 The main character is based on Arch Hall Sr. (qv), director and  star of films such as _Eegah (1962)_ (qv) and  _Wild Guitar (1962)_ (qv), and was an Army buddy of the films  writer. Hall was indeed a pilot, as is his son, Arch Hall Jr. (qv)  Hall was aware his friend Bowers was writing the script and was  flattered and pleased. Once the film was completed and in release,  Hall sued the producers of this movie for invasion of privacy. The  suit was apparently dropped or settled out of court. Bowers, writing  later about his friend and the incident, not only bore Hall no  malice, he thought Halls actions were consistently in character for  the sharpie with whom hed served in uniform.