Noth and South series

[DugRelic]

My friend just hooked me up with the dvd series, haven't seen it since I was like 12, loved it then. Any thoughts from you members?

[DugRelic]

I mean NORTH and SOUTH, my keyboard stinks and I totally didn't make the poll right, sorry : (

[PIA]

Which NORTH AND SOUTH series are you referring to? The TV mini-series?
Glad to have you on the Forum.
Best regards,
Gary

[DugRelic]

Ty Gary, yes, the mini-series. It is out on dvd, ala Time Warner. I loved it when I was a kid, now, I will see how I like it as an adult, if you can call me one, haha. I guess it it from book 1. I think that this mini, got me interested in the Civil War. I had it on vhs, but it is lost in the many, old-school tapes. I need to get the Ken Burns dvds next.

[PIA]

It's always nice to address a reply to a name. No offense intended.

The mini-series was filmed mostly on the east coast, but the battle sequences were filmed just south of Natchez, MS. I took a week of personal leave from the MS State Park where I worked to participate in the filming. The pay was OK ($50 per for most men and $75 for some officers) and we CW reenacters were treated well. Breakfast and noon meals were provided, but supper was wherever we could find it. Porta-poots and showers were also provided. They were always clean. Great people to work with.

Casting call for everyone was always early. Our reenactment organization was equipped to accurately portray either US or CS infantry. There was a very good musical band in our camp (almost all reenacters camped in either the authentic US or CS camps) which woke us up with reveille each AM. I used my own alarm clock, however, as I wanted to rise early, do my 'merd du jour', shower and be 'more better' prepared for the day.

Seeing a movie filmed is exciting for about one hour. After that it is boring. The takes and retakes thing. And one does not recognize the stars in the film. I saw and spoke with most of the good lookin' gals in NORTH AND SOUTH, but had no idea as to who they were.

Heck, I'd also done work on THE BLUE AND THE GRAY mini-series and briefly spoke with a famous character-actor (played the Sgt. in STRIPES with Bill Murry) and did not realize it. However, I did work one weekend on an episode on a rather sort-lived episode of a CBS endeavor in which the man who portrayed the father on THE WALTONS starred. Name of the series might have been THE MISSISSIPPI, but I'm not sure. Ralph Waite? We filmed that down near Natchez. He was a very nice guy...and better looking in person than on TV.

This post is running too long. If you review the Lee's surrender at Appomattox in the NORTH AND SOUTH movie, I'm the Yankee officer (with a beard, wearing a Yankee cap) who for a brief second fidgets with his shoulder straps...that's me. I am also in other scenes as both a US and CS officer. Duh-uh...autographs are for sale! :lol:

No doubt everyone Will be impressed with my stardom. The film industry is interesting and can be kinda fun.

Whatever,
Your Pard,
Gary

[DugRelic]

Helllooooo Movie Star!!!!!!!! That is really awesome!!!! I would pay to be in something like that!!! I will look for you!!!! Ty for sharing this!!!! Your humble member... Jay...

[tomh]

Gary,

I don't have North and South but I do have Blue and Gray. What scenes were you in that one? Please tell me you weren't one of the soldiers using 1870's Springfield Trapdoors <grin>.

TomH

[PIA]

Hello Jay et al,

We spent two separate weekends filming battle scenes for THE BLUE AND THE GRAY. Stacey Keach (hope the spelling is OK) was there and we enjoyed seeing him. I went CS one weekend and US the other. The filming was done at the Pea Ridge, Arkansas, State Park battlefield. I always thought it curious that we were fighting First Bull Run there! Thought the movie was kinda cheesy. As to seeing me on the screen, I could only say that once or twice I am the second shadow from the left. No Oscar nominations!

Filming the episode of THE MISSISSIPPI was a magic moment for me. The location was Jefferson Military Academy in Washington, MS, just north of Natchez. The academy was established before the CW and is now a park. Some of the scenes in THE HORSE SOLDIERS were filmed there. Being one of my favorite movies, I recognized various trees and landmarks. Loved the experience. Walked in the foot steps of John Wayne! That movie was one of the things which sparked my interest in the Civil War.

Autographs still for sale,
Gary

[cwbullet]

I did not know we had someone famous on the board.

[PIA]

Um,
Maybe famous (?), but forgetful! The BLUE AND THE GRAY battle scenes were filmed at Prairie Grove State Park, not Pea Ridge.
A few autographs yet available,
I may be easy, but not cheap! :lol:
Gary