As stated in the text on PBS, this book was made into a 1945 film staring John Wayne. However, the lead actor who received top billing at the time was Robert Montgomery. See http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038160/ for details.
While the story is based on true events, readers need to understand that the book was a war time publication used to raise morale and instill a dedication to destroy the Japanese Empire. Considering what the Japanese did to opposing forces and the people of the nations they occupied, the latter purpose was a very good cause.
However, much of the dialogue was made up by the author. And the numerous comments made in the book about Japanese fifth columnists in Hawaii (not a state at that time) and the United States had no foundation in truth. So, this book is either a semi-historical novel or a novelization of history. Whatever... just enjoy it.
While the story is based on true events, readers need to understand that the book was a war time publication used to raise morale and instill a dedication to destroy the Japanese Empire. Considering what the Japanese did to opposing forces and the people of the nations they occupied, the latter purpose was a very good cause.
However, much of the dialogue was made up by the author. And the numerous comments made in the book about Japanese fifth columnists in Hawaii (not a state at that time) and the United States had no foundation in truth. So, this book is either a semi-historical novel or a novelization of history. Whatever... just enjoy it.
