Factual error: The Dutch map being shown when George is explaining that all the art is being shipped to Siegen (roughly 25 minutes into the movie) not only displays the 2 parts that were not finished/drained yet, but also completely ignores the 'Afsluitdijk', which was actually already in place and seals of the IJsselmeer (formerly Zuiderzee) from the North Sea. It did however show-up in earlier footage in the movie when George is talking about 'who would be their protectors'.
Factual error: It was incorrectly stated that the Madonna and Child was in the Cathedral at Bruges. It is actually in The Church of Our Lady in Bruges.
Factual error: In the final scene as they turn from the Madonna and Child, they are not exiting from the correct building. This building is neither the incorrectly stated cathedral in Bruges nor the correct home of the sculpture, the Church of Our Lady.
Factual error: Roosevelt is shown receiving a report on all the Monuments Men's activities. However, finding the Madonna at Bruges takes place after the war ended in early May 1945, as the Russians are arriving to take over the areas in eastern Germany occupied by the Russians. President Roosevelt died in April 1945, so President Truman should be receiving the report.
Answer: Preston was loosely based on the real-life Lincoln Kirstein. Prior to WWII, he was a noted writer and an influential person in the cultural arts in America. When the war broke out, he enlisted in the army with the rank of private. He eventually joined the Army's Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives unit, later known as the Monuments Men. He was selected for his abilities, regardless of his military rank. The movie reflected that.
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