Film-makers plot a summer murder (From Stroud News and Journal)

Film-makers plot a summer murder

STROUD movie makers are plotting to film a murder next summer.

Members of the Cotswold Video and Camera Club are celebrating a successful grant application which will let them realise a plan that has been on the boil for the past five years.

The club wants to make a documentary charting Stroud's famous 19th century duel between Lieutenants Heazle and Delmont.

Now with 750 from Stroud Town Council it can afford to hire costumes and tape the ill-fated showdown.

Both duellists were soldiers in the British army and the club is keen to make sure the actors' outfits are historically accurate.

"They were Lieutenants in the Glosters at the beginning of the 19th century," said the club's Clive Blackmore.

"We've got illustrations from the regimental museum in Gloucester but haven't got the costumes themselves yet."

Mr Blackmore hopes the video will dispel some of the myths about the shoot out.

"Nobody really knows what the fight was about because one of them was killed and the other ran away and they didn't tell anybody," he said.

"But it's thought it was over a mutual lady friend."

Contrary to popular belief the duel was not legal and neither was it the last fatal face off in England.

"Duelling had been illegal for 200 years but nobody though taken much notice of that," said Mr Blackmore.

"But it wasn't very common by then and it was gradually becoming less acceptable."

The confrontation was not strictly a duel in any case, said the film maker, as Heazle shot Delmont in the back before he had finished pacing.

"It was a murder," claimed Mr Blackmore.

The video club is still looking for actors to play the roles of the two duellists and a host of minor characters.

It would also like to hear from local historians, make-up artists or costume experts.

Anyone who can help should contact Mr Blackmore on 01453 751686.