BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 364) — Acclaimed historian Jon Parshall separates fact from fiction in the classic film "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and the brutal realities of the Thai-Burma Railway during World War II, also known as the Death Railway. We'll contrast the film's fictional Colonel Nicholson with his real-life counterpart Lieutenant Colonel Philip Toosey, who sabotaged bridge construction when possible rather than cooperating with the Japanese.

Follow Jon's new book at 1942book.com

Jon Parshall is an award-winning author who has worked as a historical consultant on numerous TV shows, a tour guide, as well as a frequent lecturer at the U.S. Naval War College, the National World War II Museum, and the Nimitz Museum. As of this recording, Jon is working on a new book that will go into even more depth on all the topics we're learning about today and more.

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Also mentioned in this episode

Jonathan Parshall and Anthony Tully's Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway

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The Bridge on the River Kwai with Jon Parshall 01:17:59 Share

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The Bridge on the River Kwai with Jon Parshall