AllMovie

Each episode of the History Channel program Time Machine takes viewers on an in-depth journey through a seldom traveled corridor of world history. Relying mostly on interviews with experts and the use of archival footage, each tape puts viewers into the historical experience. This particular episode examines the myths and legends surrounding the historical events that inspired one of the most popular war movies of all time. Of particular interest is the resurrection of the reputation of Lieutenant Colonel Philip Toosey. Portrayed as a Japanese collaborator in the film, Toosey actually stood between his men and their Japanese captors. In this tape, survivors speak of Toosey and the man's words themselves are heard on archival audio tapes.