That this movie was based on Pat Sajak in real life because Pat Sajak was a DJ in Vietnam and he was known for saying "GOOOOOD morning Vietnam!" I also looked up his biography at Patsajak.com and that confirmed by beliefs. I am sharing this because I thought that it was a neat fact to know. :)
shareSajak was indeed also a DJ in Vietnam, but the character in the movie was not based on him. Adrian Cronauer was a real Armed Forces DJ, but the movie version of him is highly fictionalized (with heavy doses of ad-libbing from Robin Williams).
He did some things that, by military standards, were considered innovative back then (using different voices, running characters, etc.--he may have also originated the "GOOOD morning Vietnam" thing). But his style was very mild compared to Robin Williams' depiction.
Contrary to the film, Cronauer was never in conflict with the military authorities over his broadcasts. The higher ups were mostly indifferent to it. If they didn't want something to go out over the air, it simply wouldn't have gone out. He DID teach an English class, and had many Vietnamese friends, but he didn't chase women through the streets of Saigon, etc.
Cronauer has stated in interviews that he's most often asked how close the movie was to reality. He replies, "Anyone who has spent any time in the military at all knows that if I had done half of the things that Robin Williams did in the movie, I would still be in Leavenworth.".
Thanks, and have a great day.
Sam
Wow, thanks for clearing that up for me. You sure do know a thing or two about a thing or two! ;)
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