What Titanic's Survivors Thought of the Movies
Oceanliner Designs・2 minutes read
A major motion picture depicting the sinking of the Titanic causes a media frenzy in 1958, with three elderly Titanic survivors present at the premiere. The film "A Night to Remember" based on Walter Lord's book is praised for its accuracy by some survivors, while others criticize inaccuracies in earlier depictions of the disaster.
Insights
- The film "A Night to Remember" was a significant milestone in accurately depicting the Titanic disaster, with survivors serving as consultants and praising its authenticity.
- Joseph Boxel, a Titanic officer and consultant for the film, found emotional closure through his involvement, walking around the set in remembrance and expressing satisfaction with the result at the premiere.
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Recent questions
What was the first major Hollywood movie about the Titanic?
A Night to Remember
Who were some survivors that praised the accuracy of "A Night to Remember"?
Eugene Daly and Anna Nen
What role did Joseph Boxel play in the making of "A Night to Remember"?
Consultant
How did Sylvia Loler react to Kenneth Moore's portrayal in the film?
Commended its truthfulness
What was the most accurate depiction of the Titanic disaster in film?
A Night to Remember
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Summary
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"Titanic Survivors Consult on Film Accuracy"
- In 1958, a major motion picture based on the sinking of the Titanic is set to premiere, causing media frenzy.
- The film, "A Night to Remember," is based on a legendary book of the same name detailing the Titanic sinking.
- Three elderly gentlemen present at the premiere had actually been on the Titanic that fateful night: Joseph Boxel, Herbert Pitman, and Walter Nichols.
- Titanic survivors did watch various movies about the disaster, with recorded reactions ranging from appalled to content and proud.
- Early attempts to depict the Titanic disaster in film included recycled news footage and a lost film starring survivor Dorothy Gibson.
- The first major Hollywood movie about Titanic was released in 1953, with mixed reactions from survivors who found inaccuracies but appreciated the effort.
- Survivors like Eugene Daly and Anna Nen praised the 1953 film for its depiction of the sinking, while others like Percy Oxenham criticized inaccuracies.
- The most accurate depiction of the Titanic disaster in film came with "A Night to Remember," based on Walter Lord's book, with survivors serving as consultants.
- Joseph Boxel, Titanic's fourth officer, played a pivotal role in the sinking and evacuation, serving as a consultant for the film.
- Boxel's experience during the Titanic sinking, including calculating the ship's position for distress calls, was emotionally impactful, leading him to reluctantly recall the disaster for the film.
14:21
Titanic survivors react to film adaptation.
- Joseph Boxel, initially reluctant, found closure through his involvement in a film, walking around the set of "A Night to Remember" in remembrance.
- Boxel admired the film crew's endurance during production, attending the premiere in 1958 and expressing satisfaction with the result.
- Herbert Pitman, Titanic's third officer, praised the film's accuracy at the premiere, alongside Boxel.
- Sylvia Loler, widow of Second Officer Charles Loler, commended Kenneth Moore's portrayal in the film, affirming its truthfulness.
- Edith Russell, a spirited Titanic survivor, visited the film set and noted discrepancies between the movie and her experience, particularly regarding her possessions.
- Helen Melville Smith, Captain Smith's daughter, was emotional upon meeting the actor playing her father during a set visit.
- Lawrence Beasley, a Titanic survivor, attempted to sneak onto the film set but was asked to leave before filming due to safety concerns.
- Various Titanic survivors, including Richard Norris Williams, Gretchen Longley, and May Futrell, shared emotional reactions to watching "A Night to Remember," finding it vivid and accurate.
