Sharpe's Eagle (TV programme)
| Sharpe's Eagle | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Bernard Cornwell (novel) |
| Directed by | Tom Clegg |
| Starring |
Sean Bean Brian Cox Daragh O'Malley Assumpta Serna |
| Theme music composer | Dominic Muldowney John Tams |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Running time | 100 min. |
| Release | |
| Original network | ITV |
| Original release | 1993 |
| Chronology | |
| Preceded by | Sharpe's Rifles |
| Followed by | Sharpe's Company |
Sharpe's Eagle is the second in the series of Sharpe historical war television dramas, based on the novel of the same name. Shown on ITV in 1993, the adaptation stars Sean Bean, Daragh O'Malley and Assumpta Serna.
In 1809, Sir Arthur Wellesley, commander of the British forces in the Iberian Peninsula, prepares to invade French-controlled Spain. He orders Lieutenant Richard Sharpe and his band of "chosen men" to accompany the arrogantly incompetent, newly arrived Sir Henry Simmerson and his South Essex Regiment on a small, but significant mission to destroy a bridge vital to French troop movements. Simmerson, his nephew Lieutenant Gibbons (Neil Dudgeon) and Lieutenant Berry (Daniel Craig) despise Sharpe for his low birth. However, Major Lennox (David Ashton), who knew Sharpe from their days in India, and American-born Captain Leroy (Gavan O'Herlihy) appreciate his military skill and sense of honour.
The bridge is taken without resistance and Sharpe's men start to place explosives. When Simmerson spots a small French patrol on the other side of the river, he orders Lennox to take a small detachment and drive them off. Lennox strenuously objects, but obeys the command. His fears are realised when a hidden French cavalry unit surprises and overruns the British instead; Lennox is fatally wounded and the King's colours are lost. Sharpe and his men go to the rescue, while Simmerson panics and orders the bridge to be blown up, even though some of his men are still on the other side. Afterwards, the dying Lennox asks Sharpe for a French Imperial Eagle to wash away the shame of losing the colours.
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