The Historical Movies Podcast
The Historical Movies Podcast examines films inspired by history. In each biweekly episode, hosts Ros and Bryce Evans discuss one movie, exploring the real history behind it while weighing what works and what does not. They also cover pop culture impact, production troubles, on-set stories, directorial choices, and box office results. Ros Evans is a film editor with a background in archaeology, and Bryce Evans is Professor of Modern World History at Liverpool Hope University.
Episodes
Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris (2022) Nostalgia, the 1950s, Dior and a Fairy Tale Ruined?
In this episode of Historical Movies, we step into the glamorous world of Mrs Harris Goes to Paris (2022) and ask why this seemingly delightful fairy tale really misses the mark.We ask whether this movie’s problems stem from the source material: the book with almost the same name (Mrs. ‘Arris Goes To Paris) by Paul Gallico - a man who was, according to his own words ‘a rotten novelist’.And what is
Inglourious Basterds (2009) - Is this Tarantino's Masterpiece and what makes it SO GOOD?
Inglourious Basterds (2009) is Quentin Tarantino's best film to date and has some of the greatest scenes in cinema for a generation. In this episode of the Historical Movies Podcast we take a look at everything that makes Inglourious Basterds a masterpiece.We examine how Tarantino creates suspense through direction, camera work and language. We talk through Operation Greenup - the real history beh
The Impossible Job (1994) Graham Taylor, England and the Greatest Football Documentary Ever!
A World Cup Special for our 50th episode: we take look at Channel 4's extraordinary 1994 film The Impossible Job which forever immortalised by Graham Taylor's unforgettable lament, "Do I not like that."Following England manager Graham Taylor through the disastrous 1994 World Cup qualifying campaign, The Impossible Job captured something that simply couldn't exist today: total access, zero media tr
Michael (2026) The Michael Jackson Movie Controversy: What Was Left Out and Does it Matter?
What did they change and why did they change it? Does it matter and shouldn't we all just shut up and enjoy the hit parade of 'Michael Jackson the Early Years'?Michael (2026), the Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, has already become one of the most controversial films of the decade. Long before its release, the Michael Jackson movie sparked debate over h
The Secret Agent (2025) the Meaning, the Ending, the CRUCIAL Historical Context & the Hairy Leg!!
In this episode of Historical Movies, we unpack and explain The Secret Agent (2025) — breaking down its plot, characters, themes, and ending, while exploring the turbulent historical period of Brazil in the 1970s that gives the film its meaning.We also discuss why it won none of the 4 Oscars it was nominated for, why it represents the genius of filmmaking and the real life legend of the Hairy Leg!
Das Boot (1981) U-Boat Engineering, WWII History, Moral Complexity the Best Submarine Movie Ever!
Wolfgang Petersen’s Das Boot (1981) is widely regarded as one of the greatest submarine films ever made: a claustrophobic, technically obsessive portrayal of life aboard a German U-boat during the Battle of the Atlantic. But how historically accurate is it really?Could a submarine actually survive the terrifying punishment shown in the film? Is it too sympathetic to the submariners fighting on the
Fitzcarraldo (1982) Is Werner Herzog’s ‘Masterpiece’ Overrated? Plus Klaus Kinski and the Production from HELL!
Fitzcarraldo (1982), directed by Werner Herzog and starring Klaus Kinski, is one of the most infamous productions in film history — a movie about obsession that was itself created through obsession. But how much of this Amazonian fever dream is rooted in real history?We explore the true story behind Fitzcarraldo, from the rubber boom in Peru to the real-life figure who inspired the film, Carlos Fe
The Crying Game (1992) THAT Twist and why The Troubles is the perfect backdrop
The Crying Game (1992), written and directed by Neil Jordan and starring Stephen Rea, Miranda Richardson, Forest Whitaker and Jaye Davidson, became one of the most talked-about films of the 1990s — largely because of a twist that audiences were begged not to reveal. But how well does it hold up, and how does it sit within the real history of The Troubles?We explore the historical background behind
Extra Episode: The Guns of Navarone (1961) was so good Alistair MacLean changed the book it was based on!
An Extra few minutes discussing what we didn't get around to covering in the main episode.📩 Stormed an island lately? Got thoughts on wartime ethics or your favourite men-on-a-mission classic? Email us at historicalmoviespodcast@gmail.com or find us @hmpodcast.bsky.social.
The Guns of Navarone (1961) The Greatest Commando Romp Ever was Supposed to be an Anti-War Movie
The Guns of Navarone (1961) - the greatest commando movie ever made - was, despite the swashbuckling adventure and high body-count, conceived as an anti-war, pacifist movie.We uncover the little-know fact that producer Carl Foreman (blacklisted from Hollywood) wrote the screen play as a strongly anti-war movie and was backed-up by stars of the movie Gregory Peck and Stanley Baker who both wanted t
Eddington (2025) — What is this Movie all About? Politics, Pandemic & Paranoia
We dissect the provocative 2025 film Eddington, written and directed by Ari Aster — the auteur behind Hereditary and Midsommar. Set in a fictional New Mexico town in May 2020, during the height of the COVID‑19 pandemic and national unrest, the movie stars Joaquin Phoenix as Sheriff Joe Cross and Pedro Pascal as Mayor Ted Garcia. The standoff between them becomes a micro-cosm of America’s deep divi
Thirteen Days (2000) — The Cuban Missile Crisis Movie with the Wrong Hero (feat. Shane Connolly)
The Cold War comes to life in Thirteen Days (2000), directed by Roger Donaldson and starring Kevin Costner as advisor Kenneth O’Donnell during the Cuban Missile Crisis.We dive into the historical accuracy of Thirteen Days, how much Kenneth O’Donnell was actually responsible for ending the crisis (not much), the Excomm Tapes and the real players in JFK’s inner circle.We also look at how close the w
Emily (2022): Wuthering Heights and the Brontë Biopic that PERFECTLY mixes Fact & Fiction
Emily (2022), written and directed by Frances O’Connor and starring Emma Mackey, imagines the inner life of Emily Brontë — the fiercely private author of Wuthering Heights. But how much of this windswept Gothic romance is real history, and how much is invention?And the big question: does Emily fail as a biopic by bending the facts — or does it succeed by capturing the Gothic spirit, emotional inte
The Return (2024) — The Greatest Story Ever Retold
Based on Homer’s Odyssey, The Return (2024) reimagines the legend of Odysseus’ journey through a modern, gritty lens. Directed by Uberto Pasolini and starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, the film explores loyalty, trauma, and the toll of long wars.We discuss the mythological and historical roots behind The Return, Homer’s Odyssey, why this is such a refreshing retelling of a classic tale a
The Last Samurai (2003) — Tom Cruise v. The Meiji Restoration
The Last Samurai (2003), directed by Edward Zwick, dramatises Japan’s Meiji Restoration and the end of the samurai era.We break down the historical accuracy of The Last Samurai, the real-life inspiration behind Katsumoto and the Satsuma Rebellion, and how this movie gets the history of both sides of the conflict completely wrong.Plus: Tom Cruise’s widow-maker leg-over technique, samurai vs. Gatlin
Papillon (2017) — How much of Henri Charrière’s Epic Escape Story is True?
Charlie Hunnam and Rami Malek star in the 2017 remake of Papillon, based on Henri Charrière’s memoir of imprisonment and escape from Devil’s Island.We explore the real history behind the real Papillon, from the notorious French penal colonies in Guiana, why they existed, to how much of Charrière’s incredible story is actually true.Plus: gym bros in prison, why this movie is like a cheap perfume ad
The Book Behind Nuremberg (2025) Jack El-Hai talks to us about turning The Nazi and the Psychiatrist into a movie
Jack El-Hai, author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, joins us for this episode of the Historical Movies Podcast for an in-depth conversation about the true story behind Nuremberg (2025) — the new film based on his acclaimed nonfiction book.The Nazi and the Psychiatrist tells the remarkable real-life story of Dr. Douglas Kelley, the American psychiatrist tasked with evaluating Nazi leaders before
The Damned United (2009) — Brian Clough, Leeds United and the ‘Restless Enigma’ of English Football
Brian Clough vs. Leeds United — one of football’s greatest stories gets the cinematic treatment in The Damned United (2009), directed by Tom Hooper and starring Michael Sheen.We talk through the true story behind The Damned United, Clough’s chaotic 44 days at Leeds, and whether the film’s portrayal of Don Revie was fair play or foul.Plus: the real Peter Taylor bromance, managerial meltdowns, and w
Glory (1989) - The True Story of the 54th Massachusetts (feat. Chad Robinson from the Retro Movie Roundtable)
Glory (1989), directed by Edward Zwick and starring Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick and Morgan Freeman, tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts — the first African-American regiment in the US Civil War.We explore the true history behind Glory, from the Battle of Fort Wagner to the realities of race, pay and military life in the 1860s. And where this movie did a disservice to the 54th.Plus:
Immortal Beloved (1994) - The Real Beethoven and the Mystery of his Lost Love (feat Jack C.T. Adams)
Gary Oldman stars as Ludwig van Beethoven in Immortal Beloved (1994) — the dramatic retelling of the composer’s life and loves, directed by Bernard Rose.We unpack the historical accuracy behind Immortal Beloved, including the probable real identity of Beethoven’s “immortal beloved,” and the bizarre fact that neither of the two top candidates appear in this movie,Plus: did this movie focus too much
Escape to Victory (1981) - The WWII POW Cult Classic and the Real History Behind it
What happens when Allied POWs take on Nazi Germany... in a football match? Escape to Victory (1980) — directed by John Huston and starring Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone and Pelé — brings together war film, sports movie and propaganda spectacle.We look at the true story behind Escape to Victory, including the so-called “Death Match” in occupied Ukraine, and whether Stallone really could have sc
Podcast update: We're taking a break! Plus listener questions and the series 1 'awards'
We're taking a summer break for a few months, but we'll be back soon, so watch this space!Plus Ros answers some of your questions and hands out the coveted 'awards' for series 1 of the podcast: including the ones the Academy were too cowardly to do!Thanks for listening to series 1 and if you'd like to get in touch drop us a line at historicalmoviespodcast@gmail.com or @hmpocast.bsky.social
Interview with Executive Producer Imogen Cooper: founder of NEW historical streaming serivce Yoreflix
Yoreflix: the NEW streaming service for historical drama. Interview with founder Imogen CooperYoreflix founder Imogen Cooper talks to Ros about the new streaming service for historical dramas and movies and outlines what makes it unique in the field of streaming platforms.We talk about Imogen’s background as an executive producer and her passion for history, what inspired her to create Yoreflix an
Amadeus (1984) – Mozart, Salieri and the True Story Behind the Rivalry
Amadeus (1984) takes centre stage for this episode of the Historical Movies Podcast: starring F. Murray Abraham as Antonia Salieri, Tom Hulce as ‘Wolfie’ Mozart and directed by Miloš Forman.Amadeus portrays Mozart as an arrogant, infantile, foul mouthed brat?But how historically accurate is that? And we also take a look at the supposed rivalry between these two 18th century composers.Plus: Mozart’
The Two Popes (2019) – Fact vs Fiction in the Story of Benedict XVI and Francis
Was The Two Popes (2019) a divine comedy of errors or a surprisingly accurate portrait of the modern Papacy? We explore the historical accuracy behind The Two Popes, starring Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins, directed by Fernando Meirelles and written by Anthony McCarten.We dig into what the filmmakers got right (and wrong) about Popes Benedict XVI and Francis: did they really watch the World Cu
Legends of the Fall (1994) – War, Love and the Real History Behind the Family Epic
Legends of the Fall – is it the most ‘90s movies of all time? We take a look through this classic from 1994, directed by Edward Zwick and starring Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn and Julia Ormond.We discuss some of the history covered including the true story behind the World War I football in the trenches, why Americans went off to fight for the British Empire and was Colonel Ludlow a sus
The Historical Movies Podcast Mailbag! We answer (some of) your questions!
After covering 25 movies on the podcast we take some time out to answer some of the comments and questions you've contacted us with - some of which may be of dubious origin but all of which stimulate our discussion. Enjoy!Contact us at historicalmoviespodcast@gmail.com
Walk the Line (2005) – Johnny Cash’s Life on Screen: What’s True?
Walk the Line, the Johnny Cash biopic starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon takes centre stage in this week’s episode of the Historical Movies Podcast.We talk through the history of the period, what makes this such a great movie and what it gets historically right and wrong.Plus the difficulty of actually ripping a sink off the wall, the latest hot gossip about Mini Driver and having the
Master and Commander (2003) - The Napoleonic Wars at Sea and the Enlightenment Perfectly Portrayed
Aubrey and Maturin - best friends forever! We take a look through the brilliant Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World directed by Peter Weir and starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. The number one movie that deserved a sequel that it never got.We talk through the life and times of Thomas Cochrane – the real life inspiration behind Jack Aubrey and revel in the historical age of Enligh
Mississippi Burning (1988) - Racist, Of It’s Time, Misunderstood?
We talk through Mississippi Burning, starring Gene Hack, Willem Dafoe and Frances McDormand and take a look at the real history behind the events shown in the movie. We analyse the controversies surrounding it and ask whether it’s fundamentally racist, of it’s time, misunderstood or a luvvies’ version of a middle class angst-ridden redemption.Plus the genius of the great Gene Hackman, the world’s
The Witch (2015) – Puritan Superstition and the Real History of Witch Trials
We take a look at Robert Eggers’ directorial debut The Witch (2015) AKA 'The VVitch' – starring Anya Taylor-Joy in her breakout role, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie and Harvey Scrimshaw.We talk through the history of witchcraft in early modern Europe and how it inspired this movie – with much of the dialogue being lifted directly from historical sources.Plus: fans of Black Philip, the best witch’s fami
Interview with director Mark O'Connor: Historical Movies, Amongst the Wolves and Barry Keoghan
Amongst the Wolves releases in Ireland and the UK on 2nd May 2025!We're joined by acclaimed director Mark O'Connor - writer and director of Between the Canals and Cardboard Gangsters - shortly before the release of his new film Amongst the Wolves.We go through Mark's favourite historical movies, his process and experience as a writer director and some of the possible future projects he's working o
The Last of the Mohicans (1992) - Michael Mann's Blend of Realism and Style
We go through Michael Mann's The Last of the Mohicans (1992) starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe, Wes Studi and Steve Waddington and look at the history of the French and Indian War (the North American theatre of the the 7 Years War) which gives this film it's intriguing backdrop. We go into the background of James Fenimore Cooper's mid-eighteen century 'Leatherstocking Tales' which inspire
El Cid (1961) – Spain’s Medieval Hero and the Truth Behind the Legend
Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren star in Anthony Mann's epic knight's tale El Cid.We take a look through the history behind the real Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (El Cid), the Reconquista and the Almoravid dynasty and ask whether El Cid was actually a chivalrous knight or ruthless mercenary? Plus: Heston and Loren's epic spat on set, the reason why Francisco Franco loved this movie and Raf Valone's comm
The Vikings (1958) - Kirk Douglas' Schoolboy Fantasy and the Real History
Is this still the best Vikings movie ever made? We take a look at 1958's The Vikings starring Kirk Douglas (fufilling his childhood dream of playing a viking on screen), Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh and Ernest Borgnine.We take a look at how the production got a lot of the historical stuff right, how they were limited by their knowledge in 1950s and what aspects of this movie are complete Hollywood bul
The Patriot (2000) – America’s Revolution on Film: Fact, Fiction & (lack of) Slavery
Are the Brits simply too evil in this movie? And should we expect anything else from a Roland Emmerich/Mel Gibson movie? We take a look at The Patriot (2000) in this episode, going through the history, discussing the accuracies, inaccuracies and this movie's astonishing portrayal of slavery in 18th Century America.We take a look at the depiction of the British, particularly Jason Isacc's Tavington
The Battle of Algiers (1966) - The Revolution That Shook French Colonial Rule
Loved by terrorists and screened by the Pentagon, we talk through Gillo Pontecorvo's masterpiece of cinema; The Battle of Algiers.We go through the history this movie's based on and discuss its long-lasting influence and legacy; from initially being banned in France to being praised by directors such as Kubrick and Herzog.Plus; is this the antidote to Hollywood cinema, French male horniness strike
10,000 BC (2008) - the Least Historically Accurate Movie of All Time?
Prehistorical or prehisterical? We discuss Roland Emmerich's bizzare box office hit 10,000 BC from 2008.We rattle through the litany of (pre)historical inaccuracies from anachronistic Pyramids to the sextant (invented in 16th century AD) and ponder how this movie burnt through its eye-watering $105 million budget.Plus: Graham Hancock, 3 spurious impalings and Roland Emmerich's truly odd art collec
Saving Private Ryan (1998) – A Turning Point for Action Cinema and the Real D-Day Story
The Greatest war movie of all time? Steven Spielberg's revolutionary reimagining of the war film which influenced action cinema and war movies ever after.We take a look at some of the real history that inspired this movie and run through the unconventional yet ingenious way it was shot.Plus Tom Sizemore's career-best performance, Tom Hanks' love of typewriters and whether this is this actually an
The New World (2005) – Pocahontas, John Smith and the Real Story of Jamestown
This film doesn't have fans, just fanatics, although it seems like not man people have heard of it. Terrence Malick's wonderful movie The New World takes center stage for this episode.We talk through the history that provides the backdrop of this film: Pocahontas, John Smith and the founding of Jamestown. The clash of civilisations, what we've lost by becoming so decoupled from nature and why has
1917 (2019) - World War I in One Take. How True to Life is it?
The one-take (that's actually at least 35 takes) wonder! We discuss Sam Mendes' 1917 and whether this movie fuctions better as an action movie than a war movie, in the traditional movie canon sense at least... Indiana Jones in the trenches or something deeper?Plus we go through the hisory that inspired the film, Operation Alberich, discuss why we like this movie (well, Ros at least) and whether i
Michael Collins (1996) – Enjoyable, Authentic but Not Accurate?
We chat through one of our all time favourite movies, Michael Collins (1996) and whether Hollywood's need for a hero means that Éamon de Valera gets unnecessarily cast as the villain.We discuss what makes this movie so great, go through the history between 1916 to 1922, discuss whether the recreation of Bloody Sunday (1920) went over the top and discuss what happened after Collins' death.Plus: Rem
Mutiny on the Bounty (1962) – Rebellion at Sea and On Set
The movie that marooned Marlon Brando's career and signalled the start of his 'lean period', 1962's Mutiny on the Bounty.We talk through the differences between the real history and what the film portrays plus we discuss Marlon Brando's legendary on-set antics, what life was actually like in the 18th century navy and whether the ending of the movie does a disservice to the spirit of the history.Do
The Historical Movies Podcast Trailer
We love Historically inspired movies and if you do too, you’ll love the Historical Movies Podcast!I’m your host Ros Evans, I’m an editor with a background in archaeology and I’m joined in every episode by my brother, professor of modern history Bryce Evans.In every episode we have a good old chat about a historically inspired movie, going through the historical facts fusing them with the best movi
Titanic (1997) – James Cameron’s Iconic Disaster Film & 'Hollywood Marxism'
The most accurate Titanic movie ever except for Cameron's Hollywood Marxism?We talk about the 90s event that was Titanic and what director James Cameron was trying to say by focussing on (and making up?) the class issues on board RMS Titanic.Plus Billy Zane's eyeliner addiction, the power of nostalgia, the great Titanic door debate, and did the ship have to sink for the film to function?Have you g
The Sniper (2021) - Abdolrasoul Zarrin: The World's Deadliest Sniper and the Iraq-Iran War
Over 3 million views on YouTube can't be wrong can it?We find out as we cover 'The Sniper', an Iranian movie following the exploits of legendary sniper Abdolrasoul Zarrin, who has the highest recorded kill count of any sniper in history with 740.We delve into the history of the Iran/Iraq war and the myths and truths about Zarrin. Plus we discuss the cult of the sniper in movies, the world of Sacre
Apocalypto (2006) – Maya Civilization Annihilated Twice - Historically and by Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson's no stranger to historical inaccuracy but did he go too far in his depiction of the Maya in his brilliant, visceral jungle chase movie Apocalypto?We discuss the history behind this blockbuster, plus: is this the best loincloth movie of all time? Mel's subtle Midnight Cowboy reference and which exotic jungle death would Bryce prefer?Happen to know what a Tapir actually sounds like, or w
Apollo 13 (1995) - The Most Historically Accurate Movie of All Time?
Is this the most historically accurate film of all time? Quite possibly and we'll tell you why in this week's episode; Apollo 13.Plus: what being in space smells like. Is this the greatest nerds fixing problems movie of all time?Were there any members of Ron Howard's family NOT cast in this movie and the perfect sequel to Apollo 13 that you've probably never heard of!Do you know how to build that
Lumumba (2000) – The Assassinated Congolese Leader Who Changed History
The rise to power, reign and assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the subject of Raoul Peck's 2000 movie Lamumba.We discuss the complex and facinating history behind the movie and discuss everything from Eriq Ebouaney's fine performance to anachronistic airplanes.Do you know where we can get our hands on a nice cold Polar beer, or w
Gladiator (2000) – Fact vs Fiction, Epic Movie, Epic On-Set Drinking Stories....
“Are you not entertained?”To coincide with the release of Gladiator 2 this week, we take a trip back to the year 2000 and revisit Ridley Scott’s original swords and sandals classic.We talk through the history that inspired the movie, ask how accurate it is and get on to the important topic of Oliver Reed’s booze-fueled pugilistic antics with the crew of HMS Cumberland.Plus Commodus’ 5 back-to-back
Zulu (1964) – The Story of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift on Film
"Zulus sir! Thousands of 'em!"Stanley Baker, Michael Caine and Jack Hawkins star in Cy Endfield's depiction of the Battle of Rorke's Drift in this classic of '60s cinema.We discuss the real Battle of Rorke's Drift in 1879 and the causes and outcomes of the Anglo-Zulu War. Plus what make '60s movies so unique and brilliant, is Hook the film's hero, and is this the best sideburn movie ever made?Did
Marie Antoinette (2006) – The Real Queen Behind Sofia Coppola’s Stylish Film
Ep. 003 Marie Antoinette (2006)Let them eat cake, let them wear blue converse sneakers? We discuss Sofia Coppola's movie, based on the biography 'Marie Antoinette: The Journey' by Antonia Fraser and the life and times of the real Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France.Is this lavish, over the top, some times anachronistic movie actually the most honest and accurate depiction of Marie Antoinett
Braveheart (1995) – What Mel Gibson Got Right and Wrong About William Wallace
Ep. 002 Braveheart (1995)."They'll never take our freedom!" rings out across the glens in Mel Gibson's take on the life of Scottish independence fighter William Wallace. There's no denying that Braveheart is a ripping 3 hours of fun but has Mel's gross flights of historically-inaccurate fancy gone too far or are they necessary for a ripping yarn?We talk about the background of the real William Wal
Napoleon (2023) – How Accurate Is Ridley Scott’s Epic About France’s Emperor?
Ep. 001 Napoleon (2023).Where better place to start this podcast than with possibly the biggest historical figure of them all - Napoleon. But is the incredible life of the Corsican general simply too grand to fit on the big screen?We discuss how the myth of Napoleon falls into the 'great man' theory of history. What director Sir Ridley Scott (from here on 'Sridley') was trying to say with this mov
