PeterA wrote:
Glyn wrote:
Sorry to disappoint all you 'movie-lovers', but having seen the original documentary by William Wylder I couldn't bring myself to watch the modern dramatised version. The irony is the Memphis Belle was NOT the first B-17 to complete 25 missions.
You mustn't let true historic facts get in the way of a good Hollywood film script.
On the 65th anniversary of the actual 'Great Escape' from Stalag Luft III, this in today's 'The Times' of London.
PeterA
I can see his point to a degree, but two of the "Americans" he mentions in his editorial actually play a Pole and an Australian. So now we're down to two. The McQueen stuff is true, but it was sure exciting. Can the writer even imagine how upset Americans would be if the lead role and several subordinate roles in "Band Of Brothers" were played by English actors!
OH, WAIT! THEY WERE!!!!:lol:
"Objective Burma" was an entirely fictitious story, most likely designed to bring that part of the war to Americans. He must remember that we were fighting a war then and if the British wanted to make their own "Objective Burma' then the could have done so.
"Saving Private Ryan" is another totally fictitious story, so in reality, what does it matter who they were up against. You could pull apart almost every film ever made in this way. "Where Eagles Dare"? They explain why Clint is there, but under this author's microscope, that film is a shambles!
"U-571" is a total rip off of history, but it is fictitious also.
These films were all designed to make money first, entertain, and maybe tell some history. And granted, there have been some real "bombs" dropped by Hollywood over the years that didn't tell and accurate story, were boring, and didn't make any money!
I love movies, and I'm in a fringe area of the business, but even the truly accurate films have some latitude with the facts so that the story can be followed, understood and be able to create an emotional bond between the characters and the audience, all within 90 to 120 minutes.
My two cents, but it makes for a great discussion!
Blue skies,
Jerry
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Most of us have a sense of proportion, and can also see the humour. It helps to be able to laugh at oneself. British actors NEED the Hollywood dream factory. They are often there to play the 'baddies' when some precious thespian fears his adoring fans will not appreciate him being beastly. Notice in 'Masada' all the 'horrible' Romans were played by Brits and the 'wunnerful wunnerful' Jews were played by Americans? You want to watch these Brits as they will stop at nothing. The quintessential Englishman Hugh Laurie is a case in point. He has become House and telegenically(?) sports a Yasser Arafat stubble as well as an American accent. Look back to the time when he played the part of Bertie Wooster - and weep for him!
),No but that would be awesome. I have actually seen a few WWII warbirds flown by wwii vets. Now that is indeed special and very cool. 
