 Join our Discord!
|
| If you have been locked out of your account you can request a password reset here. |
Difference between revisions of "The Green Berets"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
m (Bot: Adding DEFAULTSORT.) |
|||
| (203 intermediate revisions by 40 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | {{Infobox Movie |
| + | |name = The Green Berets | ||
| + | |picture = TheGreenBeretsPoster.jpg | ||
| + | |caption = ''Theatrical release poster'' | ||
| + | |country = [[Image:USA.jpg|25px]] USA | ||
| + | |director =[[John Wayne]]<br>Ray Kellogg<br>Mervyn LeRoy (uncredited) | ||
| + | |date= 1968 | ||
| + | |language =English | ||
| + | |studio=Batjac Productions | ||
| + | |distributor=Warner Bros.-Seven Arts | ||
| + | |character1= Colonel Mike Kirby | ||
| + | |actor1=[[John Wayne]] | ||
| + | |character2=SGT Petersen | ||
| + | |actor2=[[Jim Hutton]] | ||
| + | |character3=George Beckworth | ||
| + | |actor3=[[David Janssen]] | ||
| + | |character4=MSG Muldoon | ||
| + | |actor4=[[Aldo Ray]] | ||
| + | |character5=SFC "Doc" McGee | ||
| + | |actor5=[[Raymond St. Jacques]] | ||
| + | |character6=Captain Nim (ARVN) | ||
| + | |actor6=[[George Takei]] | ||
| + | |character7=LT Jamison, (United States Navy) | ||
| + | |actor7=[[Patrick Wayne]] | ||
| + | |character8=Colonel Morgan | ||
| + | |actor8=[[Bruce Cabot]] | ||
| + | |character9=Colonel Cai (ARVN) | ||
| + | |actor9=[[Jack Soo]] | ||
| + | |character10=SGT Provo | ||
| + | |actor10=[[Luke Askew]] | ||
| + | }} | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | '''''The Green Berets''''' is the 1968 [[John Wayne]] war film that was one of the few movies made about the Vietnam War while the US was still involved in fighting it. Holding a somewhat dubious honor of being the only (somewhat) pro-Vietnam War movie of the era, Wayne's film received substantial support from the Department of Defense, who lent accurate equipment and weaponry for the production. | |
| − | + | {{Film Title|The Green Berets}} | |
| − | At the beginning of the film, when a group of civilians and reporters are being briefed about the capabilities of the U.S. Army Special Forces a number of captured weapons are seen on a display board behind the | + | __TOC__<br clear=all> |
| + | = Captured Weapons Display = | ||
| + | At the beginning of the film, when a group of civilians and reporters are being briefed about the capabilities of the U.S. Army Special Forces, a number of captured weapons are seen on a display board behind the MSG Muldoon ([[Aldo Ray]]) and SFC McGee ([[Raymond St. Jacques]]), they include: | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb1.JPG|600px|none|thumb|The Captured Weapons Display.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 3.jpg|none|thumb|600px|MSG Muldoon standing next to the Captured Weapons Display]] | ||
| − | == [[MAT-49]] | + | == MAT-49 == |
| − | + | The [[MAT-49|MAT-49 sub machine gun]] was used widely throughout (then) French Indo-China with a great deal of them being left behind after the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu. The weapon displayed here could be a locally manufactured copy which chambers the 7.62mm Tokarev round. | |
| + | [[Image:MAT-49.jpg|300px|none|thumb|French MAT-49 Sub Machine Gun - 9mm]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb1.JPG|600px|none|thumb|A [[MAT-49]] top dead center of the display.]] | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | ==M1928 Thompson== |
| + | Also seen on the board is an [[M1928A1 Thompson]]. The M1928 and A1 models could have their butt stock removed and were commonly used by the Viet Cong because of their availability from the times of the First Indochina War, Chinese Civil War, and Korean War. | ||
| + | [[Image:M1928A1Drum.jpg |thumb|none|400px|M1928A1 Thompson with 50-round drum magazine - .45 ACP]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb1.JPG|600px|none|thumb|A Thompson M1928 or a Viet Cong copy in the center of the display.]] | ||
| − | == [[ | + | == SKS Carbine == |
| − | + | A Russian [[SKS Carbine]] is also on display. | |
| + | [[Image:Simonov-Russian-SKS45.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Russian SKS carbine - 7.62x39mm]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb1.JPG|600px|none|thumb|A Russian version of the [[SKS Carbine]] in the center of the display.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 213.jpg|600px|none|thumb|Muldoon takes up the SKS.]] | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | == PPSh-41 Submachine Gun == |
| + | This ubiquitous Russian [[PPSh-41]] submachine gun is also seen on the captured weapons display but, like the SKS, above it could very well be a Chinese clone. Sgt. Muldoon ([[Aldo Ray]]) refers to the weapon as a "ChiCom K50 submachine gun". The ChiCom version normally was loaded with a "stick" magazine instead of the drum magazine seen here. | ||
| + | [[Image:PPSH-01-SMG.jpg|thumb|none|400px|PPSh-41 Submachine Gun - 7.62x25mm Tokarev]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb1.JPG|600px|none|thumb|A [[PPSh-41]] of a Chinese copy of one at the bottom of the display]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 211.jpg|600px|none|thumb|Sgt. Muldoon shows off the "ChiCom K50 submachine gun".]] | ||
| − | == [[ | + | == Mle 1892 Revolver == |
| − | + | An [[Mle 1892 Revolver]] is seen mounted on the captured weapons display. | |
| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:Mle 1892.jpg|300px|thumb|none|Mle 1892 Revolver - 8 x 27mm]] |
| + | [[Image:Gb1.JPG|600px|none|thumb|An [[Mle 1892 Revolver]] or a Viet Cong copy of one in the center of the display.]] | ||
| − | == [[ | + | =Pistols= |
| − | + | ==Colt Woodsman "Assassin" Model== | |
| − | [[Image: | + | A [[Colt Woodsman]] with both a modified slide and barrel to thread a suppressor is used by Colonel Cai ([[Jack Soo]]). |
| + | [[Image:Woodsman.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Colt Woodsman "Assassin" Model]] | ||
| + | [[Image: GreenBerets_22_01.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Colonel Cai ([[Jack Soo]]) prepares to use the suppressed pistol.]] | ||
| + | [[Image: GreenBerets_22_02.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Colonel Cai ([[Jack Soo]]) holds the pistol.]] | ||
| − | == | + | =Shotguns= |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | == [[ | + | == Browning Over & Under Shotgun == |
| − | + | The Airborne Colonel who shoots skeet with Col. Kirby ([[John Wayne]]) (and who was the real commander of the Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia where the film was shot) uses a [[12 Gauge Double Barreled Shotgun|Browning over-under shotgun]]. | |
| + | [[Image:Gb2.JPG|601px|none|thumb|The Airborne Colonel uses a Browning over-under shotgun to shoot skeet with Col. Kirby ([[John Wayne]]). The Airborne Colonel was portrayed by the real life commander at Fort Benning at the time of the film's production.]] | ||
| − | == [[ | + | == Remington Model 1100 == |
| − | + | Col. Kirby uses a [[Remington Model 1100]] semi-auto shotgun while shooting skeet with the Airborne Colonel. | |
| + | [[Image:1100sporting20.jpg|500px|none|thumb|Remington Model 1100 - 12 Gauge]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb3.JPG|601px|none|thumb|Col. Mike Kirby ([[John Wayne]]) with the [[Remington 1100|Remington Model 1100 Shotgun]].]] | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | =Rifles= |
| + | == XM16E1 == | ||
| + | In the movie, Kirby's men carry [[XM16E1]] rifles noted by the presence of a forward bolt assist, partial magazine fence, and early model three prong flash suppressor. In actuality, the U.S. Army Special Forces were one of the first units to actively field the [[M16]] in combat. | ||
| + | [[Image:XM16E1 real.jpg|thumb|none|400px|XM16E1 Rifle - 5.56mm]] | ||
| + | [[File:J Wayne-TGB.jpg|thumb|none|300px|A publicity image of [[John Wayne]] as Colonel Kirby holding the rifle.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb5.JPG|none|thumb|600px|Sgt. Parks ([[Rudy Robbins]]) holds the [[XM16E1]].]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 23.jpg|none|thumb|600px|Colonel Mike Kirby ([[John Wayne]]) with the MIKE Force armed with an [[XM16E1]].]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 31.jpg|none|thumb|600px|Colonel Mike Kirby ([[John Wayne]]) holding an [[M16 rifle series|XM16E1 Rifle]] while watching a Skyhook.]] | ||
| + | [[File:GreenB 334.jpg|none|thumb|600px|Kirby carries the rifle as the sun sets over the coast of Vietnam (this would not be a common occurrence either in the state of Georgia, where the majority of the production was filmed, or South Vietnam, as most of Vietnam's and Georgia's coastal areas face east).]] | ||
| − | == | + | ===Mattel M-16 Marauder Toy Gun=== |
| − | + | Later in the movie, Col. Kirby is seen dramatically smashing an M-16 against a tree. If you look carefully, the "weapon" is actually a ''Mattel M-16 Marauder'', a plastic toy gun manufactured in the 1960s. Also, it would be near impossible for him to smash the aerospace-grade aluminum receivers by hand against a tree, which is what he would have done to really render the weapon unusable to the enemy. Like in most movies, this was done just to give viewers a "macho" impression on the screen. The Marauder is also briefly seen in the hands of Kirby after the watchtower is brought down by enemy fire. | |
| + | [[Image:MattelMarauder1.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Mattel M-16 Marauder Toy Gun]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb9.JPG|thumb|none|601px|Wayne prepares to smash his fallen comrade's "M16 rifle", making it useless to the Vietcong if they ever got ahold of it. The "weapon" is actually a ''Mattel M-16 Marauder'', a plastic toy gun manufactured in the 1960s.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:GreenB 3039.jpg|thumb|none|601px|The rifle briefly seen in the hands of Kirby after the watchtower is brought down by enemy fire is also the Maurader toy gun.]] | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | ==M1 Carbine == |
| + | The [[M1 Carbine]] is seen mainly in the hands of ARVN troopers, VC fighters, as well as numerous US military personnel. Reporter George Beckworth ([[David Janssen]]) also is briefly seen with the rifle. | ||
| + | [[Image:M1CarbineLateModel.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Late Model M1 Carbine - .30 Carbine]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb15.JPG|thumb|none|600px|The [[M1 Carbine]] is seen in the hands of ARVN troopers.]] | ||
| + | [[File:GreenB_6408.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Lt. Jamison ([[Patrick Wayne]]) carries an M1 Carbine on his tractor.]] | ||
| + | [[File:GreenB_6410.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Captain Nim ([[George Takei]]) carries the M1 Carbine.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 15.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Viet Cong guerillas carrying [[M1 Carbine]]s.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 22.jpg|none|thumb|600px|A MIKE Force soldier is armed with an M1 Carbine while assisting the evacuation.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 29.jpg|thumb|none|600px|George Beckworth ([[David Janssen]]) holding the [[M1 Carbine]].]] | ||
| + | [[File:GreenB_6416.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Colonel Cai ([[Jack Soo]]) on the right carries an M1 Carbine.]] | ||
| − | ==[[ | + | == M1 Garand == |
| − | + | The [[M1 Garand]] is seen in the hands of ARVN troops, strike team members, and enemy fighters. | |
| + | [[Image:M1 Garand.jpg|thumb|none|400px|M1 Rifle - .30-06]] | ||
| + | [[File:GreenB 315.jpg|none|thumb|600px|Col. Kirby meets the MIKE Force Honor Guard. While this is supposed to be South Vietnam, seen on the right are the jump towers of Fort Benning, Georgia, where production took place.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb10.JPG|none|thumb|601px|MIKE Force Honor Guards with the [[M1 Garand]].]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 7.jpg|none|thumb|601px|MIKE Force Honor Guards with the [[M1 Garand]] as Col. Kirby salutes.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 17.jpg|none|thumb|602px|A strike team member carrying the [[M1 Garand]] on the left.]] | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | ==M14== |
| − | [[Image: | + | Both American and VC forces are seen using the [[M14]] rifle. |
| + | [[Image:M14Rifle.jpg|thumb|none|400px|M14 Rifle - 7.62x51mm]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 20.jpg|none|thumb|600px|Viet Cong guerrillas charging the camp with [[M14]]s.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 21.jpg|none|thumb|600px|Viet Cong guerrillas charging the camp with [[M14]]s.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 22.jpg|none|thumb|600px|A MIKE Force soldier holds an M14 while assisting the evacuation.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 33.jpg|none|thumb|600px|US Soldiers arriving in Vietnam with M14s.]] | ||
| − | + | ==T26 Tanker Garand Rifle == | |
| + | During the evacuation of the A camp, a MIKE Force member is briefly seen carrying the Tanker model of the [[M1 Garand]]. | ||
| + | [[Image:Tanker Garand.jpg|thumb|none|400px|T26 Tanker Garand Rifle - .30-06]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 25.jpg|none|thumb|600px|A MIKE Force soldier carrying a [[M1 Garand|Tanker Garand]] with flash hider.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 24.jpg|none|thumb|600px|A closer view of the MIKE Force soldier's [[M1 Garand|Tanker Garand]] with flash hider.]] | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | ==Mauser Gewehr 98 Rifle== |
| + | A MIKE Force soldier is seen with a slung [[Gewehr 1898]] rifle after the battle. | ||
| + | [[Image:Mauser g98.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Mauser Gew 98 Rifle - 7.92x57mm]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 26.jpg|none|thumb|600px|The MIKE Force soldier on the left with his slung Gewehr 1898.]] | ||
| − | == | + | ==Mauser Karabiner 98k Rifle== |
| − | + | NVA Regular soldiers are seen grabbing their [[Karabiner 98k|Mauser K98k Rifles]] during the extraction. It should be noted that both the NVA and the Viet Cong used a considerable number of Mauser Kar98k rifles during the Vietnam War (many of which were provided by the Soviet Union) and the rifles (along with the Mosin Nagant) were used alongside the more prevalent [[AK-47]] assault rifle and SKS carbine. | |
| + | [[Image:Karabiner-98K.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Mauser K98k 98 Rifle - 7.92x57mm]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 30.jpg|none|thumb|600px|NVA Regular soldiers are seen grabbing their [[Karabiner 98k|Mauser K98k Rifles]].]] | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | ==T-62 Civilian Defense Weapon == |
| + | During the VC/NVA Assault on the basecamp, three VC killed on the wire appear to be armed with [[T-62 Civilian Defense Weapon]] rifles/carbines. Similar weapons were used in the 1967 Dean Martin film ''[[The Ambushers]]'' as well as in the television series ''Get Smart''. | ||
| + | [[Image:AR-7_T-62.jpg|thumb|400px|none|T-62 Civilian Defense Weapon - .22 LR]] | ||
| + | [[Image: GreenBerets_AR7_02.jpg|thumb|none|601px|The rifle is held by the VC.]] | ||
| + | [[Image: GreenBerets_AR7_03.jpg|thumb|none|601px|The pistol grip is visible here.]] | ||
| − | == [[ | + | =Machine Guns= |
| − | + | ==M60 Machine Gun== | |
| + | [[M60]] machine guns are seen manned by door gunners in Huey helicopters as well as carried by US troops entering their tour of duty at the end of the film. This is one of the first appearances of this machine gun in a motion picture and is not likely a prop weapon (the production was granted full cooperation with the US Department of Defense). | ||
| + | [[File:M60GPMG.jpg|thumb|none|400px|M60 machine gun with bipod extended - 7.62x51mm NATO]] | ||
| + | [[Image:GreenB 302.jpg|none|thumb|601px|[[M60]] machine guns seen inside the helicopter.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:GreenB 306.jpg|none|thumb|601px|[[M60]] machine gun manned by doorgunner in Huey helicopter.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:GreenBerets_M60_01.jpg|none|thumb|601px|Beckworth leaves with another group of troops with slung M60 machine guns (seen on the far left and far right).]] | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | ==M60D Machine Gun== |
| − | [[Image: | + | [[M60D]] machine guns are seen mounted as door guns on several US "Huey" helicopters. |
| + | [[Image:M60d.jpg|thumb|none|400px|M60D machine gun - 7.62x51mm NATO]] | ||
| + | [[Image:GreenB 310.jpg|none|thumb|601px|[[M60D]] machine guns are seen mounted as door guns on several US "Huey" helicopters.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:GreenB 303.jpg|none|thumb|601px|[[M60D]] machine guns are seen mounted as door guns on the landing "Huey" helicopter.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 8.jpg|none|thumb|601px|A UH-1 "Huey" Helicopter armed with an M60D door gun.]] | ||
| − | == [[ | + | ==M60C Machine Guns== |
| − | + | Paired [[M60 machine gun#M60C machine gun|M60C machine guns]], part of the M16 Weapons System (quad M60Cs and a pair of 7-shot rocket pods), are attached to a UH-1 "Huey" (probably a C or D model) gunship in the movie. | |
| + | [[Image:M60C.jpg|thumb|none|500px|M60C machine gun - 7.62x51mm NATO]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 10.jpg|thumb|none|601px|A ground crew doing final adjustments to [[M60 machine gun#M60C machine gun|M60C machine guns]]]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb4.JPG|thumb|none|601px|The crew doing final adjustments to the M-6E3 Weapons System with [[M60 machine gun#M60C machine gun|M60C machine guns]]]] | ||
| + | [[Image:GreenB 308.jpg|thumb|none|601px|The gunship launches rockets on an NVA position.]] | ||
| − | [[ | + | == Browning M2 Aircraft == |
| + | Seen mounted on tripods throughout the A Camp is this aircraft version of the venerable [[Browning M2]], easily denoted by the full-length ventilated barrel shroud. The reason for using the M2 Aircraft version in the film was the ease of blank conversion compared to the M2 Heavy Barrel ground gun. | ||
| + | [[File:M2 aircraft flexible.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning M2 Aircraft, Flexible - .50 BMG]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb6.JPG|thumb|none|601px|Sergeant Muldoon ([[Aldo Ray]]) standing over a [[Browning M2|Browning M2 Aircraft Machine Gun]].]] | ||
| − | ' | + | == Browning M1919A4 Machine Gun == |
| + | A [[Browning M1919A4]] Machine Gun is also used in the defense of the A Camp. | ||
| + | [[Image:M1919A4Browning.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning M1919A4 on an M2 tripod - .30-06 Springfield]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb12.JPG|600px|thumb|none|MSG Muldoon ([[Aldo Ray]]) oversees the camp's defenses. Note the M1919 in the upper right corner.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 19.jpg|thumb|none|601px|A Green Beret machine gun team firing a [[Browning M1919|Browning M1919A4 Machine Gun]].]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 14.jpg|thumb|none|601px|The [[Browning M1919|Browning M1919A4 Machine Gun]] is fired.]] | ||
| − | == [[ | + | ==Browning Automatic Rifle== |
| − | + | A [[Browning Automatic Rifle]] is briefly seen in the hands of a VC fighter during the assault on the A Camp. | |
| + | [[Image:BAR.jpg|400px|thumb|none|Browning Automatic Rifle - .30-06]] | ||
| + | [[Image:GreenB 331.jpg|thumb|none|601px|On the right, a [[Browning Automatic Rifle]] is briefly seen in the hands of a VC fighter during the assault on the A Camp.]] | ||
| − | [[ | + | == GE M134 Minigun == |
| − | + | Seen in the interior of "Puff the Magic Dragon" (a nickname of the AC-47 "Spooky" gunship, a ground-attack variant of the venerable C-47 Skytrain transport aircraft) are a pair of devastating GAU-2B/As, the Air Force designation for a variant of the [[M134 minigun]]. The AC-47D carried three such guns after the replacement of the SUU-11/A gunpod (which used the original fixed-mount M134 under its Air Force designation, GAU-2/A) with the MXU-470/A gun module starting in January 1967. | |
| − | + | This is also one of the first appearances of this weapon in a motion picture: it appears the production managed this by borrowing a real military AC-47D. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | [[Image:MXU-470.jpg|400px|none|thumb|Three MXU-470/A minigun modules with GAU-2B/A (M134) Miniguns in an AC-47D "Spooky" gunship - 7.62x51mm]] | |
| − | + | [[Image:Gb8.JPG|601px|none|thumb|"It'll only a take a minute." A pair of GAU-2B/As are fired from "Puff the Magic Dragon", an AC-47D Gunship.]] | |
| − | + | =Other= | |
| − | |||
| − | == [[ | + | ==M116 75mm Pack Howitzer== |
| − | + | [[Image: M116Pack.jpg|thumb|none|400px|M116 Pack howitzer - 75mm]] | |
| + | [[File:GreenB 315.jpg|none|thumb|600px|]] | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | ==M30 4.2 inch Mortar== |
| − | [[Image: | + | Sergeant Peterson ([[Jim Hutton]]) and crew are seen manning an M30 4.2 inch Mortar during the VC attack. |
| + | [[Image:M30mortar.JPG|thumb|none|400px|M30 mortar - 4.2 inch]] | ||
| + | [[Image:TGB 13.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Sergeant Peterson ([[Jim Hutton]]) and crew manning a M30 4.2 inch Mortar.]] | ||
| − | == [[ | + | == M79 Grenade Launcher == |
| − | + | The [[M79 Grenade Launcher]] glimpsed briefly (though never actually fired) in the movie is one of the U.S.'s more reliable light support weapons. An M79 is also carried by MSG Muldoon ([[Aldo Ray]]). | |
| + | [[Image:M79-Grenade-Launcher.jpg|thumb|none|400px|M79 Grenade Launcher - 40mm]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Gb7.JPG|none|thumb|601px|A MIKE Force Strike Team member carrying an [[M79 Grenade Launcher]].]] | ||
| + | [[File:GreenB_340.jpg|none|thumb|601px|MSG Muldoon is seen in the center with an M79.]] | ||
| + | == M18A1 Claymore == | ||
| + | This standard (and extremely devastating) [[M18A1 Claymore]] U.S. anti-personnel mine makes a brief appearance in the film. The mine is a modified training model. In the 1960s and 1970s, the training model Claymores were green plastic with a blue painted stripe on the front. The green plastic was the same as the live Claymore so it looks most like live ordnance. Only from the 1980s forward did they use ALL blue plastic training M18s. The remnants of the blue paint are faintly visible on this model, though it would be obvious that a movie production would never use any live ordnance to begin with. | ||
| + | [[Image:M18a1 07.jpg|thumb|none|300px|]] | ||
| + | [[Image:GB 11.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An [[M18A1 Claymore]] in place in camp A-107. It is a solid green training model with the remnants of the blue paint visible on the bottom edges.]] | ||
| − | + | {{DEFAULTSORT:Green Berets, The}} | |
| − | |||
[[Category:Movie]] | [[Category:Movie]] | ||
| − | [[Category:War | + | [[Category:War]] |
| + | [[Category:Drama]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:44, 29 July 2023
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Green Berets is the 1968 John Wayne war film that was one of the few movies made about the Vietnam War while the US was still involved in fighting it. Holding a somewhat dubious honor of being the only (somewhat) pro-Vietnam War movie of the era, Wayne's film received substantial support from the Department of Defense, who lent accurate equipment and weaponry for the production.
The following weapons were used in the film The Green Berets:
Captured Weapons Display
At the beginning of the film, when a group of civilians and reporters are being briefed about the capabilities of the U.S. Army Special Forces, a number of captured weapons are seen on a display board behind the MSG Muldoon (Aldo Ray) and SFC McGee (Raymond St. Jacques), they include:
MAT-49
The MAT-49 sub machine gun was used widely throughout (then) French Indo-China with a great deal of them being left behind after the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu. The weapon displayed here could be a locally manufactured copy which chambers the 7.62mm Tokarev round.
A MAT-49 top dead center of the display.
M1928 Thompson
Also seen on the board is an M1928A1 Thompson. The M1928 and A1 models could have their butt stock removed and were commonly used by the Viet Cong because of their availability from the times of the First Indochina War, Chinese Civil War, and Korean War.
SKS Carbine
A Russian SKS Carbine is also on display.
A Russian version of the SKS Carbine in the center of the display.
PPSh-41 Submachine Gun
This ubiquitous Russian PPSh-41 submachine gun is also seen on the captured weapons display but, like the SKS, above it could very well be a Chinese clone. Sgt. Muldoon (Aldo Ray) refers to the weapon as a "ChiCom K50 submachine gun". The ChiCom version normally was loaded with a "stick" magazine instead of the drum magazine seen here.
A PPSh-41 of a Chinese copy of one at the bottom of the display
Mle 1892 Revolver
An Mle 1892 Revolver is seen mounted on the captured weapons display.
An Mle 1892 Revolver or a Viet Cong copy of one in the center of the display.
Pistols
Colt Woodsman "Assassin" Model
A Colt Woodsman with both a modified slide and barrel to thread a suppressor is used by Colonel Cai (Jack Soo).
Colonel Cai (Jack Soo) prepares to use the suppressed pistol.
Colonel Cai (Jack Soo) holds the pistol.
Shotguns
Browning Over & Under Shotgun
The Airborne Colonel who shoots skeet with Col. Kirby (John Wayne) (and who was the real commander of the Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia where the film was shot) uses a Browning over-under shotgun.
The Airborne Colonel uses a Browning over-under shotgun to shoot skeet with Col. Kirby (John Wayne). The Airborne Colonel was portrayed by the real life commander at Fort Benning at the time of the film's production.
Remington Model 1100
Col. Kirby uses a Remington Model 1100 semi-auto shotgun while shooting skeet with the Airborne Colonel.
Rifles
XM16E1
In the movie, Kirby's men carry XM16E1 rifles noted by the presence of a forward bolt assist, partial magazine fence, and early model three prong flash suppressor. In actuality, the U.S. Army Special Forces were one of the first units to actively field the M16 in combat.
A publicity image of John Wayne as Colonel Kirby holding the rifle.
Mattel M-16 Marauder Toy Gun
Later in the movie, Col. Kirby is seen dramatically smashing an M-16 against a tree. If you look carefully, the "weapon" is actually a Mattel M-16 Marauder, a plastic toy gun manufactured in the 1960s. Also, it would be near impossible for him to smash the aerospace-grade aluminum receivers by hand against a tree, which is what he would have done to really render the weapon unusable to the enemy. Like in most movies, this was done just to give viewers a "macho" impression on the screen. The Marauder is also briefly seen in the hands of Kirby after the watchtower is brought down by enemy fire.
M1 Carbine
The M1 Carbine is seen mainly in the hands of ARVN troopers, VC fighters, as well as numerous US military personnel. Reporter George Beckworth (David Janssen) also is briefly seen with the rifle.
The M1 Carbine is seen in the hands of ARVN troopers.
Lt. Jamison (Patrick Wayne) carries an M1 Carbine on his tractor.
Captain Nim (George Takei) carries the M1 Carbine.
Viet Cong guerillas carrying M1 Carbines.
Colonel Cai (Jack Soo) on the right carries an M1 Carbine.
M1 Garand
The M1 Garand is seen in the hands of ARVN troops, strike team members, and enemy fighters.
MIKE Force Honor Guards with the M1 Garand.
MIKE Force Honor Guards with the M1 Garand as Col. Kirby salutes.
A strike team member carrying the M1 Garand on the left.
M14
Both American and VC forces are seen using the M14 rifle.
Viet Cong guerrillas charging the camp with M14s.
Viet Cong guerrillas charging the camp with M14s.
T26 Tanker Garand Rifle
During the evacuation of the A camp, a MIKE Force member is briefly seen carrying the Tanker model of the M1 Garand.
A MIKE Force soldier carrying a Tanker Garand with flash hider.
A closer view of the MIKE Force soldier's Tanker Garand with flash hider.
Mauser Gewehr 98 Rifle
A MIKE Force soldier is seen with a slung Gewehr 1898 rifle after the battle.
Mauser Karabiner 98k Rifle
NVA Regular soldiers are seen grabbing their Mauser K98k Rifles during the extraction. It should be noted that both the NVA and the Viet Cong used a considerable number of Mauser Kar98k rifles during the Vietnam War (many of which were provided by the Soviet Union) and the rifles (along with the Mosin Nagant) were used alongside the more prevalent AK-47 assault rifle and SKS carbine.
NVA Regular soldiers are seen grabbing their Mauser K98k Rifles.
T-62 Civilian Defense Weapon
During the VC/NVA Assault on the basecamp, three VC killed on the wire appear to be armed with T-62 Civilian Defense Weapon rifles/carbines. Similar weapons were used in the 1967 Dean Martin film The Ambushers as well as in the television series Get Smart.
Machine Guns
M60 Machine Gun
M60 machine guns are seen manned by door gunners in Huey helicopters as well as carried by US troops entering their tour of duty at the end of the film. This is one of the first appearances of this machine gun in a motion picture and is not likely a prop weapon (the production was granted full cooperation with the US Department of Defense).
M60 machine guns seen inside the helicopter.
M60 machine gun manned by doorgunner in Huey helicopter.
M60D Machine Gun
M60D machine guns are seen mounted as door guns on several US "Huey" helicopters.
M60D machine guns are seen mounted as door guns on several US "Huey" helicopters.
M60D machine guns are seen mounted as door guns on the landing "Huey" helicopter.
M60C Machine Guns
Paired M60C machine guns, part of the M16 Weapons System (quad M60Cs and a pair of 7-shot rocket pods), are attached to a UH-1 "Huey" (probably a C or D model) gunship in the movie.
A ground crew doing final adjustments to M60C machine guns
The crew doing final adjustments to the M-6E3 Weapons System with M60C machine guns
Browning M2 Aircraft
Seen mounted on tripods throughout the A Camp is this aircraft version of the venerable Browning M2, easily denoted by the full-length ventilated barrel shroud. The reason for using the M2 Aircraft version in the film was the ease of blank conversion compared to the M2 Heavy Barrel ground gun.
Browning M1919A4 Machine Gun
A Browning M1919A4 Machine Gun is also used in the defense of the A Camp.
MSG Muldoon (Aldo Ray) oversees the camp's defenses. Note the M1919 in the upper right corner.
A Green Beret machine gun team firing a Browning M1919A4 Machine Gun.
The Browning M1919A4 Machine Gun is fired.
Browning Automatic Rifle
A Browning Automatic Rifle is briefly seen in the hands of a VC fighter during the assault on the A Camp.
On the right, a Browning Automatic Rifle is briefly seen in the hands of a VC fighter during the assault on the A Camp.
GE M134 Minigun
Seen in the interior of "Puff the Magic Dragon" (a nickname of the AC-47 "Spooky" gunship, a ground-attack variant of the venerable C-47 Skytrain transport aircraft) are a pair of devastating GAU-2B/As, the Air Force designation for a variant of the M134 minigun. The AC-47D carried three such guns after the replacement of the SUU-11/A gunpod (which used the original fixed-mount M134 under its Air Force designation, GAU-2/A) with the MXU-470/A gun module starting in January 1967.
This is also one of the first appearances of this weapon in a motion picture: it appears the production managed this by borrowing a real military AC-47D.
Other
M116 75mm Pack Howitzer
M30 4.2 inch Mortar
Sergeant Peterson (Jim Hutton) and crew are seen manning an M30 4.2 inch Mortar during the VC attack.
Sergeant Peterson (Jim Hutton) and crew manning a M30 4.2 inch Mortar.
M79 Grenade Launcher
The M79 Grenade Launcher glimpsed briefly (though never actually fired) in the movie is one of the U.S.'s more reliable light support weapons. An M79 is also carried by MSG Muldoon (Aldo Ray).
A MIKE Force Strike Team member carrying an M79 Grenade Launcher.
M18A1 Claymore
This standard (and extremely devastating) M18A1 Claymore U.S. anti-personnel mine makes a brief appearance in the film. The mine is a modified training model. In the 1960s and 1970s, the training model Claymores were green plastic with a blue painted stripe on the front. The green plastic was the same as the live Claymore so it looks most like live ordnance. Only from the 1980s forward did they use ALL blue plastic training M18s. The remnants of the blue paint are faintly visible on this model, though it would be obvious that a movie production would never use any live ordnance to begin with.
An M18A1 Claymore in place in camp A-107. It is a solid green training model with the remnants of the blue paint visible on the bottom edges.