Chasing the Deer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chasing the Deer |
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Chasing the Deer theatrical poster
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| Directed by | Graham Holloway |
| Produced by | Bob Carruthers |
| Written by | Bob Carruthers Steve Gillham |
| Starring | Brian Blessed Lewis Rae Iain Cuthbertson Matthew Zajac Fish |
| Music by | Runrig, Fish, John Wetton. |
| Cinematography | Alan M. Trow |
| Editing by | Patrick Moore |
| Studio | Cromwell Productions & Lamancha Productions |
| Release date(s) | 16 December 1994 |
| Running time | 97 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Chasing the Deer is a 1994 British war film that was later re-titled Culloden 1746. It was directed by Graham Holloway. The movie stars actors like Brian Blessed, Lewis Rae, Iain Cuthbertson, Fish, and Mathew Zajac.
The film tells the story of the Jacobite Rebellion in 1745. This was a time when Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in Scotland. He was trying to claim the British throne for his family.
The original title, "Chasing the Deer," is a metaphor. It compares the Jacobites to deer being hunted. This phrase also appears in a famous Scottish poem by Robert Burns, called My Heart's in the Highlands.
What the Movie is About: The Plot
The story begins just before the Jacobite uprising of 1745. A young Highlander named Euan (played by Lewis Rae) and his father, Alistair, are forced to join the Jacobite army. They must fight for Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Euan's group of warriors is captured by troops loyal to the House of Hanover. These were the British government forces. Euan is then made to join the army of the Duke of Cumberland as a drummer. This means father and son end up fighting on opposite sides.
Major Elliot (played by Brian Blessed) is an officer in the Hanoverian army. He has lost his own son, so he feels protective of Euan. Sadly, Euan is killed during the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Alistair, his father, rushes to help him. Major Elliot sees a Jacobite soldier (Alistair) near Euan's body and, thinking he is an enemy, sadly kills Alistair too.
How the Film Was Made
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Chasing the Deer had a small budget. To get money for the film, the makers used crowdfunding. This meant they asked individuals to invest £1000 each. In return, the 374 investors were allowed to appear in the film as extras.
For the big battle scenes, especially the Battle of Culloden, the filmmakers worked with a Scottish battle reenactment group. This group, called the Scottish Clan Battle Society, helped make the historical fights look real. They also worked on other Scottish historical films like Highlander (1985) and Braveheart (1995).
The movie was filmed in many real locations across Scotland. These included Culloden, Fort George, Kingussie, Ruthven Barracks, and the Cairngorm mountains. Some indoor scenes were filmed in England at Hagley Hall. Battle scenes were also shot at Wychbury Hill nearby.
Music in the Film
The music for the film was created by English rock musician John Wetton. The soundtrack also features music from the Scottish celtic rock band Runrig. The former lead singer of the band Marillion, Fish, also contributed music. The film includes the song "Battle Lines" by John Wetton.
Main Actors
- Brian Blessed as Major Elliot
- Iain Cuthbertson as Tullibardine
- Matthew Zajac (as Mathew Zajac) as Alistair Campbell
- Fish as Angus Cameron
- Brian Donald as Old Campbell
- Sandy Welch as Old Cameron
- Peter Gordon as McKinnon
- Carolyn Konrad as Morag
- Lynn Ferguson as Shonagh
- Lewis Rae as Euan
- Simon Kirk as Sgt. Kirk
- Andy McCullogh as Sgt. Monroe
- Callum McDougal as a Crofter
- Steven Cooper as a Crofter
- Michael Leighton as O'Sullivan
- Dominique Carrara as Charles Edward Stuart
- Robert McIntosh as McDonald of Sleat
- Jacqueline Pirie as Mary
- Jock Ferguson as Lord George Murray (general)
