If you have been reading my blog for any time, you will know of my admiration for Louis Zamperini. Most people know of him from the movie "Unbroken". I read his book "Devil At My Heels" in 2004 and wrote to him. He must have received thousands of letters like mine but he personally answered my note to him just as he did to anyone who wrote to him. While I was pleased that the film was made about him, the main focus was on his childhood, Olympic track experiences and horrific imprisonment in WWII Japanese camps and said very little about his long life. (Mr. Zamperini died in 2014 at the age of 97.) There will be a new movie released in 2018 and this will tell you the story of his life AFTER World War II in which he attended one of the Billy Graham's crusades in California and completely turned his life around. After the war and his return to the USA, he suffered for several years with what we now know as PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Drinking heavily and having terrible nightmares, you can imagine how hard this was not only for himself but also for his loved ones. His wife Cynthia was able to persuade him to attend a tent revival and to listen to a young preacher from North Carolina in 1949. (The young preacher was Billy Graham.) At the same night, other men came forward...there is an article that I found for you which has a photograph of Billy Graham with them...you may read it and see the photo just here.
The man pictured beside Mr. Zamperini is Stuart Hamblen, who was quite well known at the time as a singer, actor, radio show host and SONGWRITER. (You all must know how much I admire songwriters.) If you look up him up, it says that he is most well known for the song "This Old House.". Reading more, you might also see that he wrote the song, "It Is No Secret". Stuart Hamblen had a friend in the actor John Wayne. After Stuart Hamblen gave up drinking, John Wayne said to him, "How did you give it up, what is your secret?". His reply was "It is no secret what God can do". At that, John Wayne said to him. "Well, that sounds like a song". From what I have researched on this, this is a true story. It does sound just like John Wayne, does it not? (I love John Wayne, I thought he was a great guy.)
(I also have this being sung by Bill Kenny of The Inkspots. I love this.)
In this new film, the role of Billy Graham will be played by Will Graham, Billy Graham's grandson. Even though he is not an actor (it will be his first role) I find it interesting to know that he will be in this movie. That makes it a special thing for me. (Seems like I remember that the grandson of Mr. Zamperini was in "Unbroken". Also, I think that was a nice touch.)
I hope that this new movie will give Mr. Zamperini the proper respect to him and to his Christian faith. Here is the thing that you might not know, Mr. Zamperini did not like religion to be forced upon anyone. He was not heavy handed about anything really, rather he seemed to want to have people to be influenced by his example and his life's work.
It is my great hope that this new movie will honor him. Mr. Louis Zamperini was a man of great faith and joy...I wish everyone could know this. Why, he went back to Japan and met with his former captors, they were shocked to see him running to them with open arms!
Once again, the film will be released sometime in 2018. It will be called "Unbroken: Path To Redemption". Look out for it.
That's a great old hymn. I never knew the story behind it before, thanks! My father returned from WW2 with a helluva case of PTSD too that affected him (and everyone around him) for the rest of his life. The most severe symptoms did abate in time but he was always a difficult person to live with as a result. Of course, in those days, PTSD "didn't exist" so he was never formally diagnosed or treated. The thing about PTSD that often does not get reported is that the family of the PTSD sufferer usually end up with PTSD too from dealing with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, Debra for your comment. I went back and changed my wording and made sure to say that the loved ones also suffer from this. My uncle, my Dad's brother was with Patton's army in World War II and he never got over it.
DeleteIf your uncle was with Patton, he would have been in the Italian campaign -- that's where my Dad was too (although with the Canadian forces, of course.)
DeleteI would really like to know more about my Uncle and his time in the war. He never spoke of it. Wish I could find out more. I do know this: his company had been marching and in the cold and were happy to come upon an empty house where they could spend the night. My Uncle Jim and one of his buddies decided not to stay in the house, they went a short distance away and slept outside. The next morning, they went to the house and all the men inside were dead, the house had been bombed.
DeleteI love the fact that you delve into the history of songs. I was happy to simply listen to them before you ame along. I remember a friend of my parents in the 50's who suffered from what was then called "shell shock". He would panic at the sound of a screen door slamming.
ReplyDeleteWhy with the internet, I want to look everything up! And I do! LOL!
DeleteWe have a lot of our soldiers now who are suffering but not too many are acknowledging that fact, but we should.
This is a wonderful post about an unsung hero. I am so glad they are making a movie about him and how wonderful that Billy Graham's grandson is playing Billy Graham; God might have had a hand in that!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful, blessed Sunday, Kay. xo Diana
Look our for the movie, I hope it will be a good one!
DeleteThat's great news, that the rest of his life story will be told.
ReplyDeleteYes, for some reason we fickle humans seem to wish for whatever we do not have.
I am always wishing for something that I don't have!
DeleteI love this post about Louis Z. and as soon as I saw his name, I knew I had to stop and read it. So excited to see that a movie will be made showing "the rest of the story." It was difficult to read Unbroken, but as soon as the chapter opened with a young blonde man stepping off the plane at Los Angeles, I knew the book was taking a great turn. It brought me tears of joy. What a wonderful testimony he had and such joy. Yay! I want to see the movie now. I never read Devil at my Heels. Maybe I should. I always remember Red Foley singing It is No Secret. And I loved This Old House. Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, and your photos are beautiful.
DeleteThanks, Connie! I hoped you would see this post since I know you admire Mr. Zamperini also. We would discuss the film when we see it next year!
DeleteThanks Kay, I loved reading this. I remember my mom singing that song while doing laundry. Oh I miss her so much. I would love to see the new movie too. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteI love that, I will think of your Mom now whenever I sing it myself! Thank you for telling me that!
DeleteNo shortage of autumn colours here, I have been "bathing" in them all weekend!
ReplyDeleteInteresting details about the film; as you say, nice touch to have the grandson play the character of his grandfather.
Our colors last year were just breathtaking, I am not sure about this year, after our weather this year, it might be a bit different in the color change.
DeleteWhat an interesting post Kay. I have never heard of Mr Zamperini, but he appears to be quite a national hero. However I do remember Billy Graham and the crusades when he came to Australia back in those days. I will definitely watch out for the movie. Your Fall picture is exquisite!
ReplyDeleteTHanks, Pat!
DeleteWow. I'm always impressed when anyone takes time to actually write a letter! You are fortunate. I have never seen the movie Unbroken but my husband has read the book and seen the movie. This post was full of inspiration and information. I'm going to have my husband read this! I think I'll watch the second movie coming out. Interesting about Billy Graham, Mr. Zamperini, John Wayne...and I love when relatives have parts in the movies.
ReplyDeleteWe are experiencing Fall weather right. But the trees are slow to change. Doesn't bother me. I could skip Winter completely!
Cindy
Hello Cindy! You should read "Unbroken" also! I have often had women tell me that it is more of a "man's" book but I would like to point out that it was written by a woman! (Laura Hillenbrand).
DeleteLIke you, I could skip winter altogether.
Thanks for your comment!
It's interesting that they would give him a second movie that really explored his life more. I understand if they thought the other stuff was more interesting, but they're telling the complete story. It must be great to get to play your grandfather in a movie of his life.
ReplyDeleteHe had such a long, long life and he was so busy! He was very involved with young people, he had his own camp for them, you know. And he must have spent a great deal of time answering his letters. He insisted on personally replying to every single one. That alone could become a movie!
DeleteSounds like it will be an inspiring film for many. Our fall color is beginning to show here and there are many leaves on the ground.
ReplyDeleteYou would love the story of Mr. Zamperini's life, he was always looking on the bright side!
DeleteLike the autumnal reflections Kay. I watched Unbroken earlier this year. My favourite film you've recommended so far has been Noah. Really enjoyed that :o)
ReplyDeleteOH, I am so glad you also liked "Noah"!
DeleteAnd I think you told me about "Good Old Freda"! Guess what, I have it recorded it right now and will watch it as soon as I can! I remember you telling me about it and that I would like it, I KNOW I will! Thanks!
She is a truly amazing women with huge integrity and heart. Although a talented group she helped them a great deal in the early days as you will soon find out.
DeleteIt's a cool this morning though. I was surprised at the weather when I went out at lunchtime yesterday - that it felt so cool then, too. I guess it's time to give up the sandals. :)
ReplyDelete