Based on a True Story

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 379) — Most movies focus on the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, but the true story of December 7th, 1941, involves a coordinated global offensive across the Pacific. In this episode, history professor Joshua Donohue returns to explore what the movies miss—including attacks on Wake Island, the Philippines, and military installations across Oahu that extended far beyond the harbor itself. From civilian casualties to pilot heroics to the international scope of Japan's ambitious assault, we separate fact from fiction across multiple Pearl Harbor films.Josh's Latest WorkEmbattled Marines at Air Station EwaChapters0:00 Intro & Two Truths and a Lie Game3:16 From Here to Eternity: Life Before the Attack10:20 The Global Scope of Japan's Offensive12:40 Wake Island Under Siege20:04 Oahu's Airfields and Widespread Attacks28:23 American Aircraft in the Air During the Attack43:20 Civilian Casualties and Friendly Fire58:23 American Morale and the Movies' Coverage1:05:02 Pilots Beyond Pearl Harbor1:11:13 The Final Countdown: What If Scenario1:22:32 Two Truths and a Lie Answer RevealSupport my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting classNote: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/379See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 378) — Discover the historical accuracy behind the 2025 film "Nuremberg" which is adapted from Jack El-Hai's book "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist."Get Jack's Book: The Nazi and the PsychiatristLearn about the real Dr. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) and his complex relationship with Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) during the historic Nuremberg trials. What did the filmmakers get right and what did they change from the true story? Tune in to find out!Also MentionedJack El-Hai Official WebsiteNuremberg (2025 Film)22 Cells in Nuremberg by Douglas KelleyHowie Trieste's Book on Nuremberg ExperiencesStars and Stripes Military NewspaperChapters0:00 Intro2:35 Movie Overview - Nuremberg and Main Characters5:45 Historical Grade and Book Comparison9:10 Goering's Capture by Allied Forces14:20 Douglas Kelley's Role as Psychiatrist18:55 Goering and Rudolf Hess Relationship23:45 Goering's Narcissism and Motivations29:00 Concentration Camp Films and Kelley's Turning Point33:15 Reporter Character and Kelley's Departure37:00 Howie Trieste's Story as German-Jewish Translator41:45 Kelley Handing Over Research to Prosecutors45:15 Goering's Cyanide Pill and Suicide48:00 Final Lessons and Democracy Warnings50:30 Behind-the-Scenes Film Production Story52:15 Two Truths and a Lie Answer RevealSupport My WorkSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 377) — The first season of FX’s “Feud” chronicles the turbulent making of the 1962 thriller “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” Over eight episodes set against Hollywood's fading Golden Age, “Feud” focuses on a simmering resentment between aging stars Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, on-set clashes over performances and camera work, and the film’s premiere.Get Scott's bookWhere to watch Feud To help us separate fact from fiction in the series today is Scott Eyman, whose new biography Joan Crawford: A Woman’s Face reveals Crawford’s journey from orphan to screen legend using thorough research from personal papers, studio records, and the Robert Aldrich archives at UCLA.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:39 TV series synopsis00:03:16 Two truths and a lie00:04:07 Interview01:19:11 Two truths and a lie answerAlso mentioned in this episodeJoan Crawford: A Woman's Face by Scott EymanSupport my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting classNote: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/377See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 376) — This special three-in-one episode is a thorough exploration of the true story behind the U.S. government's top secret program investigating UFOs called Project Blue Book. In 2019, the History Channel released a dramatized version of Project Blue Book's reports starring Aidan Gillen as Dr. J. Allen Hynek.Ufologist Rob Kristoffersen will help us uncover the true story behind each episode of the twenty episodes in the TV series. Then, the third part of our episode today is to talk to David O'Leary (Creator of Project Blue Book) and Sean Jablonski (Showrunner of Project Blue Book) to go behind what it took to make a series about UFOs that is based on true events.Where to watch Project Blue BookListen to Rob's awesome podcast, Our Strange SkiesRead the U.S. Air Force fact sheet on Project Blue BookAnswer this question from the episode: What do you think people are seeing when they report UFOs? Share your opinion in the BOATS DiscordChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:24 Synopsis00:03:47 Rob Kristoffersen on Project Blue Book season one01:25:48 Rob Kristoffersen on Project Blue Book season two02:41:26 David O'Leary and Sean Jablonski on creating Project Blue BookSupport my workBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Great deals from my sponsorsJoin the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting classNote: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/376See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 375) — Donald Rumsfeld served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense twice in his career, including during the 9/11 attacks. Today, we'll learn how the movies "Vice", "W." bring a fictional portrayal of Rumsfeld. We'll also look into the accuracy of the documentary "The Unknown Known" which interviews Rumsfeld himself.⁠Get William's book⁠Separating fact from fiction for us today is William Cooper, whose new historical fiction novel "The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld" is available now.⁠Where to watch Vice⁠⁠Where to watch W.⁠⁠Where to watch The Unknown Known⁠Answer this question from the episode: What impact do you think Rumsfeld has had in U.S. politics today?⁠Share your opinion in the BOATS Discord⁠Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:15 Movie synopsis00:02:13 Two truths and a lie00:03:27 Interview01:09:02 Two truths and a lie answerAlso mentioned in this episode⁠Follow William on Bluesky⁠⁠(BOATS EP. 196) — Moneyball with William Cooper⁠⁠(BOATS EP. 335) — Vice with William Cooper⁠⁠Search Rumsfeld's archive at Rumsfeld.com⁠⁠William's Non-Fiction Book: "How America Works . . . and Why It Doesn’t"⁠Support my work⁠Become a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)⁠⁠Great deals from my sponsors⁠⁠Join the BOATS Discord⁠⁠Get the BOATS email newsletter⁠⁠Email me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com⁠⁠Get my video podcasting class⁠Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: ⁠https://links.boatspodcast.com/375See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 374) — Today we'll rejoin Billy the Kid's outlaw gang as they continue their attempts to escape the law following the events in Young Guns (BOATS EP. 146). Was Brushy Bill Roberts a real person? Was he Billy the Kid? What other creative liberties did the filmmakers take in telling the true story of Billy the Kid? Where to watch Young Guns II Follow Josh's podcast To help us unravel the historical accuracy of Young Guns II, we'll be joined by Josh, the host of The Wild West Extravaganza podcast. Is Young Guns or Young Guns II a better movie? Share your opinion in the BOATS Discord Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:15 Movie synopsis 00:02:13 Two truths and a lie 00:03:27 Interview 01:09:02 Two truths and a lie answer Also mentioned in this episode The Wild West Extravaganza Podcast Wild West Extravaganza on YouTube Josh's episode on Dirty Dave Rudabaugh Charlie Bowdre's blood-stained photo Listen to Based on a True Story's episode covering the first Young Guns "Alias Billy the Kid" by William Morrison and C.L. Sonnichsen The Authentic Life of Billy, the Kid by Pat Garrett (and Ash Upson) The Saga of Billy the Kid by Walter Noble Burns Support my work Support my sponsors Become a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes) Join the BOATS Discord Get the BOATS email newsletter Email me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com Get my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/374 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 373) — Learn about legendary aviator Amelia Earhart as she was portrayed onscreen by Hilary Swank in the 2009 biopic. To uncover the true story, today we'll talk with author, documentarian, and host of Chasing Earhart , the only podcast dedicated entirely to Amelia Earhart: Chris Williamson. Where to watch Amelia Get Chris's book Chris Williamson has an array of work with the Chasing Earhart Project, including the book "Rabbit Hole: The Vanishing of Amelia Earhart & Fred Noonan." Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:15 Movie synopsis 00:02:13 Two truths and a lie 00:03:27 Interview 01:09:02 Two truths and a lie answer Also mentioned in this episode Chasing Earhart Podcast The Aviator and the Showman by Laurie Gwen Shapiro Chasing Earhart on Facebook Support my work Support my sponsors Become a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes) Join the BOATS Discord Get the BOATS email newsletter Email me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com Get my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/373 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 372) — Travel back to the Old West for a tale of revenge, Pinkerton agents, and frontier justice in the wake of the Civil War. One of those former Pinkerton agents in the movie is John Scobell (Gbenga Akinnagbe), making 2025's Trail of Vengeance the first movie to feature John Scobell as one of its main characters. Where to watch Trail of Vengeance  Get Rob's book To help us separate fact from fiction in the movie today is author Rob Hilliard, whose book "In Freedom's Shadow" is a historical novel based on John Scobell. How well does the movie tell us John Scobell's true story? Let's find out! Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:09 Movie synopsis 00:02:05 Two truths and a lie 00:03:18 Interview 01:31:54 Two truths and a lie answer Also mentioned in this episode "The Spy of the Rebellion" by Allan Pinkerton "The Pinkertons" miniseries with Rob Support my work Dan LeFebvre's Getting Started with Video Podcasting Unlock ad-free episodes Support my sponsors ⁠⁠Chat about this episode⁠⁠ ⁠Get the BOATS email newsletter⁠ Talk to a real person ⁠dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/372 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 371) — How well do you know about the real Bruce Lee? There are a lot of myths that came out of the movie "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" so today we'll pull another classic episode from the Based on a True Story vault. Where to watch Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story ⁠Get Matthew's book⁠ Matthew Polly authored "Bruce Lee: A Life," called the definitive biography by The New York Times. His research revealed Lee's more complex humanity, debunking decades of Hollywood myths. Did you enjoy this episode? Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter ⁠Chat about this episode⁠ Support our sponsors Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/371 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 370) — Twentieth Century-Fox's "Titanic" starring Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb claims to draw facts from 1912 congressional inquiries, so how well does it do when we compare it to history? Where to watch Titanic (1953) ⁠Get Mark's book Mark B. Perry is the author of the novel "And Introducing Dexter Gaines: A Novel of Old Hollywood", a tale that transports you back to the time when during the film's production. is a Golden Globe and Emmy-winning screenwriter known for Wonder Years, Law & Order, Picket Fences, and more. A self-proclaimed "ship geek" and founding board member of SS United States Conservancy, he ironically wrote his own Titanic screenplay in 1988—rejected by studios because "nobody cares about the Titanic." Also mentioned in this episode Get Mark's audiobook Walter Lord's A Night to Remember BOATS episode #35 about James Cameron's Titanic SS United States Conservancy Did you enjoy this episode? Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Chat about this episode Support our sponsors Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/370 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.