First Blood

John Rambo, a decorated Vietnam vet and Green Beret, rolls into Hope, Washington, looking for an old army buddy. He learns the man died of cancer from Agent Orange. Sheriff Will Teasle runs the drifter out of town, then arrests him. The abuse at the station brings back the torture he went through in Vietnam, and Rambo escapes into the mountains. Police and the National Guard join the hunt, and Colonel Trautman, his old commander, tries to prevent a massacre. Rambo returns to town, cuts the power and wounds Teasle. Trautman stops him, and Rambo breaks down in tears.

1. ReferenceThe book ends differently

   In David Morrell's 1972 novel, Rambo dies at the end. In the film he survives, breaks down in tears and is arrested.

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2. ReferenceThe name comes from an apple

   Morrell said he picked the name Rambo for the sound of force in Rambo apples, which he came across in Pennsylvania.

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3. Behind the scenesKirk Douglas was Trautman

   Kirk Douglas was cast as Colonel Trautman and left the set within the first weeks. Richard Crenna took over the role.

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