Expert: Mark Smith - 11/30/2003

Question
i'm in sort of a bind. recently sold a screenplay with references to stalin and churchill becoming allies after stalin was double-crossed by hitler. the analogy works well, but the studio has deemed it too risky because of the reference to hitler.

are there any comparable moments in british military history where two foes became united after a similar double cross? it does NOT need to be  well known. in fact, i'm sure the studio would be less concerned  if it's somewhat obscure.

do you know of such a specific event or can you direct me to a site/book where i might be able to find something like this?

thanks so much for any help.

michael

Answer
Hello Michael.
The only comparison I can think of (and it's not a very good one) is the situation regarding GB, Russia and France during the Napoleonic Wars. At the Treaty of Tilsit in 1807 a defeated Russia reluctantly allied with Napoleonic France. The two allies were never close and Russia drifted back towards supporting GB. So in 1812 Napoleon invaded Russia, thus making GB and Russia allies once more. The invasion of 1812 can be seen as comparable to the German invasion of Russia in 1941.
Sorry, but that's all I can think of.
Mark