Bonnie Prince Charlie (1948 film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bonnie Prince Charlie |
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| Directed by | Anthony Kimmins uncredited Alexander Korda Leslie Arliss Robert Stevenson |
| Produced by | Edward Black Alexander Korda Herbert Mason (uncredited) |
| Written by | Clemence Dane |
| Starring | David Niven Margaret Leighton Judy Campbell Jack Hawkins |
| Music by | Ian Whyte |
| Cinematography | Robert Krasker |
| Editing by | Grace Garland |
| Studio | London Films |
| Distributed by | British Lion Films |
| Release date(s) | 26 October 1948 (United Kingdom, London) 6 January 1952 (US) |
| Running time | 140 minutes (original cut) 118 mins |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Budget | £760,000 |
| Money made | £175,311 (UK) or £94,327 |
Bonnie Prince Charlie is a 1948 British historical film. It was directed by Anthony Kimmins for London Films. The movie tells the story of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. This was a time when people tried to put Bonnie Prince Charlie on the throne. The film was made using Technicolor, which gave it bright colors. It stars famous actors like David Niven, Jack Hawkins, and Margaret Leighton.
Contents
The Story of the Film
The film begins in 1745. A young woman named Flora MacDonald plays a Jacobite song. Her stepfather tells her off because the song supports a rebellion. Meanwhile, in Italy, James, also known as the "Old Pretender," wants to become King of Great Britain and Ireland. He is too old, so he sends his son, Charles Edward, the "Young Pretender." Charles wants to take the throne from King George II.
Charles arrives in Scotland by ship. He asks a shepherd named Donald to gather the Scottish nobles. King George II hears about the plan but is not worried. Charles tries to convince the nobles to fight for him. Most agree, but Lord MacDonald is worried because France has not sent help. Many Scottish clans join Charles, including Lord George Murray. They promise to be loyal to James, and the rebellion begins.
Charles and his men march into Edinburgh in triumph. A woman named Clementina Walkinshaw throws him a rose. They meet at a dance and start a romance. General Cope arrives with government troops. Lord Murray does not want to tell Charles, but the prince finds out. Charles decides to attack. The Jacobite forces quickly win the Battle of Prestonpans.
Charles and his army then move into England. King George II starts to panic. He sends his son, the Duke of Cumberland, to fight Charles. At Derby, which is close to London, Lord Murray and the army leaders suggest they retreat. They have not received the extra support they hoped for. Charles does not want to retreat, but the army turns back. Charles is sad and talks to Clementina. She wants him to go to France with her, but he chooses to stay with his men.
The Duke of Cumberland defeats Charles's Highlanders at the Battle of Culloden. However, he cannot find Charles. Charles escapes to the islands with Donald. Flora MacDonald hides him. She helps him avoid the government troops. She even takes him to Skye disguised as a woman servant. Flora keeps Charles's spirits up. Finally, he reaches a boat that takes him back to Italy.
Meet the Cast
- David Niven as Bonnie Prince Charlie
- Margaret Leighton as Flora MacDonald
- Morland Graham as Donald MacDonald
- John Laurie as Blind Jimmie
- Jack Hawkins as Lord George Murray
- Judy Campbell as Clementina Walkinshaw
- Ronald Adam as Macleod
- Charles Goldner as Captain Ferguson
- Elwyn Brook-Jones as Duke of Cumberland
- Finlay Currie as Marquis of Tullibardine
- Herbert Lomas as Kinloch Moidart
- Hector Ross as Glenalandale
- John Longden as Colonel O'Sullivan
- Franklin Dyall as Macdonald
- Guy Le Feuvre as Cameron of Lochiel
- Stuart Lindsell as MacDonald of Armadale
- James Hayter as Kingsburgh
- Martin Miller as King George II
- G. H. Mulcaster as The Duke of Newcastle
- Torin Thatcher as Colonel Kor
- Hugh Kelly as Lieutenant Ingleby
- Henry Oscar as The Old Pretender
Making the Movie
How the Film Was Planned
In 1936, actor Leslie Howard first wanted to make a film about Bonnie Prince Charlie. He planned to make it after World War II. Sadly, Howard died during the war. After the war, Alexander Korda took over the project. At first, Michael Powell was going to direct. Then, Leslie Arliss was named director, and Ted Black would produce.
David Niven became the top choice to play Bonnie Prince Charlie. He was excited to make the film. It gave him a chance to return to England. Niven even did a screen test in costume to get the role. His movie studio, Samuel Goldwyn, loaned him out for the film. Niven played the role without his usual mustache.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed in Scotland and at Shepperton Studios in London. Some early scenes were shot in August 1946 near Fort William. Doubles were used for the main actors because David Niven was not available yet. The budget was about £500,000 at that time. Soldiers from the British Army helped as extras in the film.
In March 1947, Robert Stevenson was announced as the director. David Niven arrived in London in July 1947. Deborah Kerr was Korda's first choice for Flora MacDonald. But she was busy with other films. So, stage actor Margaret Leighton got the part instead.
Challenges During Filming
Filming finally started in August 1947. The script was written by Clemence Dane. It was planned to be in two parts. The first part was about the 1745 rebellion. The second part was about Charlie escaping.
Filming took more than nine months. Director Stevenson left the project. Anthony Kimmins took over. Kimmins also left, and Korda himself had to direct some parts. In November 1947, producer Ted Black also left the film.
Actor Will Fyffe became ill during filming. His scenes had to be re-shot with Morland Graham. This cost a lot of money. Fyffe sadly passed away later.
David Niven later said that making the film was very difficult. He remembered that the script was never finished. Writers were only a few days ahead of the actors. There were three different directors during the filming. Niven felt sorry for himself as the "Bonnie Prince" because he thought he would get the blame if the movie failed.
However, Niven did meet his second wife while working on the film. The movie cost about £760,000, which was a very large amount for a British film at that time.
Watching at Home
The film was released on DVD on March 14, 2011.
A Film About Making the Film?
In 2013, there were plans for a new movie called Born To Be King. This film would be about the making of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Ewan McGregor and Kate Hudson were set to star. Peter Capaldi was going to write and direct it. As of 2023, this film has not been made.
