‘Merrill's Marauders': A Brutal Struggle With the Jungle
The grueling jungle conflict in Burma was oddly neglected in films about World War II. There were few exceptions, such as, 'Objective, Burma!' (1945), 'The Purple Plain' (1954), and the epic '
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Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
Is Hollywood inspired by the CIA, or the other way around?
LANGLEY, Va. - At CIA headquarters, beyond the handsome granite seal on its lobby floor and a wall of stars carved in honor of the agency's fallen, experts are at work in the complex tasks of spycraft: weapons-trained officers, computer engineers, virologists, nuclear scientists. But there are also storytellers, makeup artists, theater majors and ballerinas - Americans who probably never thought their skills would match the needs of a spy agency. Yet the CIA thought otherwise. Though it rarely gets the spotlight, there's a revolving door of talent between the country's premiere intelligence agency and its entertainment industry, with inspiration and influence often working both ways. The agency is targeting professionals at the intersection of arts and technology for recruitment, CIA officers told The Times, and continues to cooperate with entertainment giants to inspire the next generation of creative spies. This month, the agency is assisting a New York Times bestselling author on a young adult book examining the foundations of the CIA laid during World War II. Scenes from a major upcoming film production were just shot at its headquarters, a logistical feat at an intelligence campus tucked away in the Virginia suburbs behind rings of security perimeters, where officers roam cracking down on Bluetooth signals. Another popular streaming TV series will be back at Langley to film this fall. But their collaboration goes far deeper than that, officers said. Creative minds in Hollywood and the entertainment industry have long had a role at the Central Intelligence Agency, devising clever solutions to its most vexing problems, such as perfecting the art of disguise and harnessing a magician's ability to cast spellbinding illusions. Indeed, in the 1950s, a magician from New York named John Mulholland was secretly contracted with the agency to write a manual for Cold War spies on trickery and deception. These days, the officers said, creative skills are more valuable than ever in such a technologically complex world. "You're only limited by your own imagination - don't self-censor your ideas," said Janelle, a CIA public affairs officer, granted the ability to speak under her first name at the request of the agency. "We're always looking for partners." An elusive history David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and author of "Damascus Station" and other spy thrillers, offered several theories on why the agency might be interested in fostering a robust relationship with Hollywood, calling it "a two-way street." "There definitely have been operational applications for espionage," McCloskey said. "It's probably the exception to the rule, but when it happens, it's compelling." It's easy to see why CIA leaders would be interested in Hollywood, he said, in part to shape impressions of the agency. "But their bread and butter business is receiving people to give secrets," he continued, "and part of that is getting close to people in power." "The closer you are to Hollywood," McCloskey added, "that's a really interesting 'in' to having a lot of interesting conversations." Some of the CIA's most iconic missions - at least the declassified ones - document the agency's rich history with Hollywood, including Canadian Caper, when CIA operatives disguised themselves as a film crew to rescue six American diplomats in Tehran during the Iran hostage crisis, an operation moviegoers will recognize as the plot of "Argo." "'Argo' was almost too far-fetched to even believe," said Brent, an in-house historian at CIA headquarters. "It's almost more Hollywood than Hollywood." Canadian Caper was both inspired by Hollywood and relied on Hollywood talent. Agent Tony Mendez had been a graphic artist before joining the agency and helping craft the mission. Another key player was John Chambers, the makeup artist who gave the world Spock's ears on "Star Trek" and won an honorary Oscar for his trailblazing simian work on "Planet of the Apes." He was awarded the CIA's Intelligence Medal of Merit for his work on the covert rescue effort. Just a few years before, Howard Hughes, then one of the world's richest men and a tycoon in media, film and aerospace, agreed to work with the CIA to provide cover for an effort by the agency to lift a sunken Soviet nuclear submarine off the floor of the Pacific Ocean. Deploying Hughes' Glomar Explorer under the guise of mineral extraction, the CIA was able to salvage most of the sub before The Times broke a story blowing its cover - "the story that sunk our efforts," in CIA parlance. And another mission was made possible thanks to a device invented by a professional photographer - a gadget that later became the inspiration of an over-the-top scene in the blockbuster Batman film "The Dark Knight." In Project Coldfeet, CIA agents gathering intelligence on a Soviet station erected on a precariously drifting sheet of ice in the Arctic needed a reliable extraction plan. But how does one pick up an agent without landing a plane on the ice? The answer was the "skyhook": Balloons lifted a tether attached to a harness worn by an agent high into the sky. A CIA plane snagged the tether and carried the agent off to safety. In "The Dark Knight," Batman makes a dramatic escape deploying the same kind of balloon-harness contraption. 'The superhero spy' CIA leadership often says that acceptance into the agency is harder than getting into Harvard and Yale combined. Yet the agency still has challenges recruiting the type of talent it is looking for - either in reaching those with unconventional skills, or in convincing them that they should leave secure, comparatively well-paid, comfortable jobs for a secretive life of public service. It is no easy task managing work at the agency, especially with family, CIA officials acknowledged. Deciding if and when to share one's true identity with their children is a regular struggle. But Janelle said the CIA tells potential recruits there is a middle ground that doesn't require them to entirely abandon their existing lives. "People don't have to leave their companies to help their country and to work with CIA," Janelle said. "People come here because they love their country and know they can make a difference." Janelle is part of a team that regularly engages with creatives who want to portray the agency or spies as accurately as possible. "Some producers and directors reach out and they do care about accuracy," Janelle said, "but they ultimately pick and choose what's going to work for the film or show." CIA analysts have also been known to leave the agency for opportunities in the entertainment industry, writing books and scripts drawing from their experiences - so long as they don't track too closely with those experiences. Joe Weisberg, the writer and producer behind the television series "The Americans," and McCloskey, who is working on a fifth novel focused on U.S. and British intelligence, were both part of the agency before launching their writing careers. And as CIA alumni, they had to submit their works for review. "There's a whole publication and classification-review process," Brent said. That process can be a bit of a slog, McCloskey said: "They quite literally redact in black ink." But it is far more difficult for nonfiction writers than novelists. "There could be bits of tradecraft, or alluding to assets, or people at the agency, which are clear no's," McCloskey said. "But with novels, it's not that hard to write them in a way to get them through the review board." Try as they may, studios often repeat the same falsehoods about the CIA, no matter how often they are corrected. Officers and agents aren't the same thing, for one. And as disappointing as it may be for lovers of spy thrillers, the majority of officers are not licensed or trained to carry weapons. "One thing Hollywood often gets wrong is the idea that it's one officer doing everything, when it's really a team sport here," Janelle said. "Zero Dark Thirty," an Oscar-winning film released in 2012 about the hunt for al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, was widely acclaimed but criticized by some within the intelligence community over the credit it lends a single, fictional CIA analyst for tracking him down. McCloskey sympathizes with the writer's dilemma. "I can't have 35 people on a team. From a storytelling standpoint, it just doesn't work," he said, acknowledging that little in the field of espionage is accurately captured on screen, even though there are plenty of former spies available to work as consultants. "There's no lack of sources to get it right," he said. "It's that the superhero spy - the Jack Ryans and Jason Bournes - are pretty much the Hollywood representation of espionage." However inaccurately glorified and dramatized, the agency hopes that Hollywood's work can keep the revolving door moving, inspiring atypical talent to join its ranks. "We have architects, carpenters, people who worked in logistics," Brent said. "People might not realize the range of skill sets here at CIA." And as Canadian Caper showed, sometimes spycraft requires stagecraft. It's possible that what's needed most to complete the next mission won't be oceanography or data mining, but costume design. Or maybe another ballerina. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
Best Movies Based on True Stories
Some of the most powerful and unforgettable films come from real life. Movies based on true stories not only entertain but also inspire, educate, and move audiences on a deeper level. From historical events and personal struggles to groundbreaking achievements and acts of heroism, these films bring truth to the big screen with dramatic flair and emotional impact. If you're a fan of movies that are rooted in reality, here's a handpicked list of the best movies in downloadhub4u based on true stories that you absolutely need to watch. Director: Steven Spielberg Genre: Historical Drama This Oscar-winning masterpiece tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust. The film is both heartbreaking and inspiring, showcasing the horrors of World War II and the power of human compassion. Why Watch: Critically acclaimed performances Emotional storytelling Historically important narrative Director: Gabriele Muccino Genre: Biography, Drama Starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a struggling single father who rises from homelessness to become a successful stockbroker, this film is the ultimate underdog story. Based on Gardner's true life, it's a touching tale of determination and hope. Why Watch: Uplifting and emotional Outstanding performance by Will Smith Motivational for viewers of all ages Director: Ron Howard Genre: Biography, Drama Based on the life of Nobel Laureate John Nash, this film explores his brilliance as a mathematician and his battle with schizophrenia. Russell Crowe delivers a powerful performance in this deeply moving story of genius and mental illness. Why Watch: Intriguing real-life character Brilliant direction and storytelling Oscar-winning film Director: Theodore Melfi Genre: Biography, Drama This inspiring film sheds light on the African-American women mathematicians at NASA who played crucial roles in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The film celebrates intelligence, perseverance, and the fight against racial and gender discrimination. Why Watch: Empowering and educational Excellent cast and true historical impact Family-friendly and inspiring Director: Bryan Singer Genre: Biography, Musical This electrifying biopic tells the story of Freddie Mercury and the rise of the rock band Queen. From their humble beginnings to their legendary Live Aid performance, the film captures the magic and music of one of the world's most iconic bands. Why Watch: Award-winning portrayal by Rami Malek Fantastic musical performances Great for fans of music and biopics Director: David Fincher Genre: Drama, Biography A dramatic retelling of the rise of Facebook and its co-founder Mark Zuckerberg. The film delves into the legal and personal challenges faced during the creation of the social media giant. Why Watch: Sharp dialogue and screenplay Strong performances Insight into tech history and ambition Director: Steve McQueen Genre: Historical Drama Based on the 1853 autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free Black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery, this film is a brutally honest and emotional portrayal of America's darkest past. Why Watch: Oscar-winning Best Picture Powerful and emotional story Incredible acting and direction Director: Steven Spielberg Genre: Crime, Biography This fast-paced film is based on the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., who posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer while forging millions of dollars in checks before being caught by the FBI. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks shine in this thrilling cat-and-mouse game. Why Watch: Fun, witty, and fast-moving Based on a fascinating real-life con artist Great chemistry between the leads Director: Steven Soderbergh Genre: Biography, Drama Julia Roberts stars in this true story of a legal assistant who, despite lacking formal education, helps bring down a powerful corporation responsible for polluting a town's water supply. Why Watch: Oscar-winning performance Inspiring story of justice and courage Female-led legal drama Director: Morten Tyldum Genre: Biography, War Drama This gripping film tells the story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who cracked Nazi Germany's Enigma code during World War II, playing a crucial role in ending the war early. Why Watch: Powerful performance by Benedict Cumberbatch Important historical significance Emotionally moving and intellectually engaging Movies based on true stories connect us with real people, real events, and real emotions. They: Offer inspiration through stories of courage, perseverance, and triumph. Promote awareness about historical, political, and social issues. Celebrate human achievements in science, law, sports, and the arts. Encourage empathy by putting viewers in the shoes of others. Whether you're in the mood for a feel-good drama, a legal thriller, or a historical epic, these films provide both entertainment and enlightenment. The world is full of incredible stories and the best of them have made their way to the big screen. These movies based on true stories offer a unique blend of reality and drama that captivates, educates, and inspires. If you haven't seen them yet, now's the time to add them to your watchlist. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Boston Globe
America is in trouble. But look, up in the sky!
When Superman — the world's first superhero — hit newsstands in April 1938, the planet was very much in need of saving. Though the battle was not raging on American shores, humankind was about to enter its darkest hour. Superman's creators and publisher in the United States were Jewish and were well aware of the horrors their relatives were facing in Europe: Hitler's iron grip on power had already resulted in the Nuremberg race laws and the construction of Germany's first concentration camps. Before America even entered World War II, Superman was fighting the Nazis. In a copy of Look magazine from early 1940, the Man of Steel was twisting German cannons and busting through the roof of Hitler's retreat. Get The Gavel A weekly SCOTUS explainer newsletter by columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Enter Email Sign Up Superman's publisher was Harry Donenfeld, whose Jewish tailor father helped him and his family escape the pogroms in Romania at the turn of the century by moving them all to the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Once Superman made the big time, Donenfeld wasn't merely broadcasting the character's politics. The same week Superman debuted in Action Comics, Donenfeld quietly sponsored Jewish families he had never met to come to America, to safety. After the war, with Hitler no longer a threat, Superman took on the KKK. Advertisement Superman's debut in Action Comics, June 1938. ASSOCIATED PRESS/Associated Press 'Truth, Justice, and the American Way' would become Superman's motto — until 2021, when DC Comics swapped out 'the American Way' for 'a Better Tomorrow.' Advertisement Tomorrow has arrived. And the American Way has been turned on its head. America is facing a constitutional crisis as well as daily doses of unnecessary cruelty, political revenge, and grave injustices here and abroad. The world order is teetering. The whole planet, once again, seems to be in need of saving. Comic book heroes may seem inconsequential. But the power of myth, as Joseph Campbell once taught us, can help shape both our individual and our collective identities. If he can manage to cut through all the noise, maybe Superman can somehow help reset what 'greatness' means for America. Superman, after all, is the ultimate 'illegal alien,' having been dropped here from his dying planet of Krypton, and his only goal is to make his adopted home a better place. His motto may as well be 'tikkun olam,' the core teaching of Judaism, which means to selflessly repair the world. Unlike other superheroes, Superman is pure goodness for goodness' sake. Later superheroes were designed as foils to Superman's goody-two-shoes image. Batman, for instance, is a bit of a dark and depressed character, fighting a whole range of fears and mental health issues. Spider-Man is working off a guilt complex, after failing to save his uncle Ben from being murdered during a robbery. And Iron Man is much more complicated, with his arrogance and past struggles with addiction. By the 1960s, Superman was considered corny and a bit too earnest. But now, with a chaotic government and the mind-numbing headlines that follow, hour after hour, day after day, Superman's renewed message of pure hope may be what we all need. Much like the new American Pope, Leo XIV, he reaches his hand across the aisle, insists on protecting the weakest among us, and strives for peace. Superman projects a powerful, yet kind, image of America. Strength is not synonymous with sadism. Advertisement Though he grew out of Jewish culture (Kal-El, his original Krypton name, means 'light of God' in Hebrew), the S on Superman's chest has sometimes been taken for 'Savior.' He is the second coming, or first, depending on your religious persuasion. The director of the latest Superman film, James Gunn, was raised in a large Catholic family in St. Louis. He's known for his wicked sense of humor (he created the clever 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and the more brutal 'Suicide Squad'), but he has also been known to pray from time to time. In the new movie, which is being released Friday, Superman steps in to stop a war on foreign soil and has to take literal flak from the Pentagon and the public for jumping in where he's not wanted. When Lois Lane questions him about acting out of turn as a representative for the United States, Superman replies, 'I wasn't representing anybody except for me and doing good.' He doesn't do it for a military parade or for bitcoin profits or to help get financing for his rocket program. He does it to repair the fabric we humans have torn, again and again and again.
