Philip Toosey Served As the Inspiration for Lt. Col. Nicholson In ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) was a sensational film so well-received that it earned several Academy Awards. What most people don’t realize is…
‘The Battle of Algiers’ Is So Realistic That Guerrilla Groups Took Training Notes From It
The Battle of Algiers (1966) is a powerful and provocative film directed by Gillo Pontecorvo. It covers the Algerian struggle for independence from French colonial…
The ‘M*A*S*H’ Death That Stunned America
In an episode titled “Abyssinia, Henry,” the producers of M*A*S*H (1972-83) decided that McLean Stevenson’s character, Henry Blake, was to depart from the show. It…
KAI T-50 Golden Eagle: The Supersonic Trainer That Took Out Rebels In the Philippines
The KAI T-50 Golden Eagle is one of few supersonic trainers in the world and the first developed for the Republic of Korea Air Force…
Sherman’s Neckties: The Ingenious Union Tactic That Immobilized the Confederates
Sherman’s Neckties – also known as Sherman’s Bowties, Jeff Davis’s Neckties and Sherman’s Hairpins – were railway destruction tactics used by the Union Army during…
Alan Alda and Jamie Farr – The ‘M*A*S*H’ Stars Who Earned Their Stripes In Korea
M*A*S*H (1972-83) centers around the Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals during the Korean War. Although the television show is based on fictional characters, a lot of…
Before Playing a POW In ‘The Great Escape,’ Donald Pleasence Was One In Real Life
British actor Donald Pleasence became one of the most popular antagonists in television and film, and is probably best known for portraying a prisoner of…
Zheng of Qin: The Chinese Emperor Who Escaped Assassination By Running Around a Pillar
Zheng of Qin, who reigned as the first emperor of China’s Qin Dynasty from 221-210 BC, survived several assassination attempts, including some that occurred while…
The Best War-Themed Historical Fiction Films Ever Released
History is full of incredible war stories that Hollywood has beautifully reimagined for the silver screen. However, directors will sometimes tweak facts here and there,…
Before He Was Britain’s Most Popular Leading Man, Kenneth More Served with the Royal Navy
Kenneth More was one of Britain’s greatest actors, both on-stage and on the silver screen. He became a household name, but only after he served…
Valentin: The German U-boat Pen That Survived Multiple 22,000-Pound ‘Grand Slam’ Bombs
During the Second World War, the British dominated the waterways. Their naval fleet proved to be one of the biggest threats to Germany and, as…
Korean War Helicopters That Were Vital to Those Serving In the Conflict
The Korean War took place between 1950-53 and saw the UN coalition forces operate a plethora of military vehicles, including helicopters. The United States, in…