Was The Dirty Dozen Based On A Real Story
Many people have heard of the iconic 1967 film, The Dirty Dozen. The movie was a hit with audiences and critics alike, and it remains a classic to this day. But was The Dirty Dozen based on a real story? In this article, we will explore the origins of The Dirty Dozen and uncover the truth about whether or not it was based on a true story.
What Is The Dirty Dozen?
The Dirty Dozen is a 1967 war film directed by Robert Aldrich. The film tells the story of a group of convicted criminals who are given a chance to redeem themselves by completing a dangerous mission during World War II. The mission involves a suicide attack on a chateau in France where high-ranking German officers are meeting.
The movie stars Lee Marvin as Major John Reisman, who is tasked with training the group of criminals for the mission. The cast also includes Charles Bronson, Donald Sutherland, and Jim Brown, among others.
The Dirty Dozen was a box office success and received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for John Cassavetes.
Is The Dirty Dozen Based On A True Story?
The Dirty Dozen is not based on a specific true story, but it was inspired by real-life events. The idea for the film came from a book called The Filthy Thirteen: From the Dustbowl to Hitler's Eagle's Nest, which was written by Jake McNiece and Richard Killblane. The book tells the story of a group of soldiers who were part of the 101st Airborne Division during World War II.
The Filthy Thirteen were a group of soldiers who were known for their unconventional tactics and their disregard for military discipline. The group was made up of volunteers who were handpicked by their commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Frederick. The soldiers were given the nickname "The Filthy Thirteen" because they refused to shave or bathe and often had mud and dirt smeared on their faces.
Like the characters in The Dirty Dozen, The Filthy Thirteen were given a dangerous mission during the war. They were tasked with destroying German gun emplacements in Normandy on D-Day. The mission was successful, but many members of the group were killed or wounded.
The Differences Between The Dirty Dozen And The Filthy Thirteen
While The Dirty Dozen was inspired by The Filthy Thirteen, there are some significant differences between the two. For one, the characters in The Dirty Dozen are all criminals, whereas The Filthy Thirteen were soldiers. Additionally, the mission in The Dirty Dozen is a suicide attack, whereas The Filthy Thirteen's mission was a strategic attack on enemy positions.
Another key difference between the two is the location of the missions. The Dirty Dozen takes place in France, while The Filthy Thirteen's mission was in Normandy. The Filthy Thirteen's mission was also part of a larger operation, whereas The Dirty Dozen's mission was a standalone operation.
The Legacy Of The Dirty Dozen
The Dirty Dozen has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film has been referenced in numerous other movies and TV shows, and the term "dirty dozen" has become a popular phrase to describe a group of people who are seen as difficult or unruly.
The Dirty Dozen also helped to launch the careers of several of its cast members, including Charles Bronson and Jim Brown. The film remains a classic to this day and is considered one of the best war movies ever made.
Conclusion
While The Dirty Dozen is not based on a specific true story, it was inspired by real-life events. The film was inspired by a book called The Filthy Thirteen, which tells the story of a group of soldiers who were part of the 101st Airborne Division during World War II. While there are some significant differences between the two, The Dirty Dozen remains a classic and has had a lasting impact on popular culture.