Glad someone else venerates that fine movie. Yes, the various dates nag the perfectionist mainly (or those trying to trip up others, especially the newcomer). Sorta like explaining the difference between CSA and PACS. In publishing Cummins' account of the Confederate signal corps, in which he refers to "Colonel" Norris, the SHSP editor just had to footnote (doubtless with a sniff) that there was no record of Major Norris holding a higher rank, regardless of President or SecWar (who bestowed that grade post-Appomattox). The Senate was not convenient for advising and consenting.