sophocleese and SeanM -- Exactly! It ain't History, folks; it's just a Movie...

And Steve -- Sorry, but you deserved my admittedly curmudgeonly comment, since you did use the term "what is it about the Yanks?" in your thread title. If you want historical accuracy, watch documentaries; although, many of those are made from a propagandist point of view, too. I don't blame you at all for getting your hackles raised by inaccuracy. However, to even consider that an industry whose entire purpose is to provide entertaining fantasy should give an owl's hoot whether the "facts" are right, is not putting your little grey cells to their best use.

Providing accurate information to those people you think would be interested (as several folks here are), is an admirable way to make the point to which I believe you were aspiring.

-- Áine