# Was "THE GREEN BERETS"A Govt.-Sponsored propaganda film? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 10, 2004, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165 "2004-08-10T07:33:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/1 "2004-08-10T07:33:31Z")
I just caught this old turd on AMC…and time hasn’t taken the stink away from this one! The plot was so contrived…skeptical reporter David Janssen practically joins up by the end of the film! Anyway, would an overweight, out-of-shape colonel (like John Wayne portrayed) actually have been sent on a combat mission behind enemy lines? Was it THAT easy to knock off North Vietnamese soldiers like they did? Now for the important deatils…the flick was very favorable to the cause of the war…and it came out at a time when our involvement in Vietnam was getting a lot of bad press…is there any evidence that the DOD liked this film…and went out of its way to help in its making? Finally, I remember that there was a very funny parody of the “Ballad of the Green Berets” going around , after this film’s release. Unfortunately, I can only remember one line of it: “…trained to live on pizza pies” That’s it…anybody know the rest? PS: Did Sgt. Barry Sadler (the guy who composed the ballad)get killed in Vietnam? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/2 "2004-08-10T12:36:48Z")
Well, I suppose the US Government could have sponsored a Black propaganda film, funneled money to John Wayne’s secret Swiss bank account and all that. Or perhaps Hollywood just wanted to sell some popcorn to the Republicans. Which do you think is more likely. Barry? He had a hard time with his music career. Eventually got locked up for killing a man in a bar fight. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/3 "2004-08-10T12:52:55Z")
Actually, Sadler had a successful career after “Ballad of the Green Berets” as an author of 22 [military fantasy novels.](http://www.scifan.com/writers/ss/SadlerBarry.asp) He died in 1989, long after Vietnam. The impetus for the movie was John Wayne, who wanted to do something to counter the antiwar movement. His son produced it, so it was likely Wayne put up at least some of the money. The government did cooperate, though, lending equipment and allowing it to be shot at Fr. Benning, GA (which explains the pine trees in Vietnam). I assume you noted the final shot of the sun setting in the east. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Kilt-wearin\_man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/82dd89/32.png) [@Kilt-wearin\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilt-wearin_man)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/4 "2004-08-10T13:03:41Z")
“Hello. Movie Liaison Office, Major Smith speaking.” “What? A movie in support of the war?” “John Wayne? THE John Wayne?” “You’re damn right the Pentagon can help out! What do you need?” I think the phone call went something like that… ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Some\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ad7895/32.png) [@Just\_Some\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Some_Guy)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/5 "2004-08-10T13:46:26Z")
> [@Paul in Saudi](#): > > Well, I suppose the US Government could have sponsored a Black propaganda film, funneled money to John Wayne’s secret Swiss bank account and all that. Or perhaps Hollywood just wanted to sell some popcorn to the Republicans. That would be democrats not republicans they were trying to sell popcorn to. The film was released in 1968 during the Johnson administration. ---
**Author:** ![Walloon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/fbc32d/32.png) [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/6 "2004-08-10T14:00:59Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > I assume you noted the final shot of the sun setting in the east. 🙂 Vietnam does have some western coastline, although I believe Wayne’s character is supposed to be near Da Nang. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/7 "2004-08-10T14:29:01Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > Anyway, would an overweight, out-of-shape colonel (like John Wayne portrayed) actually have been sent on a combat mission behind enemy lines? I don’t know about overweight and out of shape, but my uncle was an Army colonel in his mid-40s when fought infantry combat missions in Vietnam. He was wounded in combat in the jungle. ---
**Author:** ![Kizarvexius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/da6949/32.png) [@Kizarvexius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kizarvexius)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/8 "2004-08-10T16:11:54Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > The government did cooperate, though, lending equipment and allowing it to be shot at Fr. Benning, GA (which explains the pine trees in Vietnam). > > I assume you noted the final shot of the sun setting in the east. 🙂 Yes, indeed, that was Fort Benning. The Department of Defense not only gave the filmmakers permission to shoot at Benning, but the troops you see jogging by the camera in that closing shot were actual troops going through their Green Beret training. My dad, who proudly wore the Green Beanie, is one of them. Just look for the tall skinny bald white guy…that’s okay, he’s never been able to find himself in that crowd either. Maybe with a DVD and a bigscreen TV… ---
**Author:** ![wolf\_meister](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf_meister/32/15202_2.png) [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2004, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/9 "2004-08-11T01:04:37Z")
Hmmmm let’s see. **John Wayne** wanted to make a **pro-Vietnam war fillm** in 1968? I’m sure the Department of Defense would have been steadfastly against it. 😃 **Kizarvexius** Your father was going through Green Beret training at the same time and place that John Wayne was playing pretend ‘Green Beret’ ? LOL Does your father ever comment on the factuality of the movie? I’m told John Wayne couldn’t even hold the rifle properly. (Surprising actually, considering how many times he played a soldier, or cowboy. You’d think he’d get the hang of proper firearm safety eventually). Not to hijack but I think “ **Full Metal Jacket** ” is the best movie about the Vietnam War. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2004, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/10 "2004-08-11T01:34:22Z")
I know that it’s common for the DOD to lend equipment and advisers to war movies that they feel positively portray the military at no cost. If they don’t like the movie you’re making, you get bupkiss. The TV show JAG gets a lot of free help from the US military. Movies like _Full Metal Jacket_, not so much. At least, that’s how it works now. I doubt things were very much different in 1968. ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2004, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/11 "2004-08-11T02:11:09Z")
> [@wolf\_meister](#): > > Hmmmm let’s see. **John Wayne** wanted to make a **pro-Vietnam war fillm** in 1968? > I’m sure the Department of Defense would have been steadfastly against it. 😃 > > **Kizarvexius** Your father was going through Green Beret training at the same time and place that John Wayne was playing pretend ‘Green Beret’ ? LOL > Does your father ever comment on the factuality of the movie? I’m told John Wayne couldn’t even hold the rifle properly. (Surprising actually, considering how many times he played a soldier, or cowboy. You’d think he’d get the hang of proper firearm safety eventually). Wayne was also an avid hunter, and had the roof on his IH Scout modified so that he could wear his 10 gallon hat while driving it, and could pop up and shoot at something without having to get out. I’ve seen pictures of it, and they’re **not** pretty. ---
**Author:** ![Kilt-wearin\_man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/82dd89/32.png) [@Kilt-wearin\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilt-wearin_man)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2004, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/12 "2004-08-11T02:20:46Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > I know that it’s common for the DOD to lend equipment and advisers to war movies that they feel positively portray the military at no cost. If they don’t like the movie you’re making, you get bupkiss. The TV show JAG gets a lot of free help from the US military. Movies like _Full Metal Jacket_, not so much. > > At least, that’s how it works now. I doubt things were very much different in 1968. By the time _Full Metal Jacket_ was made, the Army wasn’t using much of the same equipment - it wouldn’t have made sense for Vietnam-era soldiers to be cruising around in Humvees and Bradley armored vehicles. Even the M-16s were different. Not to mention the uniforms. Not a whole lot of room for military cooperation - besides, doesn’t Oliver Stone think he knows everything anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2004, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/13 "2004-08-11T02:23:20Z")
> [@Kilt-wearin' man](#): > > By the time _Full Metal Jacket_ was made, the Army wasn’t using much of the same equipment - it wouldn’t have made sense for Vietnam-era soldiers to be cruising around in Humvees and Bradley armored vehicles. Even the M-16s were different. Not to mention the uniforms. Not a whole lot of room for military cooperation - besides, doesn’t Oliver Stone think he knows everything anyway? Yes, but why are you bringing Oliver Stone up in a discussion about a movie directed by [Stanley Kubrick](http://imdb.com/title/tt0093058/)? ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2004, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/14 "2004-08-11T02:26:14Z")
> [@Kilt-wearin' man](#): > > By the time _Full Metal Jacket_ was made, the Army wasn’t using much of the same equipment - it wouldn’t have made sense for Vietnam-era soldiers to be cruising around in Humvees and Bradley armored vehicles. Even the M-16s were different. Not to mention the uniforms. Not a whole lot of room for military cooperation - besides, doesn’t Oliver Stone think he knows everything anyway? Alright, substitute _Three Kings_ for _Full Metal Jacket_. It’s a better movie, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Long\_Road](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b5a626/32.png) [@The\_Long\_Road](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Long_Road)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2004, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/15 "2004-08-11T03:16:43Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > Alright, substitute _Three Kings_ for _Full Metal Jacket_. > > It’s a better movie, anyway. The crack smoking statement of the night. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2004, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/16 "2004-08-11T03:29:54Z")
> [@Kizarvexius](#): > > Yes, indeed, that was Fort Benning. The Department of Defense not only gave the filmmakers permission to shoot at Benning, but the troops you see jogging by the camera in that closing shot were actual troops going through their Green Beret training. TV… What “Green Beret” training has ever been conducted at Fort Benning?? 😕 Are you counting Airborne School maybe??? ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2004, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/17 "2004-08-11T06:55:08Z")
😕 Somebody bring me up to speed here – since when does the Army have a special-forces unit of French leprechauns? . . . sorry, it’s late . . . ---
**Author:** ![Silentgoldfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@Silentgoldfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silentgoldfish)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2004, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/18 "2004-08-11T07:13:00Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > Alright, substitute _Three Kings_ for _Full Metal Jacket_. > > It’s a better movie, anyway. Maybe you mean _Platoon_? ---
**Author:** ![Kilt-wearin\_man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/82dd89/32.png) [@Kilt-wearin\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilt-wearin_man)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2004, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/19 "2004-08-11T12:57:23Z")
> [@Tuckerfan](#): > > Yes, but why are you bringing Oliver Stone up in a discussion about a movie directed by [Stanley Kubrick](http://imdb.com/title/tt0093058/)? Whoops - got my “late '80s Vietnam movie fad” movies scrambled…sorry 'bout that. ---
**Author:** ![Kizarvexius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/da6949/32.png) [@Kizarvexius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kizarvexius)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2004, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165/20 "2004-08-11T14:30:15Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > What “Green Beret” training has ever been conducted at Fort Benning?? 😕 > > Are you counting Airborne School maybe??? Yes, jump school. Pushing 18 year-old kids out of perfectly good airplanes. The rest of the training took place at Ft. Bragg, of course. :smack: [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-green-berets-a-govt-sponsored-propaganda-film/259165.md?page=2)