Historical Accuracy
The producers went to great lengths to interview staff members who had worked with Admiral Halsey during the Second World War, including two interviews with the admiral himself by James Cagney, during the pre-production research for The Gallant Hours. Cagney's dignified portrayal may have softened Halsey's often salty, pugnacious personality. For example, when he received his orders to assume command of the South Pacific forces, Admiral Halsey's response was: "Jesus Christ and General Jackson! This is the hottest potato they ever handed me!"
The action of the film takes place over a five-week period, between 8 October 1942 and 1 December 1942. However, the death of Admiral Yamamoto occurred on 18 April 1943, some five months after the film's time frame. The Gallant Hours also shows the U.S. Marines flying F6F Hellcat fighters, which were not in service during the Guadalcanal campaign, which had wing-tip fuel tanks, a post-war modification.
Read more about this topic: The Gallant Hours
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