| Band of Brothers is a French-British miniseries, in ten episodes of approximately one hour each, created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg according to the book of the same name by historian Stephen Ambrose and aired between September 9 and November 4, 2001 on HBO.
In France, the series aired from July 22 to August 19, 2002 on France 2 and Paris Première. In Quebec, it was broadcast on Super Écran.
The term "brothers in arms" refers to a group of individuals who fought together in an armed conflict or war. The English expression Band of Brothers comes from William Shakespeare's play, Henry V, and in particular from the speech given by Henry V of England shortly before the Battle of Azincourt.
Inspired by the work of historian Stephen E. Ambrose, this series traces the history of the soldiers of the Easy Company, the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, of the 101st Airborne Division of the United States (whose members are known as "Screaming Eagles" or "Howler Eagles"), from the beginning to the end of World War II in 1945.
The first episode shows how young recruits from airborne units are very well trained. The Easy Company is the best trained of all regimental companies. Out of ambition, First Lieutenant Herbert M. Sobel wants his company to be well regarded and makes the lives of his men as difficult as possible; he treats them harshly and imposes on them a grueling physical training, in particular the ascent of Mount Currahee whose regiment will draw its motto. His second-in-command, newly promoted First Lieutenant Richard D. Winters, is best viewed by men and displays better tactical skills. However, Sobel is promoted to the rank of captain by Colonel Sink, but the latter, after the near mutiny of Sobel's non-commissioned officers (after Sobel's wanderings ashore), is finally forced to assign him to a school. parachute drop for non-combat personnel in England.
|
