Cromwell Films have added to their Campaigns in History series with Austerlitz. This film follows the usual format of these productions, with extensive use of film footage, computer graphics, interviews with David Chandler and the use of actors to portray characters from the campaign. This film tells the story of the Austerlitz campaign, beginning with the French Army's preparations for the invasion of England, to the march of the Grande Armee from the Channel to take on the Russian and Austrian armies at Austerlitz in December 1805.

This film is, to my mind, one of Cromwell Films best yet. The campaign is explained in great detail, with an actor playing the part of Captain Coignet and relating his experiences in the campaign (the video is accompanied by a book containing extracts from the diaries of this officer).

The Austrian side is represented by General Stutterheirn giving his view of the battle. The film explains in detail the French Corps d'Armee system, and the problems of command on the allied side, both of which contributed to the outcome of the campaign. There is extensive use of in that there is a section in which the Austrian Army is being desribed, but we are treated to film of the Russian Army in action. I would prefer to see the narration and visual pictures being better co-ordinated. Apart from this, it is a superb production. In the video it is stated that the Battle of Austerlitz established the reputation of Napoleon's Grande Armee. This film certainly adds to the reputation of Cromwell Films. Highly recommended. The film is available from Partizan Press price 15.00 plus postage and packing.

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