Culloden

Culloden was broadcast on 15 December 1964. The film by Peter Watkins was a remarkable achievement, boldly combining documentary filming techniques and historical re-enactments to vivid effect.

It depicted the 1746 battle and its bloody aftermath, when the English army, commanded by the Duke of Cumberland, defeated the forces of Charles Edward Stuart – Bonnie Prince Charlie – and brutally suppressed the second Jacobite rebellion. There was some criticism of the violence depicted but the programme was a critical success, and became a landmark documentary.

Culloden debunked the romantic myth of Bonnie Prince Charlie, showing him to be vain and indecisive. It also showed the atrocities committed by the English army against the Highland Scots. Historical accuracy was ensured by John Prebble, who acted as adviser. Local people were employed for the staging of the battle, some of whom were descended from the original participants, adding to the sense of realism.

Watkins was disappointed that critics didn't see Culloden as his critique of the Vietnam War, but made a more direct political point in his next film, The War Game. It dealt with the very contemporary fear of nuclear war, imagining its effect on the UK. This proved too shocking for the BBC and the Labour government and was banned. It was not shown on television until 1985, by which time Watkins role as a drama-documentary pioneer was appreciated.