Rambo was Inspired by WWII Hero Audie Murphy’s Real PTSD Battles

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Throughout his illustrious acting career, Sylvester Stallone has not only gained widespread recognition but also made iconic characters synonymous with cinema. From his debut as the boxer in the 1976 sports drama “Rocky” to his recent successes in the action series “The Expendables,” moviegoers continue to be captivated by the daring escapades of these on-screen heroes. However, it was one particular role that sparked a five-film franchise and solidified Stallone as an action star for nearly half a century: John Rambo in Ted Kotcheff’s 1982 warfare thriller “First Blood.

The movie is derived from David Morrell’s eponymous novel, and it narrates the harrowing tale of John Rambo, a conflicted Vietnam War veteran, struggling to adapt back into society. This struggle leads him into a life-threatening manhunt orchestrated by local law enforcement and military personnel. Although Morrell penned only one book on John Rambo, the character has left an indelible impact on fans spanning generations through its film adaptations and four sequels: “Rambo: First Blood Part II, Rambo III, Rambo, ” and “Rambo: Last Blood“. You might be wondering where the inspiration for this iconic character originated. Here’s a look into the real-life tale and its genuine hero that served as the foundation for the protagonist in “First Blood“.

The Inspiration Behind Morrell’s ‘First Blood’

The Rambo movie series may be a product of imagination, but the original book and its protagonist were shaped by actual experiences to some extent. In David Morrell’s novel ‘First Blood’, he shares in the introduction how various elements of his personal life seeped into the creation of John Rambo and his narrative.

As he crafted the character’s name, he blended the surname of poet Arthur Rimbaud (who happened to be his current read) with the Rambo apple (a grocery item suggested by his spouse). A writer understands that inspiration can spring from the most ordinary moments. Interestingly, there was a real soldier named Arthur John Rambo who served and perished in the Vietnam War. Yet, since Morrell hasn’t referred to the former staff sergeant in the book post-release, it appears to be mere coincidence.

While Arthur John Rambo isn’t the creator of the iconic action hero, it doesn’t rule out the existence of one. In his 2012 book, “Rambo and Me,” Morrell mentioned that before he began writing First Blood, America’s most decorated World War II veteran, Audie Murphy, was on his mind. Morrell found Murphy’s Medal of Honor citation “unbelievable,” admitting in an interview with Flashback Files that “anything Rambo did in the movies is insignificant compared to [Murphy].” Although Murphy’s heroic war feats inspired Morrell as he developed John Rambo, it was actually Murphy’s openness about dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from war that had a profound impact on the character.

Apart from personal motivation, Morrell was inspired by live broadcasts showing the turmoil of war, riots, and National Guard shootings in American cities. He expressed his intent behind writing a book that would make readers experience the Vietnam War’s impact on America, mirroring the experiences of those who served there. Since the last war on American soil was during the Civil War (1865), with the U.S. divided by Vietnam, Morrell believed it was appropriate to write a novel highlighting the philosophical rift in society and bringing the harsh realities of war closer to home. Consequently, Rambo’s emotional trauma upon returning and his encounters with hostility, including over his long hair, represented the contentious societal climate during that era – a culture Morrell felt was crucial to depict.

The Life of Audie Murphy

Born in Texas in 1924, Audie Murphy enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 17 years old by falsifying his age. By the time he was 21, he had become one of the most decorated American veterans of World War II. In 1943, he rose through the ranks to become a staff sergeant and participated in both the invasion of Sicily and the Battle of Anzio in 1944. During these battles, Murphy displayed remarkable bravery. Facing an attack from three sides during the latter battle, while manning a burning tank destroyer with only one machine gun, he single-handedly held off the enemy. His counterattack not only repelled them but also secured the wooded area they were advancing towards, saving his comrades from imminent danger. Upon returning home in 1945, this hero was rightfully awarded the Medal of Honor.

In the process of resuming his regular life, Murphy embarked on a career as both an author and an actor, recounting his harrowing ordeals in books and movies. One such movie based on his life was titled “To Hell and Back“, which was derived from its corresponding book. Although the film “First Blood” deviates from Murphy’s war experiences as depicted in “To Hell and Back“, Morrell found PTSD to be a significant source of inspiration for his writing. In an interview for “Flashback Files“, Morrell shared insights into Murphy’s troubled reality: “He kept a firearm beneath his pillow, waking up from nightmares, screaming and firing shots. There were holes in the wall that they would conceal by rearranging pictures. His civilian life was unsuccessful.” Despite being admired for his bravery and echoed through John Rambo’s character, Murphy paid a heavy price for peace, a message Morrell felt was crucial to convey to readers and cinema-goers alike.

‘First Blood’s John Rambo: In the Book vs. on the Screen

Despite minor variations between John Rambo as portrayed by Morrell in his novel and Sylvester Stallone in the films, they both follow the same initial narrative trajectory. In both cases, Rambo finds himself in a small town where he clashes with Sheriff/Police Chief Will Teasle (played by Brian Dennehy). This conflict culminates in Teasle reprimanding him, forcing him out of town, and even arresting him when he returns to get food. The mistreatment triggers flashbacks from Rambo’s time in the Vietnam War, prompting him to embark on a mission. In this mission, he resorts to violence against Teasle, police officers, and National Guardsmen to ensure his survival.

In contrast, the book’s conclusion features Rambo detonating a bomb, resulting in his and Teasle’s deaths, which aligns with the story’s purpose of depicting the destructive impact of PTSD on soldiers and society’s lack of understanding or aid. However, the movie adaptation ends differently, leaving viewers with Rambo alive and being taken into custody. This change was a point of disappointment for Morrell, as he felt it deviated from the original story’s themes in its subsequent sequels.

Based on an interview with Movies in Focus, the Rambo film series underwent a transformation, shifting John Rambo from his initial state of bitterness and aggression to a portrayal as a victim and eventually, a symbol promoting military recruitment. Instead of staying true to Morrell’s original message addressing traumatized veterans left adrift by the system, the film industry manipulated the ending to fuel profitable sequels and glorify an unwarranted cycle of violent conflict. This is further highlighted in contemporary franchises such as Marvel, where their superheroes, who could be seen as endorsing the military-industrial complex, emphasize Morrell’s viewpoint: our society tends to celebrate the violence of its war heroes, while turning a blind eye to the devastating aftermath they face upon returning home.

Stream First Blood for free on Pluto TV now.

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2025-03-15 03:07