Flash of Genius

Flash of Genius (2008)

5 factual errors - chronological order

(1 vote)

Factual error: The film depicts Kearns successfully demonstrating his invention to Ford engineers using a Lincoln Mark III, a model that debuted in late 1967 as a 1968 model. In reality, he demonstrated the wipers, was hired by Ford and then let go after six years. By 1971, he'd moved to Maryland. Simple math shows he was hired around 1965 - two years before the car he demonstrated with was built. Worse yet, his partner Gil was depicted driving a 1969 Camaro that same day. (00:20:00)

johnrosa

Factual error: The wheels on Gil's Camaro are modern custom wheels that did not exist in 1965 when the events took place. (00:24:10)

johnrosa

Factual error: The scene that takes place at the Ford release of their 1971 models has two Mustangs driving to the event. The one in front is obviously a 1973.

afcop_3ggt

Factual error: In an early scene set in a Catholic church, none of the women or girls are wearing hats or veils. In the 60s, Catholic women and girls would not enter church without a head covering.

Factual error: The character of Dr. Kearn during his court testimony states that one of his first inventions was the plastic bag for margarine which was used to mix the yellow colouring dye-agent into the white coloured margarine. I have found sources that show that Mr. Peters invented that and held the patent. http://www.michiganhistorymag.com/extra/barnett/butterwars.pdf.

Factual error: The character of Dr. Kearn during his court testimony states that one of his first inventions was the plastic bag for margarine which was used to mix the yellow colouring dye-agent into the white coloured margarine. I have found sources that show that Mr. Peters invented that and held the patent. http://www.michiganhistorymag.com/extra/barnett/butterwars.pdf.

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