Hundreds Come Out to Honor 'Unbroken' Hero

When Louis Zamperini, 96, entered a packed Regency Theater in Agoura Hills, the audience stood, cheered and waved handheld flags. They came to honor the 96-year-old WWII veteran whose story has inspired them, as well as millions more, through the bestselling biography Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.

Fans of the former Olympian runner started forming a line at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday to get tickets for one of two free afternoon One City, One Book events presented by the City of Agoura Hills, the Agoura Hills Friends of the Library and the Agoura Hills Cultural Arts Council.

"This year’s program started with an idea about highlighting patriotism through literacy," said Donna Conlin, recreation manager for Agoura Hills. "When Louie walked in with flags waiving what transpired was an overwhelming sense of pride, in our country and in our community. There were so many wonderful comments from the public; one lady said this was the highlight of her life."

Approximately 400 people attended both shows, according to theater officials.

Mayor Denis Weber, who suggested the book for this year's program, said he was personally touched by the public's overwhelming response.

"I'm so happy and so proud that the public has responded to this story of heroism and perseverance and sensitivity and ultimately forgiveness," he said.

Zamperini, who grew up in Torrance and currently lives in Los Angeles, survived nearly seven weeks at sea, followed by a two years of torture as a Japanese POW after his plane crashed into the Pacific in May of 1943.

"The book is therapeutic for people," said Zamperini. "People tell me they have gone to their doctors for years to get help, but the book is what really helped them."

Calabasas resident Alex Katunich, former bass player for the band Incubus, agreed. "Your book changed my life," he told Zamperini. I was going through some very hard times when my Dad handed it to me. After reading about what you survived, I knew I could survive."

Before Zamperini took center stage for a Q & A session, a documentary narrated by CBS reporter Bob Simon recounted his ordeal and ultimate forgiveness of his captors. 

In 1998, at 81 years old, Zamperini returned to Japan, finally running in the Olympics, carrying the torch to help open the games in Nagano. 

Following the documentary, the frail but sharp-witted Zamperini offered personal accounts with humor in addition to fielding audience questions.  

Asked if he ever went out on the sea again after the war, he replied, "I did take an adventure cruise to Mexico in 1949, and we forgot to notify the Coast Guard where we were going."

His story is set to be made into a feature film, said his son Luke Zamperini. "They have been wanting to make it since 1957 and now it looks like it's finally going to happen, he said. "Angelina Jolie is the director and we're very excited. She's read the book twice and has met with my dad. She has the right passion to turn his story into a movie."

Who will play Zamperini? After considering all the likely actors, that included Ryan Gosling and Nicolas Cage, Luke said that everyone agreed it is probably best played by an unknown.