Sharpe
The Novels | Sharpe - The Television Action-Drama Films

In the late 1980s a series television action-drama films, Sharpe, based on author Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels was commissioned for television. The end result was a TV series, which consisted of 14 episodes of feature length two-hour action-drama films. Due to various reasons, the first film was not televised until 1992.

The Making of a TV Hero

In 1986 Andy Allan, director of programmes at central Television read Sharpe’s Eagle, impressed by it, he recommended it to Muir Sunderland, also director of programmes. Andy had previously worked with Bernard Cornwell, and was keen that Central should be the broadcaster for a production of the Sharpe series. After reading the book, Muir agreed, Sharpe would make a great TV series, not only Sharpe's Eagle, but any subsequent Sharpe books.

Central's head of drama, Ted Childs had an interest in military history and he too believed Sharpe had the potential to be a popular drama. However, he had reservations about the authentic aspect and whether it could be made on a TV budget. Part of the problem was the scale of the battles. Regiments of up to 600 soldiers and 40 officers, in some cases 40,000 soldiers were quoted in the books. The first thing they would need to do is reduce that to a more manageable number.

At that time, the cost of making good quality TV dramas was around £6000,000 per hour; it was obvious Sharpe was going to cost more. It was decided that focusing on Sharpe's activities behind enemy lines and small battles, rather than the large-scale battles would cut costs. Sunderland also suggested using production partners who could contribute their own money would further cut costs. Central agreed to give it a try.

Screenwriters

Eoghan Harris was the first screenwriter to be commissioned to write the scripts adapted from the Sharpe novels. Bernard Cornwell hastily story-lined Sharpe's Rifles to set the scene for the whole series. Eoghan set to work on this book along with Sharpe's Eagle while Charles Wood worked on the adaptation of Sharpe's Company which was already in print. Other screenwriters were Colin MacDonald, Nigel Kneale, Patrick Harbinson and Russel Lewis.

Production, Costume and Set Designers

Producer Kenny McBain who had previously produced Inspector Morse and Boon was hired to get the filming started. McBain and Sunderland travelled to Spain, visiting the sites where the actual battles had taken place, and putting together a budget.

Award-winning costume designer John Mollo, whose costumes included those from Gandhi and Star Wars was asked to prepare a list of costume necessities and a budget. Andrew Mollo, John's brother a production designer was already drawing up plans for the sets.

Sunderland had succeeded in obtaining a cash injection, a promise of £500,000 from a Spanish Television company. He presented this and the budgets package to Central TV, unfortunately, Central felt the budget was still too high, and the production of Sharpe was put on hold. Then there was another blow, Kenny McBain died of cancer, and all dreams of making Sharpe died with him, or so it seemed.

The change that made filming possible was the coming down of The Iron Curtain, and the rumours that filming was cheap behind it. However, Sunderland still had to find a producer willing to take the risk of filming Sharpe; which was effectively feature films on a TV budget, in unfamiliar cultures and landscapes, where even an electricity supply was not guaranteed. Sunderland persuaded Malcolm Craddock, an experienced producer and long-standing friend, to go into partnership with him to produce Sharpe.

Filming Locations

The search for where to film Sharpe began. After travelling to parts of the Czech Republic and the former Yugoslavia, finding them unsuitable in location, personnel or price, Sunderland and Craddock returned to England. On the advice of Richard Creasy, then the head of features at Central, they set out on their travels again, this time to the Soviet Union. Here they found what they were looking for in terms of suitable locations, personnel in the from of the Anglo-Soviet Creative Association, which had established culture links with Britain and all at an affordable price.

The majority of the locations for filming the Sharpe series were in the Ukraine, Turkey and Portugal, often in diverse weather conditions. However, some UK locations were also used. In Sharpe's Regiment when Sharpe and Harper go to Chelmsford barracks; the filming location was at Tilbury Fort in Essex.

Stuntmen

Dinny Powell, Stunt Co-coordinator and horse handler, hired a team of 11 Russian stuntmen, who were also experienced horsemen. Powell was so impressed by their authentic stunts of falling, jumping and going through fire to make the scenes look realistic, as well as fitting in the 'purse' of the film's budget, that he contracted them as part of the permanent crew. The stuntmen joined the rest of the Sharpe entourage and travelled to the various locations.

The stuntmen were skilled and courageous, however, they were not reckless. When scenes called for stunts that were too dangerous, dummies were used.

Military Adviser

Michael 'Rifleman' Moore was the production team's military and historical adviser. Moore had been interested in military memorabilia since his childhood. At the age of 15 he tried to join the 33rd Foot, coincidentally Sharpe's first Regiment. Moore was advised to re-apply when he was 16-years-old, but in the meantime he was involved in a motorcycle accident; joining the 33rd was no longer an option as he was deemed unfit.

That wasn't an end to his soldering ambitions. He joined Napoleonic Association who re-enact the authentic battles of the Napoleonic War. Moore's expertise came from more than 20 years as a re-enactor. In some of the films, including Sharpe's Battle, Moore can be clearly seen playing a Rifleman as one of the extras. Other members of Napoleonic Association were also extras on the films.

The Battles

There's going to be a battle here tomorrow. You'll fight in it, maybe even die in it. But you won't see it. There's a lot of smoke in a battle. Our cannon, their cannon. Our shot, their shell. Our Volleys, their volleys. You don’t see a battle, you hear it. Black powder blasting by the ton on all sides. Black smoke blinding you and choking you.
Sharpe's Eagle (Calton)

In reality, of every 20 soldiers who died in battle, only one death was the direct result of enemy fire. The remaining 19 were attributed to exhaustion, heat-stroke or the many illnesses prevalent at that time.

Outlining the Films

While Wellington was planning the battles to win the war, Sharpe was usually fighting and winning the smaller battles, often behind enemy lines. There was nearly always a double-agent for Sharpe to uncover, before he joined the main battle.

Although the TV series is based on the Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels, they deviate in various ways including: the way in which Sharpe saves Wellesley's life. The following includes just some of the differences between the novels and the TV series set during the later 18th to early 19th Century, Napoleonic Peninsular wars.

In some circumstances the novels are more true to the reality of the battles of the time. For instance, the horses, used by the cavalry were often the victims of attack in order to dismount the rider and make him an easier target to kill. The attacks and injuries to the horses may have made good warfare, and helped to win battles, however, they wouldn't make good TV viewing.

Richard Sharpe

Richard Sharpe played by Sean Bean, who was offered the role just four days before filming begun in Russia. The original actor for the part of Sharpe: Paul McGann, had to pull out after injuring his leg.

Sharpe was just another sergeant in King George's army until he saved Sir Arthur Wellesley's life. An event that would change the course of Sharpe's life. Wellesley fell from his horse in front of Sharpe while being chased by three French dragoons, Sharpe killed all three of them and helped Wellesley to his feet. Wellesley showed his gratitude to Sharpe with the following words:

You did me a damn good turn. Now I'm going to do you a damn bad one. I'm giving you a field commission. From this moment on, you're a lieutenant in the 95th.

Sharpe is constantly accused by other officers of not being a gentleman, due to him being raised from the ranks and therefore not of 'good breeding'. However, he shows he is a gentleman where ladies are concerned. In Sharpe's Siege, while having a drink with Jane, a nearby group of officers, including Colonel Bampfylde, played by Christopher Villiers, are being rowdy. Sharpe requests that they quieten down, Colonel Bampfylde loudly insults and uses a profanity to a one-armed male waiter, Sharpe responds with: 'Sir! There are ladies present, so I would have thought there would be gentlemen present also'

Bean is known for performing his own stunts. Although the sword fights are carefully choreographed, Bean's previous experience of studying swordplay at RADA and his two awards for fencing were invaluable for making his sword fights look authentic. He'd also attended a boxing club when he was 15-years-old. However, Bean was not as confident on the back of a horse. In a scene in Sharpe's Honour, Sharpe, with La Maquesea, played by Alice Krige, seated behind him, is riding across a ford, when they both slip off of the horse. Although this was not in the script, it was decided to use it.

The Main Characters

The characteristics of the characters in the television films are basically much the same as Cornwell portrayed them in the books. Among Sharpe's enemies is Sir Henry Simerson, played by Michael Cocbrane. Simmerson is the same cowardly tyrant. His disgust and contempt for Sharpe, and Simmerson's resentment of Sharpe's rise from the ranks can be seen in Simmerson's facial expressions, and heard in his grunts.

The viewer gets to see the scar-necked twitching etc Sergeant Hakeswill, played by Pete Postlewaite. Hakeswill's sadistic leadership, and taunting of the men in his command, then his sudden change to the perfect Sergeant at the appearance of an officer can be witnessed.

Sir Arthur Wellesley

Sir Arthur Wellesley, played by David Troughton in the first three films and Hugh Fraser for the rest. The main thing both actors had in common was the time spent in the make-up department having their noses enlarged and shaped to the dimension of Wellington's distinguished nose.

In reality there would have been a few ranks between Sharpe and Lord Wellington. To overcome this Cornwell used intelligence officers (spies) as go-betweens to enable Sharpe and Wellington to interact personally. The intelligence officers often shadowed Sharpe on his missions behind enemy lines. There were four throughout the series. As each one left, another bringing his own personality stepped into their shoes.

Intelligence Officers

Major Michael Hogan, played by Brian Cox. The middle-aged snuff-taking Hogan was the first of the intelligence officers, who helped Sharpe in his new role as an officer.

Major Nairn, played by Michael Byrne. Taking over from Hogan, Nairn was a more serious and grave character, who although he supported and respected Sharpe, he also disapproved of his stubbornness.

Major Mungo Munro, played by Hugh Ross. Nairn's replacement was a contrasting character; Munro was humorous and flamboyant and being Scottish, he sometimes wore tartan and had a passion for the pipes.

Major-General Ross, played by James Laurenson. The last intelligence officer, Sharpe and Ross become close friends; Ross gives away the bride at Sharpe's wedding to Jane.

The Chosen Men

The Chosen Men. 'Chosen Man' is an early form of the rank lance-corporal in the British army; these men in reality were given command of a small unit (usually eight to ten men) and often became more senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). In the Sharpe TV series they were a group of misfits and criminals who were crack shot riflemen..

Sergeant Patrick Harper, played by Daragh O'Malley. Although at first hostile as Sharpe's been made up from the ranks, and therefore not a 'proper officer', the huge Irishman soon makes himself Sharpe's protector, best friend and confidant.

Harper finds it difficult sometimes to see where his loyalties should lie, with the British who have his homeland under occupation or Ireland his native land, he decides his true loyalties are to Sharpe and the Chosen Men.

Rifleman Daniel Hagman, played by John Tams was a Cheshire poacher given the choice of prison or the army. His experience as a poacher gave Hagman a distinct advantage as a skirmisher and made him a crack marksman. As the oldest of the Chosen Men he is often seen as a father figure with a calming influence on the younger men.

Rifleman Cooper, played by Michael Mears was the 'smart mouth' of the group and always able to stun Sharpe with a smart quip.

Rifleman Harris, (Harris has no first name) played by Jason Salkey is the best educated of the Chosen Men, fluent in French he was invaluable when enemy communications were captured.

Rifleman Isaiah Tongue, played by Paul Trussell was a morose individual prone to quoting scripture (or what passed for scripture among the Chosen Men). Like Sharpe, Tongue is unsure of his birth details, and spent his life in one institution or another, the army now being his family.

Tongue mysteriously disappears after Sharpe's Eagle. Although we don't see Tongue injured, or killed; he is never seen or mentioned again.

Rifleman Ben Perkins, played by Lyndon Davis was the youngest of the Chosen Men; originally the company standard bearer Sharpe made him a Chosen Man after ambush in Sharpe's Rifles where a French chasseur had Sharpe in his sights and was promptly shot by young Ben.

Captain William Frederickson

Among those Sharpe considers as his friends is Captain William Frederickson (Sweet William), played by Philip Whitchurh (yes, his name is spelt with one 'l' in Philip). Fredickson's appearance is changed a little from the description in the novels.

Captain (Sweet William) Frederickson, played by Philip Whitchurch. As in the novels, Frederickson's appearance is that of a frightful battle-scarred soldier. He has the false teeth, and the eye patch; which reveals a pupil-less eye, when removed. He also has a permanent smile; after a musket ball broke his jaw and a horse-hair wig.

Captain Frederickson's 60th Rifles detachment is the first command Sharpe is given after he is promoted to Major Sharpe in Sharpes Enemy. Frederickson is a career soldier, and like Sharpe is astute and cunning.

Sharpe's first words to Frederickson are 'Your men are dirty and scruffy and a damn disgrace.' Frederickson defends his men, and clarifies his priorities with 'Men are dirty, sir. Rifles are clean.'

Sharpe goes on to ask Frederickson 'Do you know what makes a good soldier, Captain Frederickson?' With that ever present smile, Frederickson replies 'Yes, sir' he continued 'Keeping his mouth shut when he's asked damn fool questions by a superior officer, sir.'

Sharpe's Women

Commandante Teresa Moreno

Commandante Teresa Moreno, played by Spanish actress Assumpta Serna is the commander of the partisans. Assumpta researched a real heroine from the era: Agustlna of Aragón, whom she based her character of the partisans leader. After witnessing some of the problems Sharpe was having with his men in Sharpe's Rifles, Teresa offers him these words of wisdom in leadership: 'We have two ears and only one mouth. So a good leader will listen twice as much as he shouts.'

Jane Gibbons

Jane Gibbons, played by Abigail Cruttenden, who was Sean Bean's third wife. They were married in 1997 and divorced in 2000. They have one daughter, Evie.

Sharpe marries Jane in Sharpe's Siege with Major Ross giving Jane away. Major Ross collapses with 'the fever', an illness that has struck the camp, killing the men, the only cure was the very rare Jesuits Bark also known as Quinine, Jane also gets 'the fever'. Sharpe leaves to go on a mission with his wife and friend at deaths door. During his mission, to capture and hold a castle, Sharpe acquires some quinine intended for Jane, things don't go as planned, and the quinine is given to Mademoiselle Catherine Marquerre. On completing his mission and returning to the camp, Sharpe found Jane and Ross alive and well; Wellington had acquired some quinine from the Spaniards.

Lucille Castineau (nee Lassan)

Sharpe Theme Tune

O'er the hills and o'er the main

Through Flanders, Portugal and Spain

King George commands and we obey

Over the hills and far away.
Sharpe TV theme tune sung by John Tams.

The music for the films was complied by John Tams, who plays Rifleman Hagman, and Dominic Muldowney. Tams, had years of experience of traditional folk singing. He also plays various different musical instruments, though not the fiddle, which is played by Hagman in some of the films. Muldowney, a classical composer with various television and film theme tunes to his credit. The combination of traditional and classical music was described by Tams as 'sweet and sour'.

Tams rewrote the lyrics for the theme tune Over the Hills and Far Away, a soldier's folk song dating back to at least the early 1700s at the time of Queen Anne. The lyrics of the earliest known version of Over the Hills and Far Away were written by George Farquhar for his play The Recruiting Officer in 1706.

Different verses of Over the Hills and Far Away, subtly representing parts of the film are sung by Tams at the end of some of the films before the chorus. For instance, Rifleman Perkins dies in Sharpe’s Battle the verse at the end goes:

If I should fall to rise no more,

As many comrades did before,

Ask the pipes and drums to play

Over the hills and far away.


O'er the hills and o'er the main etc

Other verses are sung in the films, mostly, but not exclusively by Tams. These included this verse, sung by Tams in Sharpe’s Waterloo

Old Wellington they scratched his bum

They says, Boney lad, thee's had thee fun

My riflemen will win the day

Over the hills and far away


O'er the hills and o'er the main etc

The Sharpe Films

In 1992 the first three films of the action-drama Sharpe, set in the Peninsular War, many of the battles were based on real events were aired on television. Over the following few years a further 11 were aired.(first two shown as two-parter)

• Sharpe's Rifles
• Sharpe's Eagle
• Sharpe's Company
• Sharpe's Enemy
• Sharpe's Honour
• Sharpe's Gold
• Sharpe's Battle
• Sharpe's Sword
• Sharpe's Regiment
• Sharpe's Siege
• Sharpe's Mission
• Sharpe's Revenge
• Sharpe's Justice
• Sharpe's Waterloo

Sharpe's Challenge

In April, 2006, two years after Sharpe's last adventure in Sharpe's Waterloo Sharpe is on a mission in India; to find a friend, and quell an uprising. Sharpe's Challenge is screenwriter Russell Louis's combination of Sharpe's Tiger, Sharpe's Triumph and Sharpe's Fortress Cornwall's novels on Sharpe's adventures in India.

When first requested by Lord Wellington to go to India, retired Colonel Sharpe refuses. As he leaves Wellington's office, Sharpe meets Romona, (check spelling) Patrick Harper's wife. She tells Sharpe, Patrick is missing in India. Sharpe changes his mind, and takes up the challenge.

The two-part action-drama was filmed in Rajasthan, a region in India. It took seven weeks to film. Involved camels and elephants as well as 400 extras, mostly soldiers; trained in ten days by the sets original Military Advisor, Richard Rutherford-Moore.

Sharpe's adversary is Major William Dodd, played by Toby Stephens.