Is War Horse One Based on a True Story?
The question that has been on everyone’s mind since the release of Steven Spielberg’s epic war film, War Horse. The movie tells the story of a young boy’s journey to find his beloved horse, Joey, who is sold to the cavalry and sent to the front lines of World War I. The film has captured the hearts of millions, but is it based on a true story?
A Little Background
The novel "War Horse" by Michael Morpurgo was published in 1982 and tells the story of a young boy named Albert Narracott and his horse, Joey. The story is set during World War I and follows the journey of Joey as he is sold to the cavalry and sent to the front lines, where he becomes embroiled in the war efforts. The novel was a huge success and was later adapted into a play, which premiered in London’s West End in 2007.
The Inspiration Behind the Story
Michael Morpurgo has spoken publicly about the inspiration behind his novel. He was inspired by the true story of a horse named Frankie, who was sold to the British Army during World War I and served in the trenches. Morpurgo was fascinated by the idea of a horse being used in war and the emotional bond between a horse and its rider. He drew heavily from his own experiences as a young boy, growing up on a farm in Devon, where he was exposed to the harsh realities of war.
The Similarities Between the Book and the Film
The film adaptation of War Horse, directed by Steven Spielberg, stays largely faithful to the original novel. The story follows Albert Narracott as he sets out to find his beloved horse, Joey, who has been sold to the cavalry. The film explores the emotional bond between Albert and Joey, as well as the devastating effects of war on both humans and animals. The film also delves into the theme of war and its impact on those who are fighting, including the horses.
The Differences Between the Book and the Film
While the film stays largely faithful to the original novel, there are some key differences. The film expands on the characters and storylines, adding new characters and plot twists. The film also includes more action sequences and battles, which were not present in the original novel. Additionally, the film takes some creative liberties with the ending, which has been the subject of some controversy among fans of the novel.
The True Story of Frankie
As mentioned earlier, Michael Morpurgo was inspired by the true story of a horse named Frankie, who was sold to the British Army during World War I. Frankie was a thoroughbred gelding who was purchased by the army in 1915 and served in the trenches. Frankie was used as a pack horse, carrying supplies and equipment for the soldiers. Despite the dangers and hardships, Frankie survived the war and was eventually returned to his owner, where he lived out the rest of his days.
Table: The Similarities and Differences Between the Book and the Film
| Similarity/Difference | Book | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Storyline | The story of a young boy’s journey to find his beloved horse, Joey, who is sold to the cavalry and sent to the front lines of World War I. | The story of a young boy’s journey to find his beloved horse, Joey, who is sold to the cavalry and sent to the front lines of World War I. |
| Characters | Limited character development, focusing on the relationship between Albert and Joey. | Expands on the characters, adding new characters and plot twists. |
| Action Sequences | Minimal action sequences, focusing on the emotional bond between Albert and Joey. | Includes more action sequences and battles. |
| Ending | The book ends with Albert and Joey reunited, while the film takes a more dramatic and emotional turn. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while War Horse is not based on a single, specific true story, it is heavily inspired by the experiences of horses during World War I. The film takes creative liberties with the story and characters, but stays largely faithful to the original novel. The true story of Frankie, the thoroughbred gelding who served in the trenches, is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by animals during wartime. Whether you’re a fan of the book or the film, War Horse is a powerful and emotional tale that will leave you feeling moved and inspired.
Additional Resources
- Michael Morpurgo’s website: www.michaelmorpurgo.com
- War Horse the Play: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/war-horse
- The Imperial War Museum’s collection on horses in World War I: www.iwm.org.uk/collections/animal-horsemount
Bibliography
- Morpurgo, M. (1982). War Horse. London: Kingfisher Books.
- Morpurgo, M. (2007). War Horse. London: HarperCollins Publishers.
- Spielberg, S. (2011). War Horse. United States: Touchstone Pictures.
