Chamberlain's Charge on Little Round Top - 'Gettysburg' (1993)

Reel History delves into historical films to separate fact from fiction. These engaging episodes explore, contextualize, and clarify stories related to the most famous historical movies. In contrast to the more prevalent "reaction" videos, these installments seek not only to entertain but to educate and inform. For host Jared Frederick and producer Andrew Collins, these episodes are a labor of love and a means of expressing passion for the past as well as cinema. Courteous viewer feedback is always welcome. The views expressed are our own and do not necessarily represent our employers or organizations with which we are involved.

[alexius]

Chamberlain became a brigadier. He was terribly wounded in Grant’s campaign against Lee. He was promoted to Major General as no one expected him to live. Yet, he did return to active duty. At Appomattox he was placed in charge of the Confederate surrender. He had his men to stand to attention as the Confederate troops passed to stack their arms.
He went home to serve two terms as Governor of Maine. He then returned to lead Bowden College. He had many operations but he suffered for the rest of his life. He did attend the 50th Anniversary of Gettysburg.

[James-zgnl]

I am not even American & this scene gives me chills every time. This is without a doubt one of the greatest chapters in US history. The North was profoundly lucky to have an officer of Chamberlain’s calibre.

[richardmardis]

Once- while on Little Round Top-
I looked around to make sure no one was looking, this Topsham, Maine boy- made the charge👍

[Mainehunter]

Born, raised and lived in Maine my entire life. When I was in the Maine National Guard I had more than one First Sergeant who would make you write an essay if you were a new soldier who didn’t know who Joshua Chamberlain was.

[gregmichael]

Stepping away from the military tactics etc for a moment, I just want to comment on Jeff Daniels' acting. I've watched Gettysburg several times, and I then think of him in Dumb & Dumber, and just can't believe it's the same actor. What a talent!

[Foolrain]

“A college professor from Maine who on a little hill in Pennsylvania ordered an unlikely textbook maneuver that saved the Union Army and quite possibly the Union itself…”

[josephosheavideos]

My favorite scene in the movie comes just after this when Col. Chamberlain's victorious Federals are leading the Confederate prisoners back to Union lines. One of the Northern soldiers whispers to the colonel, "I'm moving these Rebs along with an empty rifle." Chamberlain smiles and replies, "Shh, don't let them hear you say that."

[HabitualButtonPusher]

I stood on that ground on a foggy early morning. Having been a soldier myself I had a relationship similar to these men that had to embrace the suck and deal with what they were given. I found the place uncomfortable knowing what had happened there, kept feeling like I was being watched but no one was there but me. Compared to the other monuments the 20th Maine is simple, straightforward and solid like the men that fought there. Rest in peace

[thisisajang]

I'm amazed at how Chamberlain still can run carrying those big brass balls of steel.
The man was an amazing commander. I just read an article about him on Wikipedia and can't help but amazed by his heroism.

[jeepliving]

After seeing this film in a large cinema in Cambridge, MA; and then reading several books about Chamberlain; I was inspired to give my son the middle name, Chamberlain. Scholar, warrior and humanitarian.

[joedyer]

My great great grandfather was a member of the 15th Alabama inf. He was wounded in this charge and he was cared for be the men of the 20 Maine saved his life. If not for those Maine scrappers I wouldn't exist.

[owenjinxy]

I almost cry with pride and humility...he held the line..else the union would have been flanked. Because of this the union held. He is a national treasure in your country.

[donb]

Joshua Chamberlain is my favorite officer in U. S. military history. Hail to the 20th Maine.

[sangkim]

If youve ever spent some time in the military you will appreciate this scene even more, for the importance of leadership

[saltyseacaptain]

I don't remember how many "greats" he was, but Chamberlain is my uncle, married into my family on my grandmother's side, my grandfather was a huge family history buff and he would always talk about how amazing Chamberlain was and how lucky I was to be related to him. After going to Gettysburg and then watching the movie and learning the history, yeah he was totally right. If only I had been more interested while my grandpa was still around

[GregoryPhillips-cp]

I'm from Alabama and had ancestors that opposed Col. Chamberlain at Gettysburg. Still I can't help but admiring the man! He was truly a Golden Knight from another age.

[NDTexan]

I don't care what anyone says, this is still the best performance ever put in by Jeff Daniels in anything. Bar none. When he screams out the bayonets command, absolute chills

[lowellwhite]

A few of my friends were there for this shoot. I was an extra in some of the Pickett’s Charge scenes shot in August, 1992. This was filmed in September, almost 30 years ago. No CGI here.

[Thor_Odinson]

What makes this charge even more impressive was that they formed up for the charge and pivoted like a door on a difficult feat under the best of circumstance and those were NOT the best of circumstances. An outstanding feat of leadership and bravery

[charlesdalmas]

That Daniels wasn't nominated for an Academy Award was criminal. Just for this scene he deserved it.