The Most Historically Accurate Hollywood Films

Sole-Survivor Policy

Though the actual search for "Private Ryan" is fictional, the film is based on a real directive that was enacted in 1942. The "Sole-Survivor Policy" stated that if only one member of a family remains, they were to be protected from military duty. There was a real search and rescue mission for a man named Frederick Niland, who lost three of his brothers died at war over just one month. 

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The More You Know

  • There’s a Starbucks cup in every "Fight Club" scene.
  • Witches Weren't Actually Burned at the Stake In Salem
  • Betsy Ross Didn't Design and Sew the First American Flag
  • Tom Cruise earned $75 Million for his role in Mission Impossible 2.
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