J.F. Thomas John Waters - Cpt. Peter Handcock Rod Mullinar - Maj. Charles Bolton Lewis FitzGerald - Lt. Boers were Dutch settlers who went to South Africa in 16th century and who refused to submit to British imperial control. Sought to establish an independent Boer Republic.
Film is shot as a series of flashbacks during the court martial.
Legend began with Whitton's book in 1907 and periodically revived. One issue not directly discussed but implied is the morality of the British and Australian attempt to prevent independent Boer nation being established. Parallels with VN and similar relationship between USA and Australia. Danger that irregular war can lead to revenge killing as part of private war. Nuremberg defense in Nazi war crimes trials - just following orders.