Balaclava (1928)
A disgraced British officer seeks redemption on the battlefields of the Crimean War in this gripping 1928 silent drama from Gainsborough Pictures.
Balaclava - Movie Information
- Original Title: Balaclava
- Release Year: 1928
- Directed by: Maurice Elvey, Milton Rosmer
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, War
- Runtime: 1h 12m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 6, 1928 (United Kingdom)
- Production Companies: Gainsborough Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Balaclava - Plot
A British army officer is cashiered, and re-enlists as Private to take part in the Crimean War. He succeeds in capturing a top Russian spy which results in the famous Charge of the Light Brigade to take the Balaclava Heights.
Where to Watch Balaclava
Looking for where to watch Balaclava?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Balaclava - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Maurice Elvey
- Milton Rosmer
Main Cast
- Cyril McLaglen
- Benita Hume
- Alf Goddard
- Miles Mander
- J. Fisher White
- Betty Bolton
- Robert Holmes
- Harold Huth
- Boris Ranevsky
- Wallace Bosco
Writers
- Gareth Gundrey
- Boyd Cable
- W.P. Lipscomb
Producers
- Michael Balcon
Balaclava - FAQs
What is Balaclava about?
Balaclava follows a British army officer who is dishonourably discharged and chooses to re-enlist as a common private. Determined to redeem himself, he serves in the Crimean War, captures a key Russian spy, and his actions ultimately set in motion the legendary Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava Heights.
Is Balaclava based on a true story?
Balaclava is a fictional drama set against the real historical backdrop of the Crimean War (1853–1856) and the famous Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava in October 1854. While the central characters are invented, the film draws on genuine historical events and figures of the period.
Who directed the 1928 film Balaclava?
Balaclava was co-directed by Maurice Elvey and Milton Rosmer. Maurice Elvey was one of the most prolific British directors of the silent era, while Milton Rosmer was primarily known as an actor who also took on directorial work during this period.
Who are the main actors in Balaclava?
The film stars Cyril McLaglen as John Kennedy, Benita Hume as Jean McDonald, Alf Goddard as Nobby, Miles Mander as Captain Gardner, J. Fisher White as Lord Raglan, Betty Bolton as Natasha, Harold Huth as Captain Nolan, and Boris Ranevsky as the Tsar, among others.
What is the Charge of the Light Brigade connection in Balaclava?
The Charge of the Light Brigade is the dramatic climax of the film. The protagonist’s capture of a Russian spy triggers a chain of events leading to the famous ill-fated cavalry charge at Balaclava Heights during the Crimean War — one of the most iconic and controversial military engagements in British history.
When was Balaclava released?
Balaclava was released on June 6, 1928, in the United Kingdom. It was produced by Gainsborough Pictures, one of the leading British film studios of the silent era, under the producership of Michael Balcon.
How long is the film Balaclava?
Balaclava has a runtime of 72 minutes, making it a feature-length silent film typical of the late 1920s British cinema. The film was produced by Gainsborough Pictures and co-directed by Maurice Elvey and Milton Rosmer.
Who produced and wrote Balaclava (1928)?
Balaclava was produced by Michael Balcon for Gainsborough Pictures. The screenplay was written by Gareth Gundrey, Boyd Cable, and W.P. Lipscomb. The film was shot by cinematographers James Wilson and Percy Strong, and edited by Ian Dalrymple.
More About Balaclava
Explore further details about Balaclava on these authoritative resources.