The idea for his first professional film '' Saints and Soldiers '' was inspired by his religion professor at Brigham Young , Dennis A. Wright . Wright was the coauthor of a book '' Saints at War '' , and he shared some stories with Little that he wished could have been in the book but had to be left out . Little was able to contact the veterans that Wright told him about and with their help , he wrote the story of '' Saints and Soldiers '' . The film , which takes place during World War II , is about three soldiers who escape during the Malmedy massacre
Malmedy massacre
Malmedy massacre
Ryan Little