Sharpe's Rifles (1993)

In the Peninsular War, a British sergeant is field promoted to a lieutenant in charge of a disrespectful rifle company.

Director:

Tom Clegg

Writers:

Eoghan Harris, Bernard Cornwell (based on the novel by)

Stars:

Sean Bean, Assumpta Serna, Brian Cox

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sean Bean	...	Sharpe
Brian Cox	...	Hogan
Daragh O'Malley	...	Harper
Assumpta Serna	...	Teresa
David Troughton	...	Wellesley
Simón Andreu	...	Vivar
Michael Mears	...	Cooper
John Tams	...	Hagman
Jason Salkey	...	Harris
Paul Trussell	...	Tongue
Lyndon Davies	...	Perkins
Julian Fellowes	...	Major Dunnett
Tim Bentinck	...	Captain Murray
Richard Ireson	...	Sgt. Williams
Martin Jacobs	...	Lawford

Storyline

Portugal 1809, the Peninsular War in the age of Napoleon. A British sergeant in the 95th Rifles saves the life of Arthur Wellesley, and finds himself promoted to Lieutenant and in charge of a company of Rifles that do no respect him, to carry out a dangerous and vital mission.

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Plot Keywords:

19th century | year 1809 | peninsular war | iberian peninsula | rifleman | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | History | War

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site The Sharpe Appreciation Society

Country:

UK

Language:

English Spanish French Yiddish Portuguese

Release Date:

5 May 1993 (UK)

Also Known As:

Sharpe's Rifles

Filming Locations:

Crimea, Ukraine

Company Credits

Production Co:

Celtic Films Entertainment, Central, Picture Palace

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sharpe's 95th Regiment and its green jackets are fact based. The 95th was a direct ancestor of the modern Royal Green Jackets (in 2005 merged with other regiments to form The Rifles).

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Goofs

In the abandoned cottage, Harper bends and reacts to Sharpe's kick to his groin a split second before Sharpe's foot actually connects, even though Harper's face is turned away looking behind him.

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Quotes

Richard Sharpe: So... the Chosen Men, eh? Well, I didn't choose you. But I know you, you and your kind, all my life. All I know is how to fight. So if there's any man among you expecting a quick ramble through this war, now's the time.
[No one speaks up]
Richard Sharpe: You're sure, now? Right! Join the column, at the double!

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Connections

Followed by Sharpe's Peril (2008)

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Soundtracks

Oranges and Lemons
(uncredited)
Traditional
Performed by Michael Mears

User Reviews

An enjoyable action/adventure t.v. series out of the UK.

"Sharpe's Rifles" is the first in a series of about 14 teleplays with Sean Bean playing the rough, tough commander of a motley bunch of sharp shooters who fight for Britain in the Peninsular campaign (circa 1808ish). The film is an enjoyable action/adventure romp with Sharpe as much a ladies' man as a man's man who must prove himself to both in this foray into Spain on a somewhat ambiguous mission. Not to be taken seriously, "Sharpe's Rifles" is just fun stuff for anyone into adventure flix set during the Napoleonic Wars. Note: the video quality on the bare bones DVD I watched was no better than I would expect from broadcast and there were no CC's, subtitles, or extra features. (B-)