10 More Insanely Accurate War Movie Details

1980's WWII epic The Big Red One follows an unnamed sergeant and his squad from the North African campaign to their arrival at Falkenau concentration camp. Based on director Samuel Fuller's wartime experiences, the film's title comes from the large red "1" numeral worn by members of the 1st Infantry Division.

The Big Red One's authenticity is largely due to Lee Marvin's influence, lending gritty legitimacy to the aforementioned sergeant. Marvin was another bonafide WWII veteran, wounded in action in the Pacific Theatre. Fuller also makes excellent use of minor details, such as condoms being placed over gun barrels to keep the elements out. However, The Big Red One's pièce de résistance ironically comes during the movie's most unbelievable sequence.

After the squad is trapped in Kasserine Pass, they dig trenches deep enough for them to stand upright in - hiding in plain sight as the oncoming German tanks roll over their heads. As far-fetched as it seems, Fuller's company really used this tactic, with the director confirming that the hidden soldiers' screams also mirrored the real thing.

"When we were in those holes, and the tanks were rolling over us, it was our only chance to scream all the terror out and not be heard. We got it all out in those holes."