Armed Forces of Freedonia?

[coggon]

At the top of my "I would really like these figures but can't figure out what I'd use them for" are the Copplestone Dinosaur Hunters (I think that's the pack that has the Groucho Marx figure in it ) and BAM's Polish Lancers. But neither really fit into my current projects (15mm WWII Normandy and our just started .45 Adventure campaign "Egyptian Idol-The Curse of Sheik Abdul Paula")

After watching "Duck Soup" a while back, it occured to me :twisted:  that maybe the pulp campaign could swing through Freedonia.  The lancers could be used as the personal escort of Rufus. T. Firefly.  

Anybody care to share their thoughts on other types of troops that might be in the Freedonian army?  I am specifically looking for odd or different types like the lancers. I wouldn't be opposed to some SYW figures in tricornes or even Prussions in pickelhaubes.  

Also, any suggestions for suitable figures for Harpo and Chico would be appreciated.  (I have any number of guys in suits that could pass for Zeppo in a pinch)

Thanks

[Grimm]

frst I must know what is Freedonia ?

 :wink:

[Westfalia Chris]

"Freedonia" is a fictitious country in the Marx Brothers´ 1933 comedy movie "Duck Soup".

Here´s a short synopsis, taken from IMDB.com:

To rescue the small country of Freedonia from bankruptcy, Mrs. Teasdale agrees to donate 20 million dollars if Rufus T. Firefly is appointed its new president. Firefly is a cynical, sarcastic dictator who refuses to play politics by the book. For instance, he does reduce workers' hours--by shortening their lunch breaks! Firefly attempts to win the hand of Mrs. Teasdale, as does Ambassador Trentino of the neighboring country, Sylvania. When the two leaders cannot resolve their dispute over the wealthy dowager, war between the countries is declared, and Mrs. Teasdale's house comes under attack. Who will save the day?  

Written by Rick Gregory

Rather bizarre, even for Marx Brothers standards, but well worth seeing (Arte occasionally airs a subtitled version). The German title is "Die Marx Brothers im Krieg".

[Operator5]

I think your Prussians in pickelhaube sound like a perfect fit. If you could find some in the greatcoat with big mustaches, it would be perfect.

I'd also go with any troop using a bearskin hat. Sorry, my command of historical military wear is limited.  ::

[lgkmas]

Richard, your lack of knowledge of the whole study of Chapeau a'militare is appalling in one so otherwise au fait with subjects military!
Surely we should be looking for something in a bell shako, dripping in agguilettes and covered in brass badges. Also a double breasted tunic  high necked with lots and lots of Spanish cuffs in a delightful duck-egg blue. Tight white breechs, so the troops have to remain standing. High black boots, every man carrying a slung sword, nay sabre! Slung pelisses, even though the troops aren't hussars or even worse, if they are infantry!! Oh the horror of it all! Ruritania rules!
What's good enough for Hollywood is good enough for Pulp!

regards

lgkmas

[PeteMurray]

What's good enough for Hollywood is good enough for Pulp!

Man, that is exactly right. That saying should be on everyone's painting desk!

Edit: Yes also to having crazy uniforms for the Ruritanians. Except the evil Grand Duke, who shouldn't have any more ornamentation on his dark-blue-almost-black uniform than a Prussian corporal.

[Plynkes]

As I recall, Adrian Helmets and Tommy hats were the order of the day in that conflict.

(Apart from the top brass, who got to indulge in Ruritanian extravagance, and Groucho, who seems to have a different hat* on in almost every shot.)




*Or indeed a massive vase with his face painted on it.

[coggon]

Oh shoot!  How could I have forgotten about the vase! ::

And you had to bring up Ruritania too.  I was hoping to avoid using them for villains and just stick with standard Nazis and Communists.

I like the Adrian helmet idea. Maybe some WWI or early WWII French?    

I've always wanted to paint Napoleanic troops in shakos too.  I guess I will have to do some more "research" and watch the movie again :wink: