The fate of the Sandringham Company, which disappeared in action at Gallipoli in 1915 has remained shrouded in mystery for over eighty years.
The Company was a territorial unit, formed by a 'rag-bag' of servants, grooms and gardeners from the royal family's private country residence at Sandringham. Commanded by the their estate manager, Captain Frank Beck, the men advance into battle, where a cloud of dust and smoke - that appeared almost heavenly - was seen to engulf them. It was said that a strange mist descended onto the battlefield, covering the men and drawing them in.
All the King's Men was commisioned by the BBC as a major film for the millenium, to mark the end of a century blighted by wars.
Director - Julian Jarrold
Screenplay - Alma Cullen
Producer - Gareth Neame
Co-producer - Nigel McCrery
Music - Adrian Johnston
Conductor - Terry Davies
Played by the BBC Concert Orchestra
Leader - Cynthia Fleming
Recorded at Angel Studios, 13th & 14th September, 1999
Engineered by Steve Price
Music preparation by Colin Rae
Soundtrack released on BBC WMSF 6017
Cast: David Jason, Patrick Malahide, Ian McDiarmid, David Troughton, Phyllis Logan and Maggie Smith
CD:
All The King's Men (BBC) WMSF6017