad by herself. Peter Mullan - Veteran. Charles hopes their life together can fill the void they both feel. Martin Murphy - Lord Talmadge. She recounts her own past love, whom she has lost. Alex Norton - Bride's Father. They sometimes discuss his lost years, since it is obvious that he still feels an emptiness inside.

Niall O'Brien - English General No 2. She is the perfect wife and society hostess. David O'Hara - Stephen. Charles and Margaret become an ideal couple. Ralph Riach - Priest No 1. She accepts, still hoping to jar his memory of "Smithy". Joe Savino - Chief Assassin. He proposes to Margaret, more as a business proposition than a romantic one.

Tam White - MacGregor. After his triumphant election, in which Margaret assisted him, he feels the need for a wife in his new role. Sean McGinley - MacClannough. Charles is then approached to stand for Parliament. Phil Kelly - Farmer. But the quest fails and Charles abandons hope he will ever regain those years. Bernard Horsfall - Balliol. When she hears Charles is in Liverpool, trying to piece together his lost years, Margaret goes to join him.

Liam Carney - Sean. She breaks off the engagement and goes away. Michael Byrne - Smythe. While settling on details for their marriage, a hymm that he and Kitty are picking out triggers a vague memory and Kitty realizes that Charles still has an uneasiness towards their union. Alun Armstrong - Mornay. She still had hopes he would remember their love and life together. Ian Bannen - Robert the Bruce's leprous father. Paula, now known as "Margaret," ("Paula" having been her stage name), has her marriage dissolved so Charles can marry Kitty without any furture legal problems.

Brendan Gleeson - Hamish. Years pass and Charles and Kitty become engaged. Catherine McCormack - Murron. But he doesn't. Patrick McGoohan - King Edward I. She manages to obtain a position as his assistant, hoping he will recognize her. Sophie Marceau - Princess Isabelle. One day she sees a photo of Smithy in a newspaper, touting his accomplishments as Charles Rainier, the "Industrial Prince of England".

Mel Gibson - William Wallace. Losing her son in infancy, Paula returns to the business world as a secretary. Costume Design. During those years, Paula has conducted an unsuccessful search for Smithy. Film Editing. As the years pass she becomes infatuated with her "uncle.". Makeup. One of those who welcome him home is Kitty, step-daughter of one of Charles' siblings.

Best Cinematography. He toys with the idea of returning to university to resume his studies which were interrupted by the war, but doesn't make it back. Direction, Mel Gibson. Charles yearns for a life of scholarship, but the family's business needs him and he puts off his own desires to rescue the family fortune. Best Picture. His siblings are amazed, and some not all that pleased, since he inherits a goodly portion of his late father's estate. He returns home to learn of his father's death, and takes his place in the household again.

"Smith" is in fact Charles Rainier, son of a wealthy businessman. He now remembers who he was, but has no recollection of Paula and the idyllic life he shared with her. To him, he is still in France and the war is still raging. He awakens in a chemists shop, and is astonished to learn that he has lost three years of his life.

In Liverpool "Smithy" is struck by a taxi while crossing the street. Smith gets an offer from a newspaper in Liverpool to come for an interview and he leaves his wife, Paula (pregnant at the time) for the day trip into the city. He discovers a literary talent and takes to writing stories for a living and they share a blissful existence together. After an incident that could result in his being returned to the hospital, Paula takes Smith away to a secluded country village where they marry and set up house.

After she discovers he has left the hospital, but is perfectly fine except for his memory loss, she realizes he will never get well surrounded by impersonal surroundings at "the asylum." She arranges for him to join her travelling theatrical group. In town he is befriended by Paula, a kindly showgirl, who takes him under her wing. Out for an evening walk in the foggy grounds, Smith simply wanders off. When the war ends, jubiliation reigns in Melbridge, the town near the hospital, and the gatekeepers abandon their posts to celebrate.

He has lost his memory, and is bitterly disappointed when a couple looking for their missing son says he is not theirs. "John Smith" is a solider who was gassed and shellshocked in the trenches and is at an English hospital.
The film opens during the closing days of World War I. The film was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Ronald Colman), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Susan Peters), Best Art Direction-Interior Decoration, Black-and-White, Best Director, Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay.

(See plot outline below.). The movie departs from the book's narrative in one very important way, but it could not have been filmed as written. The novel was first published in 1941 and has rarely been out of print since. The movie was directed by Marvyn LeRoy and adapted by Claudine West, George Froeschel and Arthur Wimperis from the novel by James Hilton.

It stars Ronald Colman, Greer Garson, Philip Dorn, Susan Peters, Henry Travers and Reginald Owen. He begins a new life, then suddenly regains his memory and tries to pick up his old life, having no recollection of his "new" life. Random Harvest is a 1942 film in which a man loses his memory after being traumatized by his experiences in World War I.