[ARC5] Movie Info

[Robert Eleazer]

The film Tora Tora Tora used no real Japanese aircraft.  They modified some T-6's to look like Zeroes and did a good enough job that they are still used for that purpose in films.  For the Kates and Vals they essentially built them using a combination of BT-13 and T-6 and new parts along with new more powerful engines.

 

Many years later a couple of real Zeros were restored to flying condition

 

Tora Tora Tora used a few real P-40's and a bunch of fiberglass P-40 fuselages with C-45 wings for ground shots and to blow up.  They also used a real B-17 which ended up making a real crash landing when one of the gear legs would not come down.  So the one in the movie was non-simulated.

 

I have a 1960's magazine that describes all this in detail if anyone needs a reference.

 

And by the way, the famous Yamamoto quote at the end of the movie, "I fear we have awakened a sleeping giant and filled him with terrible resolve." was a complete fabrication for the movie.  The man never actually said that, although he did express somewhat similar sentiments.


Wayne