Rough Riders was a made for TV movie, released in 1997, starring Tom Berenger as Teddy Roosevelt. It chronicled the history of the Rough Riders, especially their military actions in the Spanish American War.
Used by (Tom Berenger) as Teddy Roosevelt and other U.S. Army officers. In reality Roosevelt used a 38 caliber double action Colt revolver that had been recovered from the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor after it was sunk (see Colt 1889). But John Milius, the director, wanted him to carry the Peacemaker since Roosevelt is considered to be the "Cowboy President".
Used by Teddy Roosevelt (Tom Berenger) throughout much of the fighting on Cuba. Hands it to one of his soldiers during the attack up Kettle Hill. The assumption is that the rifle is chambered in 30-40 Krag.In reality the Winchester Model 1895 rifle used in the filming is the personal property of director John Milius (a fan of the 1895 Winchester)and chambered in 35 Winchester.
Used by several of the regiment's officers to include Bucky O'Neill (Sam Elliott). Like the 1895 rifle the assumption is the carbines are also chambered for 30-40 Krag. The pair on the show was chambered in .30-40 Krag and was supplied by Ellis Mercantile.-Phoenixent
Used by most of the Ist Volunteer U.S. Cavalry soldiers (i.e. Rough Riders) in the movie. A few use the Winchester Model 1895 and the cook opts for a double barrel shotgun.
The regiment's cook Eli (Geoffrey Lewis) carries a cut down Remington Model 1889 double barrel shotgun. Appears to be either 12 gauge or 10 gauge.The 1889 could be had in either gauge.
Used by the Rough Riders for fire support. The script has that the two 1895's are a gift from Lewis Tiffany.Unknown if this is factual. The pair on the show were actually Model 1914 made by Marlin and chambered in 7.62 x 54mmR Russian and supplied by Stembridge Gun Rentals.
Though inaccurate it was used for dramatic effect and to forshadow World War One. The machinegun (in the film supposedly provided by German Advisors to the Spanish Army) was supposed to be an 1884 Maxim Prototype gun (the type distributed by Hiram Maxim to warring parties in conflicts like the Transvaal "Boer War"), but there is little proof that Maxims were used by the Spaniards in the war.After taking Kettle Hill the Rough Riders use the Maxim along with their Colt machine guns to fire on San Juan Hill.
There are multiple screecaps of the artillery used by both the Spanish and American forces during the Battle for San Juan Hill. I am unable to identify the various pieces so I will leave it for somebody more familiar with field artillery than I am. I can tell you that according to the August 1997 issue of Guns & Ammo the artillery pieces were two breech loaded 1891 2.5 inch Krupp field guns, an altered French 75mm gun (the steel splinter shield was removed), a two pounder Hotckiss mountain gun and a Hotchkiss revolving cannon.
