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wcrypto
Reviews
The Pledge (2001)
NOT a "goof". Tunnels.
There are two of Nevada's four tunnels approaching westbound to South Lake Tahoe on US 50, which this clearly was. (The other two are just west of Elko NV on Interstate 80.)
Stars and Stripes Forever (1952)
A minor "goof" and a teeny bit of trivia
In an early scene, following a "Pass In Review", Sousa informs the Secretary of the Navy that he will be leaving the Marine Band to form his own commercial band. At that time, the movie informs you that Sousa is a Sergeant Major (a high enlisted rank but a non-officer]. For much of the 12 years he led the U.S. Marine Band, he was indeed a Sergeant Major, but at the time he resigned from the band, he was a Warrant Officer (a very special type of officer, within the ranks of commissioned officers).
Sousa was born on "F" Street (S.E. Washington) just a few blocks from the Marine Barracks at 8th and I streets – "the oldest post in the Corps." He served a seven year apprenticeship with the band, and after a few years away from the band, he returned as their director for the period 1880-1892. All of this time (apprenticeship and as Director) was served at Marine Barracks, 8th and I.
W4crypto (a retired, Warrant Officer, U.S. Navy)
The Iron Horse (1924)
Rated 10 for technical accuracy in railroading history
Having at one time been the Southern Pacific Trainmaster for the territory of the eastern half of the predecessor Central Pacific, I have done extensive research on the old CPRR, between Montello NV and Lovelock NV.
Although not a "railfan" nor a "steam fan", I am an amateur historian.
John Ford's work in "The Iron Horse" was absolutely brilliant. He brought to the screen the real feeling of genuineness with the way the original "Chinaman's railroad" (as many local historians called it) was constructed, to the screen with absolute realism.
My father and his brother were working for Universal at the time this was made.
I'm a real fan of John Ford, and would rank this among his "most technically correct" film accomplishments, and I know that he always strove for realism.
Walter J Gould