Okay, here’s a verification and correction of the claims made in the provided text, focusing on the details about the Volkswagen Beetle and the accusations against the “Moonrise Kingdom” production team.I’ll break it down section by section, providing corrections and clarifications. I will also provide a summary at the end.
Overall Context: The author is meticulously dissecting the Volkswagen Beetle used in the film “Moonrise Kingdom,” claiming the production team deliberately misrepresented the car’s year to fit the film’s 1964 setting.They believe the car is actually a 1971-1972 Super Beetle and that attempts were made to disguise it. The author has reported this to the “National Council of Wrongful Modifications” (NCWM) – a clearly satirical institution.
1. Beetle year Identification & Anachronisms
* Claim: The Beetle is likely a 1971 (or ’72) Super Beetle.
* Verification: This is plausible. The features described do align with the 1971-1972 Super Beetle.
* Claim: Earlier, all-chrome bumpers with tubular overriders were added, which would have been on a ’65 or earlier US-spec Beetle.
* Verification: Correct. 1965 and earlier US Beetles had chrome bumpers with rubber “bumpers” or overriders.These were replaced with chrome and rubber “horns” in 1966, and then with impact bumpers in 1968.
* Claim: Full-wheel covers mimic the domed chrome hubcaps of earlier cars, and chrome trim rings hide the brake-cooling slots that appeared in 1966.
* Verification: Correct. Early Beetles had domed hubcaps. The brake cooling slots did begin appearing in 1966, and trim rings could conceal them.
* Claim: The red rear side marker reflector was removed from the side taillight housing, even though the taillights are a general design that wouldn’t be seen until 1968, and in fact are a larger version that appeared in 1971.
* Verification: Mostly Correct. Side marker lights became federally mandated in the US in 1968. The larger taillights did debut in 1971. Removing the reflector is a detail consistent with trying to make a later model look earlier.
* Claim: the (-shaped air extraction vent behind the rear side window started in 1971.
* Verification: Correct. This vent is a defining feature of the 1971 and later Super beetles.
* Claim: Large front indicators (from 1970 and up).
* Verification: Correct. Larger, more prominent front indicators were introduced around 1970.
2. Omissions & Contradictions
* Claim: They didn’t hide the air extraction vent or the large front indicators.
* Verification: Correct.These are significant visual cues that would instantly identify the car as a later model.
* Claim: There’s no engine in the car.
* Verification: This is a detail from the source material, and its relevance is that it suggests a lack of concern for complete accuracy.
* Claim: The production team only removed the side marker reflector from one side.
* Verification: This is a key observation from the provided image and a strong indicator of a rushed or careless attempt at modification.
3. Running Boards
* Claim: Aftermarket JC Whitney-style aluminum louvered running boards may have been available in 1965.
* Verification: JC Whitney did sell aftermarket accessories for VW Beetles in the 1960s, including running boards. It’s plausible they would have been available in 1965, but they were more commonly associated with customizing cars in the 1970s.
4.The Accusation & NCWM
* Claim: The author accuses the art director Gerald Sullivan, construction coordinator Dave Rotondo, and production designer Adam