Quote Originally Posted by auld argonian View Post
Said it before, say it again:

Those who do not study history are condemned to learning it from Hollywood.
Quote Originally Posted by Fearnest View Post
You mean the USS Nimitz didn't REALLY time-warp back to the Battle of Midway??? GASP!

(Removing tongue from cheek.)

Having taught at college too, I'll agree - Hollywood can make life more difficult for us to get the "accurate" information out. But it can also be a great tool in introducing learners to new subjects/areas, and motivate them to dig in and do the research to find out the truth!
Quote Originally Posted by Panache View Post
One can hope that a movie inspires people to go out and learn more about history. When I've mentioned Dunkirk to people I tend to get blank looks.
Henry V and St. Crispin's Day? Ditto. Anything that's gets people to go out and "READ A BOOK" is a good thing. I think I'd rather have people have some idea (even if a bit distorted) than no clue.
I have a quote on my syllabus that says:

History repeats itself because no one was listening the first time.
-- Anonymous

Which is not only true for history, but also for my class!

Seriously, though, I do agree that movies do provide a "springboard" for some in to the realm of more "serious" history -- the problem comes with those who are not curious about the "real" story and take the movie for face value.

Now, don't get me wrong -- I enjoy a good ol' movie anyday -- but sometimes I do get frustrated. I do remember reading an interesting article about the volcano thriller Dante's Peak a while ago by a noted volcanologist who said that while the movie had some problems (lava flows are found in Pacific volcanos, not the Mt. St. Helens type), overall, it presented a fairly decent picture of what a volcanologist does. I try to take the middle ground as much as possible, even when I am cleaning up the mess!

T.