“John Has A Long Mustache “


I used to muse with my World History students when we were covering World War II that June 6, 1944 was the most significant day in the 20th Century. That was because if the Allied invasion of Europe at Normandy failed on that day there would be tragic unforeseen consequences that no one could imagine. I next pointed out that the second most significant day of the 20th Century was June 6, 1952. This remark would draw silence and puzzled looks. “June 6, 1952 was my birthday.”

And on my birthday in 1963, my World War II veteran Dad took me to see the film, The Longest Day, for which I will be eternally grateful. This monumental movie epic about D-Day features a large international ensemble cast starring John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, Sean Connery, Eddie Albert, Robert Ryan, Curd Jürgens, Red Buttons, Jeffrey Hunter, Tom Tryon, Leo Genn, Richard Todd, Richard Burton, Peter Lawford, Steve Forrest, Trevor Reid, Frank Finlay, George Segal, Alexander Knox, Roddy McDowall, Robert Wagner, Paul Anka, Fabian, Peter van Eyck, Tommy Sands, Arletty, Sal Mineo, Rod Steiger, Irina Demick, Gert Fröbe, Edmond O’ Brien, Kenneth More, and many more.

This film is noted for its authentic honesty and brutal portray of war.

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1:05 am on June 6, 2020