The challenge would not be completed with Z for Zulu – the historical war film of 1964, depicting the Battle of Rorke’s Drift between the Zulus and the British Army in 1879, in which 150 British soldiers successfully fought off 4,000 Zulu warriors.
In his first role, Michael Caine starred with Stanley Baker who also produced the film along with Joseph E. Levine. The American screenwriter, Cy Endfield, directed the box-office success which received critical acclaim with the future South African political leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi playing Zulu King Cetshwayo kaMpande.
Immediately preceding the events of the film, the Battle of Isandlwana featured in the prequel, Zulu Dawn, which was released fifteen years later, in 1979. Also written by Cy Endfield, it starred Burt Lancaster and Peter O’Toole.
What next? 1 May is here tomorrow and what on earth will we write about? Watch this space!
