Often times the best fiction is based on fact. Playing off this theme, Smithsonian Channel premieres the second season of its original series, THE REAL STORY. Classic mystery and adventure tales of the twentieth century come alive in this series that examines the true stories behind famous historical events and individuals. The season premiere looks at the inspiration for one of the most talked about movies ever, "The Exorcist". Other episodes look at "Silence of the Lambs", "Casino", "The Bourne Identity" and "The Hunt for Red October".
Smithsonian Channel separates Fact from Fiction in 'The Real Story', taking In-Depth Look at Inspiration for Iconic Motion Picture "The Hunt For Red October".
"The Hunt For Red October" tells the story of a Russian captain who attempts to defect to the West in a nuclear submarine. Based on a best-selling book by Tom Clancy, the story was directly inspired by an extraordinary Cold War incident.
In November 1975 Valery Sablin started a mutiny and took his destroyer out into the Baltic Sea heading West. Soviet Navy bombers stopped the ship when it was just two hours from Swedish waters, and Sablin was arrested, returned to Moscow, found guilty of treason, and executed. Speaking to those involved in the mutiny and the officers sent to stop it, this episode of The Real Story investigates a remarkable story of bravery, tragedy and Soviet secrecy.

Produced and Directed by Sean Smith ; A Blink Films Production for Smithsonian Channel and Five in Association with BBC Worldwide, Discovery Channel and The History Channel