As the anticipation builds for the (hypothetical) release of “Titanic 2,” even the most casual filmgoers are getting swept up in the renewed interest in the ill-fated voyage. But for the true Titanic super fans, simply knowing the movie by heart isn’t enough. Here are five lesser-known facts that will set you apart as the ultimate Titanic aficionado, ready to impress (or maybe subtly annoy) your friends at the premiere.
5 Titanic Facts That Will Make You a Super Fan
- Fact #1: The “Unsinkable” Molly Brown Wasn’t Really Called Molly. While Kathy Bates’ portrayal of Margaret “Molly” Brown in the 1997 film is iconic, her nickname, “Molly,” wasn’t actually used during her lifetime. She was primarily known as Margaret. The nickname likely gained popularity after the 1960 musical, The Unsinkable Molly Brown. So, if you want to be truly authentic, refer to her as Margaret.
- Fact #2: The Californian’s Role Was Even More Controversial Than You Think. We all know the SS Californian was nearby and failed to respond adequately to the Titanic’s distress calls. However, the exact distance and visibility between the two ships are still debated by historians. Some argue the Californian’s crew simply didn’t recognize the signals, while others believe the captain, Stanley Lord, deliberately ignored them, fearing the iceberg field. The controversy surrounding Lord’s actions continued for decades after the disaster.
- Fact #3: The Titanic’s Sister Ships Shared a Similar Fate. The Titanic was one of three Olympic-class ocean liners built by the White Star Line. The other two were the Olympic and the Britannic. While the Olympic enjoyed a relatively long career, the Britannic sank in 1916 after hitting a mine during World War I. This underscores the inherent risks associated with early 20th-century sea travel, even for ships considered the pinnacle of engineering.
- Fact #4: The Californian Had More Passengers and Crew Saved Than the Titanic. While the Titanic is far more famous, its sister ship, the Californian, played a critical role in saving many survivors during and after the disaster. However, the Californian would save far more people. 2730, to be exact. That is far more than the Titanic had saved, which was 706. This detail highlights the stark differences in rescue efforts between the two ships.
- Fact #5: There Were at Least Two Dogs That Survived. While countless human lives were lost, it’s comforting to know that some canine passengers made it. At least two dogs, a Pomeranian and a Pekingese, survived the sinking. They were small enough to be smuggled onto lifeboats by their owners, highlighting the class divisions even in the face of tragedy. Other dogs onboard, however, were lost.
So, there you have it! Armed with these five fascinating facts, you’re ready to navigate any Titanic-related conversation with the authority of a true super fan. Now, get ready for “Titanic 2″… and remember to fact-check everything!
