The following are the most frequently asked questions relating to Saving Private Ryan. If you have any others that are not answered on this page, please feel free to email me.
Is the guy that kills Wade (Steamboat Willy) the same guy that kills Mellish?
No, he isn't. The German that kills Wade, Steamboat Willy, did not kill Mellish as well. I have an SPR magazine that you can buy on the Merchandise page of my site, and in it, Steven Speilburg clearly states that he is not the same guy. And if you don't believe me, email me. I have plenty of proof to back it up. For one thing, their outfits are completely different which means they are of different rank which means they are different people. They are also clearly different looking people, face wise. Try stopping the screen, and taking pictures of both the men and comparing them. You will see for yourself that they are not and never will be, the same person. I have other reasons as well but don't feel like taking the time to write them all out, so if you'd like to hear them, email me and I'd love to share my ideas with you.
What does F.U.B.A.R. stand for?
This is a question every Saving Private Ryan fan should know the answer to :)....this saying stands for "Fucked up beyond recognition."
Why did Miller and his men get the task to rescue Private Ryan?
This story was based on the real life account of the Niland brothers and Sullivan brothers. There were five Sullivan brothers, all whom died on the Juneau when it blew up during the war. After this, President Roosevelt instructed that in the future, any family who lost more than two sons would have their remaining sons returned home from battle. Then Fritz Niland, the last remaining brother of his family, was sought out and sent home, much the same way Private Ryan is. So going back to the movie, this is why Miller and his men were sent the task. Ryan had three brothers, all whom died in combat, and so Private Ryan was found to be sent home.
Was Saving Private Ryan or it's characters real or based on anything?
The only real character in Saving Private Ryan was General George Marshall, Army Chief of Staff. He really did exist and was involved with Eisenhower during his time. The movie itself wasn't based on any stories, as said by Dreamworks. However, it is thought that the Niland brothers story had some influence on the story behind Saving Private Ryan because two Niland cousins and grandchildren were invited to the premiere. Some of the names used in the movie existed, but it was only a random pick by Robert Rodat, who wrote the movie, spotting family names on a Civil War memorial.
Why did the German who killed Mellish not kill Upham on his way down the stairs?
Simply because Upham raised his hands, thus giving the sign of surrendering. He also looked like a pansy in that shot, the guy probably felt bad for the pathetic man sitting before him with his back pressed against the wall practically in tears. I would.
Any other quesions that you have? Email me and I'll do my best to answer them.
