Question 1

What real-life object was unearthed during filming on Normandy beach?

Accepted Answer

While clearing a section of the Normandy beach near Pointe du Hoc, the crew unearthed a tank buried since the original invasion. It was cleaned, fixed, and used in the movie as part of the British tank regiment.

Question 2

Why did Robert Mitchum jump into the water first during the Omaha Beach scene?

Accepted Answer

The extras playing American soldiers refused to jump off the landing craft because they thought the water would be too cold. Robert Mitchum was so disgusted that he jumped in first, forcing the soldiers to follow.

Question 3

Which non-actor was cast as Dwight D. Eisenhower due to his resemblance?

Accepted Answer

Henry Grace was not an actor when cast as Dwight D. Eisenhower, but his remarkable resemblance to Eisenhower got him the role.

Question 4

What scam did producer Darryl F. Zanuck fall for before shooting in Corsica?

Accepted Answer

A man claiming to represent beach owners demanded $15,000 to prevent modern cars from driving on the beach during filming. Zanuck paid, but it was a scam (no private beaches in Corsica). He won damages after an eight-year lawsuit.

Question 5

How many troops were supplied for filming, and by which countries?

Accepted Answer

An estimated 23,000 troops were supplied by the US, Britain, and France for filming. The French contributed 1000 commandos despite their involvement in the Algerian War at the time.

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