Western Front Association - U.S. Branch - Movie Review of the Lighthorsemen

LIGHTHORSEMEN. (1987) Available on VHS and DVD (1994) for about $30 at Amazon.com. Produced by Warner Home Video. The reviewers are Steve Leavenworth, rating the film

, and Jim Minnoch, rating it

. They can be reached at jemcam@comcast.net. ASIN: B00000F407.

This is an excellent action war movie. It concerns the use of Australian Lighthorsemen, which is a mounted infantry unit, as opposed to regular cavalry, in action against the German-supervised Turkish Army. In particular, the strategic assault on Gaza and, for these troopers, a feint against Beersheba which, in reality, was the main attack against Beersheba.

Theatre Poster

Once the viewer begins to comprehend the lingo of the Aussies, a genuine thundering war story begins to take shape. There are lots of fighting-type Arabs attacking in small groups and then the all-out Lighthorsemen attack on Beersheba with an old fashion, and presumably last, horse charge against the Turks. And, indeed, what a charge it is. The horsemen and horses have been out of water in the torrid desert for a critical time so the attack has to be successful or all the Australians will perish. The Turks are dug in, have cannons, and have planted mines some 3,000 yards out in the desert. There is plenty of violence, but it befits the story. Also, the Turks have planted charges to destroy the wells if they are overcome. The exciting charge is reminiscent of Errol Flynn in The Charge of the Light Brigade. Probably the best horse show on film for the entire war, and not to be missed. We recommend this movie.

Created: 20 March 2004