| The Silence of the Lambs
|
|
theatrical poster
|
| Country
|
 United States
|
| Directed by
|
Jonathan Demme
|
| Release Date
|
1991
|
| Language
|
English
|
| Studio
|
Strong Heart/Demme Production
|
| Distributor
|
Orion Pictures
|
|
|
The Silence of the Lambs is the 1991 thriller that was the feature film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris and marked the first appearance of Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter. In the film, FBI recruit Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is asked by the Bureau to elicit Lecter's help in tracking down a notorious serial killer who has kidnapped a US Senator's daughter. Directed by Jonathan Demme (The Manchurian Candidate), the film would make history as one of only three in Hollywood (with 1934's It Happened One Night and 1975's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) to win all of "the Big Five" Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor (Hopkins), Best Actress (Foster), Best Director (Demme) and Best Screenplay. Although the role of Hannibal Lecter had first been played by Brian Cox in Michael Mann's 1986 film Manhunter, Hopkins's performance made the character a household name, and he would reprise the role in two more films: Hannibal (2001) and Red Dragon (2002).
The following weapons were used in the film The Silence of the Lambs:
WARNING! THIS PAGE CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Handguns
Smith & Wesson Model 13
FBI recruit Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) carries the then-standard FBI-issue Smith & Wesson Model 13. This .357 Magnum, 3" barrel revolver was the last revolver issued by the FBI (usually loaded with .38 Special +P .158 gr lead LHP ammo). Starling is shown being issued her Model 13 and training with it on the range in several deleted scenes. She is also seen doing a quick reload of her revolver with a speedloader after she opens fire on a suspect and expends all 6 rounds. When Starling fires her weapon at the suspect, there is noticeable recoil and she flinches. However, when she fires it on the range in the deleted scenes, there is absolutely no recoil, and she keeps her eyes open. This could indicate multiple weapons were used on the set.
Smith & Wesson Model 13 - .357 Magnum
FBI recruit Clarice Starling (
Jodie Foster) checks in her S&W Model 13 with Sergeant Tate when visiting Dr. Hannibal Lecter (
Anthony Hopkins) in Memphis. She draws the revolver, then opens the cylinder, but does not unload it before handing it to Tate.
Closeup of her S&W Model 13 and her speedloader after Tate sets it on the table. The revolver used by
Jodie Foster in the movie has a Pachmayr Grip adaptor, true to the actual FBI-issued firearm at the time. Also note that the rounds in the speedloader are SJHP, and not the .38 spl LSWCHP +P used by the FBI in that era.
"
FBI, You're safe!"
Clarice with her S&W Model 13 drawn at the ready as she shouts to Gumb's hostage, Catherine Martin, in Gumb's basement.
Clarice opens fire on a suspect in the dark with her S&W Model 13.
FBI recruits including Clarice (
Jodie Foster) training in a deleted scene. The range director in the scene tells the recruits that they are to prepare for "double-action" training, and the actors correctly refrain from cocking the hammers.
Later in the same deleted scene, Clarice draws her S&W Model 13. Her holster seems to be the one that the FBI used with the S&W at the time (note the speedloader pouch).
Yet another deleted scene shows Clarice being issued her field weapon. (Due to the fact that she holsters it without looking, she appears to holster the weapon backwards.)
Browning Hi-Power
As they close in on Lecter, one of the SWAT officers is seen with a Browning Hi-Power with Target sights before he opens the elevator access panel. Another SWAT officer appears to use a Browning HP to shoot a motionless suspect in the leg.
Browning Hi-Power "Type 73" w/ Target sights - 9x19mm. These Hi-Powers feature enlongated bushings different from Hi-Powers Made before 1973 and after the MK II Series.
A SWAT officer with his Browning HP prepares to open the access panel.
A second SWAT officer gets the go-ahead to use his Browning HP to shoot an unconscious suspect in the leg to immobilize him. Note that he fires the pistol extremely close in proximity to his face, something a real officer would not do, as the motion of the slide would harm or burn his face and he could very nearly go deaf. Strange, since the film has otherwise exceptional gun handling.
Colt Government Model
One of the FBI instructors uses a deactivated Colt Government Model to demonstrate to Clarice and the recruits what went wrong during an exercise. (Clarice failed to check the corner of the room, which could have led to her death in real life.)
Colt Government Model (Pre-Series 70 Commercial M1911A1) blued with stainless hammer - .45 ACP
"...You're dead, Starling" A Colt is pointed at the head of Clarice during an FBI training exercise. Close inspection of the pistol's ejection port indicates that the gun is deactivated.
Colt Python
Jame Gumb a.k.a "Buffalo Bill" (Ted Levine) uses a 6" barreled, stainless steel Colt Python with black rubber Pachmyr Presentation grips as his personal sidearm. In the book, it is said that Gumb loads the gun with .38 Special lead wadcutters.
Colt Python with stainless steel finish, 6" barrel and Pachmayr grips - .357 Magnum
Buffalo Bill leaves his Colt Python on the stove as he answers Clarice at the door.
With his night vision goggles on as Clarice stumbles in the dark, Buffalo Bill raises his revolver.
Buffalo Bill cocks the hammer on his Python.
Buffalo Bill is briefly illuminated in the dark wielding his Colt Python.
Smith & Wesson Model 10HB
The Memphis police officers guarding Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) are armed with Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolvers with heavy barrels.
Smith & Wesson Model 10 HB (heavy barrel) revolver (Post 1950s Model) - .38 Special. Later incarnations of the Model 10 had a non-tapered heavy barrel, which leads it to be commonly mistaken for a .357 revolver.
Sgt. Tate (
Danny Darst) holds a S&W Model 10 as he and his fellow officers investigate gunfire coming from Lecter's prison cage.
Tate and his officers enter Lecter's room armed with their Model 10's. The sound of several hammers being cocked is played as they enter.
Tate draws his Model 10 as he notices a mysterious bloodstain in the elevator.
Heckler & Koch P7
A Heckler & Koch P7 is briefly seen in the hands of an FBI HRT agent as Crawford and his men breach the suspected house of Buffalo Bill.
Heckler & Koch P7 - 9x19mm
The FBI HRT agent seen on the right next to Special Agent Jack Crawford (
Scott Glenn) holds an H&K P7.
Shotguns
Remington 870
FBI Special Agent Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) prepares to assault the possible residence of Buffalo Bill armed with a Remington 870 shotgun. According to Scott Glenn's commentary on the Blu-Ray edition, the shotgun originally had an 18 inch barrel, but Glenn insisted upon having a 14 inch barrel since that was what the FBI was using at the time. The armorer explained that making it shorter would not be legal, but finally relented and cut down the barrel down to 14 inches shortly before the scene was shot.
Crawford and the FBI HRT prepare to raid the possible residence of Buffalo Bill.
Crawford with the Remington 870 with the short barrel. Note the lack of a front sight.
Ithaca 37
Several variants of the Ithaca 37 shotguns are carried by the Memphis P.D. SWAT officers that respond to Hannibal's prison break. An FBI agent is also seen wielding an Ithaca when Hannibal Lecter arrives in Memphis.
Ithaca Model 37 riot version - 12 Gauge
Ithaca 37 with extended magazine tube - 12 Gauge
The SWAT Team leader (
Chris Isaak) in the middle carries the riot Ithaca while the SWAT officer on the left carries an Ithaca with the extended mag tube.
The SWAT Team leader (
Chris Isaak) gives orders while carrying the Ithaca.
The agent on the left guarding Lecter (
Anthony Hopkins) is armed with the Ithaca.
Submachine Guns
Heckler & Koch MP5K (Replica)
SWAT officers are shown holding what appears to be an airsoft replica of the Heckler & Koch MP5K as they prepare to take down Lecter in the elevator.
Daisy Softair 'Model 15' MP5K Replica Airsoft gun - 6mm BB. The was one of the earliest replica airsoft guns; it's considerably realistic appearance has led it to be used as a substitute for the real MP5K in several productions.
One of the SWAT officers providing cover is seen with what appears to be replica MP5K. Note: This appears to be a FalconToy SoftAir MP5K, based on the "SD"-looking foregrip.
The SWAT officers provide cover with their MP5K's.
Rifles
M16A1
Soldiers of the Tennessee National Guard are seen armed with M16A1 rifles at Memphis Airport when Dr. Hannibal Lecter arrived in Memphis to assist federal agents. National Guardsmen tasked with guarding Dr. Lecter at the makeshift prison he was incarcerated in were also seen armed with M16A1 rifles.
M16A1 with 30 Round magazine - 5.56x45mm
The National Guardsman behind the Senator stands guard armed with an M16A1.
Remington 700PSS
Responding to an incident involving Lecter, the SWAT team negotiator (Daniel von Bargen) is seen carrying what appears to be a Remington 700PSS rifle. FBI HRT snipers who close in on the suspected house of Buffalo Bill also appear to be armed Remington 700PSS sniper rifles.
Remington 700PSS with Leupold Mark 4 scope and Harris bipod
On the right, the SWAT team negotiator (
Daniel von Bargen) carries the rifle. The officer on the left is armed with an Ithaca 37 with extended mag tube.
FBI HRT snipers outside the house with their rifles. The agent on the right appears to have a Remington 700PSS.
Hannibal Lecter |
|---|
| Films | |
|---|
| Television | |
|---|
Join our Discord!
WARNING! THIS PAGE CONTAINS SPOILERS!
