Daigo Mick Friend:
Yes, there were documented accounts of survivors (Corinne Andrews/Jack Thayer) who said they saw the ship break in two...also Eva Hart, who was about 7 at the time and lost her father to the sinking.

(I remember an interview of Eva's, when she was well into her 80's...closing her eyes and saying she could see it in her mind as if it were happening right then...amazing!)

Apparently though, these accounts were unable to be taken as fact until Dr. Ballard found the ship in the 1980's.

So I guess that's why it's not shown breaking in two in any of the numerous pre-Cameron films.

plawrence:
For the past few weeks I've been re-reading 'A Night To Remember', and at the same time 'Titanic - End of A Dream' which depicts not only the sinking itself but the aftermath and the hearings that were conducted both in the U.S. and England.

I tend to revisit this stuff every few years...and try to see A Night To Remember every time it's shown on tv. Just like The Godfather!

Gotta get the dvd one of these days!!!

Apple