In this film, the very reliable British actor, Richard Todd, plays the part of Major John Howard who commanded the paratroopers charged with holding Pegasus Bridge and were the first troops, just about, to land. Richard Todd had actually been part of the real D-Day force in 1944, though not at Pegasus Bridge.
Darryl F.Zanuck had initially wanted him to play himself in the film, he thought it would be good publicity. Richard Todd declined. As a joke, Zanuck then had a line inserted into the film whereby Todd, as Howard, addressed a young officer by the name of - Todd! Incidentally, David Niven was also part of the Allied landing in 1944.
Darryl F.Zanuck had initially wanted him to play himself in the film, he thought it would be good publicity. Richard Todd declined. As a joke, Zanuck then had a line inserted into the film whereby Todd, as Howard, addressed a young officer by the name of - Todd! Incidentally, David Niven was also part of the Allied landing in 1944.