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19. Films also present false history
The old adage that lies repeated become truth is especially true when a subject about which little is known by the viewer is encountered on film. Films are powerful propaganda tools as a result, and have been used as such for as long as they have existed. In 2013 a psychology researcher at Duke University pointed out that people absorb accurate information from historical films, as well as inaccurate information, with about the same rate of retention for both. Scrupulous adherence to historical facts in films has never been the primary goal of the producers, directors, and casts.
In many films based on historical events, multiple participants in the historical record become molded into fictional composite characters. 1963’s The Great Escape stands as an example. It altered the timeline, the characters (the American Virgil Hilts played by Steve McQueen was entirely fictional), and the events before, during, and after the escape. Yet it still portrayed aspects of history as regards being a prisoner of war in a Luftwaffe Stalag accurately. Prisoners’ relationships with the guards, military discipline, preparation for the escape, and the importance of Red Cross Packages were correctly portrayed. The environment of the camp was also accurately depicted, as was the German issuance of gardening tools to the prisoners, after parole was given they would not be used for escape purposes.