Fencing and Films

From the days of silent films to the present time, the sport of fencing and swashbuckling movies have been linked together in historical dramas and adventures. There have been many famous actors who in the course of their careers have been required to perform sword fighting routines, such as Uma Thurman, Oliver Reed, Christopher Lee, Ralph Fiennes and the Club's patron, Gene Wilder. They follow in the footsteps of stars such as Error Flynn, Douglas Fairbanks and that splendid Hollywood "villain", Basil Rathbone. By all accounts Rathbone was an accomplished fencer, who in reality, when they meet duelling on the screen, could have finished Flynn off with a few deft strokes at any time.

Similar to the car chase at the end of many modern action films, the final duel between hero and villain in historical pictures provides a climactic end to numerous costume dramas.

There is a world of difference though between the sport of fencing and film swordplay. Both require speed, skill and mental agility, but there the similarities end. Fencers learn to outwit and outmanoeuvre their opponents using techniques of attack and defence in order to score hits. For safety reasons they wear a mask and protective clothing. Actors duelling on screen however, usually don't have any such protection. Their safety depends upon a carefully choreographed and well-rehearsed and executed routine.

Fencing is the modern sport, which has developed down through the years from its historical background in duelling. However, film swordplay shows how it is imagined that a duel might have been fought - with panache and brio. The roots for both are the same.

The Swash & Buckle Fencing Club was founded in 1992 by William Hobbs, who was a film and theatre Fight Director for many productions. Read on to find out more about William Hobbs.

Fencing Associations

British Fencing Association

For details of how to join the BFA, competition listings, list of fencing equipment suppliers, etc.
Website: www.britishfencing.com

Fédération Internationale d'Escrime

The sport's international governing body (NB website in French).
Website: www.fie.ch

Books

By the Sword, Richard Cohen
Fencing, Charles de Beaumont
Fight Directon for Stage and Screen, William Hobbs

Fencing Related Websites

Southern Fencing is featuring a booklet aimed at adult fencers and/or parents of young fencers contemplating their first competition.
Website: Southern Fencing
Booklet: Guide to competitive fencing (PDF)

Shutterbug magazine has an interview about fencing photography with Lori Stroll, a visitor to the club in 2004.
Article: Might As Well Jump

Some Questions Answered

1. Is fencing safe?
Fencing is known to be amongst the safest sports and is regulated by British Fencing.

2. Do I need to be fit?
Anyone who is of normal, general fitness can fence. Fencing regularly will help your fitness level.

3. How long does it take to start fencing properly and begin sparring against others?
You will start actually fencing using basic movements by the end of your six weeks Beginners course.

4. How may are in a class?
Classes are kept small with 20 people as a maximum.