Was the movie Argo accurate?

The movie Argo, up for seven Oscars at this year’s Academy Awards, is based on the true story of the CIA rescue of Americans in Tehran during the 1979 hostage crisis. Movie aficionados — and historians — know that the movie sticks pretty close to what really happened during the Iranian Revolution.

What is happening in the beginning of Argo?

The movie begins with a brief narration of the events leading to the overthrow of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi and the following Iranian Revolution and opens on the scene of the U.S. embassy in Tehran surrounded by militant protesters. Inside, staffers are frantically shredding and burning documents.

What was the plot of the movie that was created as part of the exfiltration plan?

With few options, exfiltration expert Tony Mendez devised a daring plan: create a phony Canadian film project looking to shoot in Iran and smuggle the Americans out as its production crew. With the help of some trusted Hollywood contacts, Mendez created the ruse and proceeded to Iran as its associate producer.

What happened to the rest of the hostages in Argo?

The remaining 52 hostages were held until January 1981, up to 444 days of captivity. The hostages were initially held at the embassy, but after the takers took the cue from the failed rescue mission, the detainees were scattered around Iran in order to make a single rescue attempt impossible.

Does everyone survive in Argo?

They call the airport, but it’s too late, despite a last-minute chase on the tarmac, the plane takes off and the diplomats are on their way to freedom. Despite their escape, there are still 52 other American hostages being held, so Canada takes full responsibility for the rescue mission.

When was the Argo operation declassified?

1997
When Mendez returned to the U.S., President Carter gave Mendez the Intelligence Star, one of the CIA’s highest honors. But it was all done secretly, and the CIA role in the operation was not revealed until 1997. The 52 American hostages at the U.S. Embassy were held for 444 days and not released until January 1981.

What is the story of Argo?

On Nov. 4, 1979, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, taking 66 American hostages. Amid the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge with the Canadian ambassador. Knowing that it’s just a matter of time before the refugees are found and likely executed, the U.S. government calls on extractor Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) to rescue them. Mendez’s plan is to pose as a Hollywood producer scouting locations in Iran and train the refugees to act as his “film” crew.Argo / Film synopsis

What is the storyline of Argo?

What happened at the end of Argo?

Despite their escape, there are still 52 other American hostages being held, so Canada takes full responsibility for the rescue mission. That means that even though Mendez and Chambers were awarded an Intelligence Star by the United States government for their efforts, the award must stay confidential.

How did American hostages get out of Iran?

Political analysts cited the standoff as a major factor in the continuing downfall of Carter’s presidency and his landslide loss in the 1980 presidential election; the hostages were formally released into United States custody the day after the signing of the Algiers Accords, just minutes after American President …

What is the plot of Argo (2012 film)?

Argo (2012 film) Mendez contacts John Chambers, a Hollywood make-up artist who had previously worked for the CIA. Chambers puts Mendez in touch with film producer Lester Siegel. Together, they set up a phony film production company, publicize their plans, and successfully establish the pretense of developing Argo,…

What happened to the Hollywood Sign?

Interesting? As shown in this movie, by the late 1970s, the Hollywood sign (which had first been erected in 1923 as “HOLLYWOODLAND” to advertise an upcoming real estate development) had fallen into severe disrepair.

How much money did Argo make worldwide?

Argo earned $136 million in the United States, and $96.3 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $232.3 million. The film debuted in second place with $19.5 million, then made $16.4 million in its sophomore weekend. In its third weekend the film made $12.1 million, finishing in first place.

Who does Mendez contact to get into Hollywood?

Mendez contacts John Chambers, a Hollywood make-up artist who had previously worked for the CIA. Chambers puts Mendez in touch with film producer Lester Siegel.