Is the film A Few Good Men based on a true story?

Answer 1

Yes, it is loosely based upon the trials of Navy JAG attorneys Don Marcari and former New Mexico United States Attorney David Inglesias, with Marcari being played by Tom Cruise in the film..

Here's the story - Marcari was 28, out of law school, stationed at NAS Oceana, and set to defend a Marine charged with attempted murder. Oh yeah, and he was scared. He defended Lance Cpl. David Cox, who was then 19. Along with nine other Marines, Cox was charged with tying up and gagging a fellow Marine who complained to the Naval Investigative Service about peer harassment. Yes, it was truly a Code Red and it did take place at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. But, the Marine that was tied up and gagged didn't die. When offered an Other-Than-Honorable discharge, seven of the Marines took it rather than face a court martial. However, Marcari didn't draw a confession out of the base commander Col. Samuel Adams a la Cruise in the movie. Col. Adams just said he wasn't aware Code Reds were going on and there must have been a mistake. Cox was eventually charged with simple assault and got off with time already spent in the brig. And, he was allowed to stay in the Marine Corps, unlike the enlisted men in the movie.

The trial eventually drew national attention and prompted Aaron Sorkin to write the play. Which turned into a movie. A TV special was made out of this and one of the men involved in this event was later killed mysteriously. (I can't remember who) To learn more about attorney Don Marcari visit his website at http://www.donmarcari.com/

Answer 2

According to the internet Movie Database, www.imdb.com, playwright and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin got the idea for the story from his sister, a military attorney. She was involved in a similar case, however in the real-life story the charge was assault, not murder.

Answer 3

After a spirited defense and skilfull questioning the Court Martial Board convicted both the enlisted marines, not of murdering their fellow squad member, but on minor technicalities (which still ruined their careers) - but also had the effect of bringing down the psychotic Colonel portrayed by Jack Nicholson.

Answer 4

Lt. Daniel Kaffee, a Navy lawyer who has never seen the inside of the courtroom, defends two stubborn Marines who have been accused of murdering a colleague. Kaffee is known as being lazy and had arranged for a plea bargain. Downey's Aunt Ginny appoints Cmdr. Galloway to represent him. Also on the legal staff is Lt. Sam Weinberg. The team rounds up many facts and Kaffee is discovering that he is really cut out for trial work. The defense is originally based upon the fact that PFC Santiago, the victim, was given a "CODE RED". Santiago was basically a screw-up. At Gitmo, screw-ups aren't tolerated. Especially by Col. Nathan Jessup. In Cuba, Jessup and two senior officers try to give all the help they can, but Kaffee knows something's fishy.

Answer 5

military