They don't make movies like this anymore, literally and figuratively. With a cast of many thousands and an all-star international lineup of movie stars, any attempt to duplicate a film of this type today would be next to impossible. The action scenes of the battle are some of the greatest ever filmed, particularly the cavalry charges. Both Christopher Plummer and Rod Steiger give excellent performances as Wellington and Napoleon respectively. Orson Welles' role is somewhat limited due to lack of screen time and probably some severe editing. Historically, the film tries to remain as close to the truth as possible. Most of the dialogue is taken from real quotes from the participants of the actual battle. Plummer's Wellington comes across as aloof and indignant, but with a biting sense of humor. Steiger's Napoleon shows a side of his humanity that is often lacking in most films about the Emperor. Overall, this film is a fine example of epic moviemaking that is now a thing of the past.
