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In this episode, Richard explains why there are so few movies set in the Middle Ages that are historically accurate, and gives examples of a good film (Eric Rohmer's "Perceval le Gallois"; a bad film, Ridley Scott's "The Kingdom of Heaven"; and a not so bad medieval film, Ridley Scott's most recent blockbuster, "The Last Duel."  Richard and Carol devote most of the podcast to discussing what is historical and what is anachronistic about the last, as it is the most recent medieval blockbuster and is currently streaming on HBO. For those who haven't seen it, "The Last Duel" recounts the true story of a trial by combat that took place in Paris in 1387 to determine guilt or innocence in a case of rape. Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris were friends but as the latter rose in wealth and status at the expense of the former, friendship turned to animosity.  Carrouges' resentment against his more cultured and successful rival turns deadly when Carrouges's wife, Marguerite, accuses Le Gris of raping her. Knowing that Le Gris has the protection of the local count, their mutual lord, Carrouges seeks to vindicate his and his wife's honor through a judicial duel to the death. Like the Japanese film, "Rashomon," also about a rape, the story is told and retold from the viewpoints of each of the three main characters. Richard briefly explains why as a historian he despises the movie "The Kingdom of Heaven." (More on that in a future episode on the Crusades.) Finally, Richard explains why "Perceval le Gallois," a movie that almost derailed the career of the famed French director Eric Rohmer, is the only fully "medieval" movie that Richard has ever seen.....and Carol ponders how a film that she found unwatchable got an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

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Intro and exit music are by Alexander Nakarada

If you have questions, feel free to contact me at [email protected]

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The title of our podcast ‘Tis But a Scratch: Fact and Fiction about the Middle Ages” is a tribute to one of Richard’s favorite “medieval” movies, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Richard was incredulous when Carol told him that she had never seen the movie.  After she watched it, she was incredulous that he actually used parts of it in his medieval history classes.  In this episode Richard explains how there is more historical truth in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” than anyone would think—probably including the Monty Python troupe—and how he used it in his classes.  Among the topics covered are the “chivalry” of the Black Knight; “Bring out you dead” and the Black Death; courtly love and Castle Anthrax’s amorous 150 maidens; and why Richard the historian hates, hates, hates “Braveheart” (although as a moviegoer he kind of likes it).

(This is the first episode of the podcast and was the first podcast I ever did. I knew that there were problems with the sound quality but had no idea how to fix it. This version is clearer and louder.)

Listen on Podurama https://podurama.com

Intro and exit music are by Alexander Nakarada

If you have questions, feel free to contact me at [email protected]