Just read Das Boot the book

UnterseeBoogeyMan · 07-21-07, 02:57 PM

Loved every page of it. If you think the uboat-men were filthy in a putrid environment in the movie, the book brings it out even more. Damp, sweaty, food broken plates, every where, one can to go the head in (lucky if you get there once a day), sailors litterally crapping their pants during a depth-charge run and the smell hits the control room , etc. I will say the movie deviated from the book, but as movies from books go I think Wolfgang Peterson did the best job of anyone staying true to the book. Some on the lines were straight out of the book, "here Lt, here's the life preserver, only works for in the shower, and take the plugs, really helps with the diesel stinks, hahaha" or "where are our patrol planes, talking is all he's good for the fat slob" or "the Tipperary song if you have no objections".
I would say the portrayal is even ahead of Hunt For Red October.

Nevertheless, there were scenes in the book, not in the movie which made reading it a good experience. Without letting on too much, there is a "Laconia Incident", when the boat crashes to the bottom near Gibralter, a British DD does a victory lap (WHY DIDNT THEY PUT THAT IN THE MOVIE???) over the spot they sank, Johan is not the one flakes out during the depth-charge attack, their port of call is St. Nazaire not LaRochelle. Bucheim also explains why they have to go to Gibralter - someone has to stop the flow of supplies to Montgomery, Rommel is forced to retreat becuase he doesnt have enough of his. The book also explains why the airplane that attacks in the dark was able to do it. I think I've spoiled it enough, hopefully you'll go out and read the book now.

One last thing; I came away with a more positive impression of the Captain. I thought he was clever and very capable in the movie but in the book I am more impressed. He is always in control of things, hardly ever taken by surprise. He's also cautious enough to anticipate the British tricks, whereas in the movie sudden enemy tactics take him by surprise. Granted, he is quick to react and gets them out of danger, but in the book he sees them coming. Some of these tricks you actually see them doing, whereas in the movie they talk about them. I wont let on what that is, I've spoiled it enough.

All in all, its one of he best naval books, or war books I have ever read.

07-21-07, 02:57 PM	#1
UnterseeBoogeyMan Ensign Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: The Land of Cholla Cactus and Red Chile Posts: 224 Downloads: 6 Uploads: 0	Just read Das Boot the book Loved every page of it. If you think the uboat-men were filthy in a putrid environment in the movie, the book brings it out even more. Damp, sweaty, food broken plates, every where, one can to go the head in (lucky if you get there once a day), sailors litterally crapping their pants during a depth-charge run and the smell hits the control room , etc. I will say the movie deviated from the book, but as movies from books go I think Wolfgang Peterson did the best job of anyone staying true to the book. Some on the lines were straight out of the book, "here Lt, here's the life preserver, only works for in the shower, and take the plugs, really helps with the diesel stinks, hahaha" or "where are our patrol planes, talking is all he's good for the fat slob" or "the Tipperary song if you have no objections". I would say the portrayal is even ahead of Hunt For Red October. Nevertheless, there were scenes in the book, not in the movie which made reading it a good experience. Without letting on too much, there is a "Laconia Incident", when the boat crashes to the bottom near Gibralter, a British DD does a victory lap (WHY DIDNT THEY PUT THAT IN THE MOVIE???) over the spot they sank, Johan is not the one flakes out during the depth-charge attack, their port of call is St. Nazaire not LaRochelle. Bucheim also explains why they have to go to Gibralter - someone has to stop the flow of supplies to Montgomery, Rommel is forced to retreat becuase he doesnt have enough of his. The book also explains why the airplane that attacks in the dark was able to do it. I think I've spoiled it enough, hopefully you'll go out and read the book now. One last thing; I came away with a more positive impression of the Captain. I thought he was clever and very capable in the movie but in the book I am more impressed. He is always in control of things, hardly ever taken by surprise. He's also cautious enough to anticipate the British tricks, whereas in the movie sudden enemy tactics take him by surprise. Granted, he is quick to react and gets them out of danger, but in the book he sees them coming. Some of these tricks you actually see them doing, whereas in the movie they talk about them. I wont let on what that is, I've spoiled it enough. All in all, its one of he best naval books, or war books I have ever read.