Hope they got that scene on the first "take".

The sound of the original train/bridge collapse was lost, a first take train noise and some stock sound filled it in. The raw film footage was flown to London, it couldn't be found. It was found two weeks later in the tarmac, baking in the Egyptian sun, miraculously it survived. William Holden received a 10% share of the profits, he ended up with millions. Geoffrey Horne who played Lt. Joyce is still alive, almost 93.

In reality the bridge was never destroyed, it still exists, and is still in use. There is no American character in the novel or in real life. 13,000 POWs and 80,000 to 100,000 civilians died during the construction.

Of the two David Lean films most remembered as his best efforts, I prefer Kwai over Lawrence of Arabia, both are excellent works.

I concur with your ranking of BOTRK...it's always been a favorite of mine. Your reply confirms that I should spend a little time researching both the story and the manner in which it was presented, for fuller enjoyment.

(And now my brain will be "whistling" throughout the day...earworm!)

Madness!