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From Hell to Victory

From Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games
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From Hell to Victory
From Hell to Victory Poster.jpg
English Release Poster
Country ITA.jpg Italy
FRA.jpg France
ESP 77-81.jpg Spain
Directed by Umberto Lenzi
Release Date 1979
Language Italian
Studio José Frade Producciones Cinematográficas S.A.
Les Films Princesse
Les Productions Jacques Roitfeld
Main Cast
Character Actor
Brett Rosson George Peppard
Maurice Bernard George Hamilton
Jürgen Dietrich Horst Buchholz
Dick Sanders Jean-Pierre Cassel
Ray MacDonald Sam Wanamaker
Fabienne Anny Duperey
Nicole Levine Capucine
Jim Rosson Ray Lovelock


From Hell to Victory (Italian title Contro 4 bandiere ("Under four flags"), French title De l'enfer à la victoire ("From hell to victory"), Spanish title De Dunquerque a la victoria ("From Dunkirk to victory")) is a 1979 Italian-French-Spanish World War II movie directed by Umberto Lenzi (credited as Hank Milestone). The story traces the fate of six men and women who were close friends in pre-war Paris, but the war moved them on opposite sides of the front.

The movie was filmed in Spain which affected the screen weapons. It's also worth noting that Lenzi heavily reused footage from two Italian-Spanish war movies, Dirty Heroes (1967) and Eagles over London (1969).


The following weapons were used in the film From Hell to Victory:


Handguns

Walther P38

Walther P38 pistols are seen in the hands of German officers and French Resistance fighters.

Walther P38 WWII dated with black grips - 9x19mm
A French Resistance fighter holds a P38.
A Gestapo agent with a P38.
An SS officer threatens a French curé.
Col. Jürgen Dietrich (Horst Buchholz) with a P38.
An SS officer (Howard Vernon) with a P38 in a holster.

Astra 400/600

In one scene, a French Resistance fighter assassinates a German high officer with an Astra pistol. It's hard to say if it is an Astra 400 or Astra 600.

Astra 400 - 9 x 23mm Bergmann / Largo
Astra 600 - 9x19mm
A Resistance fighter shows his pistol to Fabienne (Anny Duperey).
A closer view of the pistol.

1934 Mauser Pocket Pistol

While operating in the French Resistance, Fabienne (Anny Duperey) carries a 1934 Mauser Pocket Pistol.

1934 Mauser Pocket Pistol - 6.35mm
Fabienne draws her pistol during the shootout on the Eiffel Tower.
Another view of the pistol.
Jürgen Dietrich (Horst Buchholz) finds the pistol in Fabienne's handbag.
Fabienne carries her pistol in a stocking. The shape of the grip can be seen.
A Gestapo agent holds Fabienne's pistol.

Mauser HSc

A suppressed Mauser HSc is used by Maj. Brett Rosson (George Peppard) during the operation against the German plant producing fuel for V-2 missiles.

Mauser HSc with plastic grips - .32 ACP
Rosson in a diving suit appears from the water intake, holding his suppressed pistol.
Another view of the pistol.
Rosson fires at a guard.

M1911A1

In several scenes, US officers and warrant officers carry pistols in holsters. The pistols appear to be M1911A1s but it's also possible that they are really Spanish Star Model B pistols.

World War II Colt M1911A1 Pistol - .45 ACP. This was an issued U.S. Army pistol with parkerized finish, thus the official designation of M1911A1
Star Model B Pistol, blued finish - 9x19mm
Sgt. Jim Rosson (Ray Lovelock) carries a pistol in a holster during the commando raid.
Maj. Brett Rosson (George Peppard) carries a pistol in a holster in the final scene in liberated Paris.

Unidentified pistol

In one scene, Sgt. Jim Rosson (Ray Lovelock) is seen with a pistol. It looks smaller than an M1911A1 or Star Model B.

Jim Rosson holds his pistol during the battle.

Submachine Guns

Sten Mk II

A Sten Mk II is used by Maurice Bernard (George Hamilton) during his war career (except for the final scene when he is armed with a Thompson). Brett Rosson (George Peppard) is seen with a Sten during the battle in Normandy. Stens are also carried by British soldiers in several scenes.

Sten Mk II - 9x19mm
Sten Mk II (Canadian) - 9x19mm
A British soldier holds a Sten with a T-shaped buttstock.
Jim Rosson (Ray Lovelock) with a M1A1 Thompson and Maurice Bernard with a Sten during the St. Nazaire Raid.
A closer view of the firing Sten.
Maurice reloads his Sten during the battle in Normandy.
Brett Rosson (in the middle) with a Sten.

M1A1 Thompson

Most American soldiers are armed with M1A1 Thompson SMGs, sometimes fitted with Cutts compensator.

M1A1 Thompson with 30-round magazine - .45 ACP
M1A1 Thompson with 20-round magazine and Cutts compensator - .45 ACP
An OSS unit lands in France. An M1A1 is seen at the right.
M1A1s with Cutts compensators are seen in the same scene.
Jim Rosson (Ray Lovelock) with a Thompson and Maurice Bernard (George Hamilton) with a Sten Mk II during the St. Nazaire Raid.
A soldier fires an M1A1 with Cutts compensator.
A guard holds an M1A1 with Cutts compensator.

M1928A1 Thompson

M1928A1 Thompsons are also used by American soldiers.

M1928A1 Thompson with 30-round magazine - .45 ACP. This specimen has the sling swivel relocated to the top of the stock, a modification often made to Thompsons in British service.
An American soldier fires a Thompson.
An M1928A1 is seen in Maj. Brett Rosson's (George Peppard) office.
Two soldiers with M1928A1s.
An M1928-style rear sight is seen at the right.
Brett Rosson (George Peppard) and Maurice Bernard (George Hamilton) in the final scene in liberated Paris.

MP40

German soldiers carry MP40s in several scenes. During the operation against the German plant producing fuel for V-2 missiles, MP40s are used by Maj. Brett Rosson (George Peppard) and Holland Resistance fighters, including their leader, Capt. Vanderkreut (Franco Fantasia).

MP40 submachine gun - 9x19mm
A German soldier fires an MP40 during the shootout with French Resistance fighters on the Eiffel Tower.
German soldiers with MP40s in Paris.
A British commando holds an MP40 during the St. Nazaire Raid.
A closer view of the muzzle.
A German soldier fires at commandos.
A German soldier with an MP40 in Nicole Levine's estate.
A Holland Resistance fighter holds an MP40.
Brett Rosson fires an MP40.

MP38

Some MP38s are also seen in hands of German soldiers.

MP38 - 9x19mm
A German soldier fires an MP38.

M3 "Grease Gun"

During the battle in Normandy in June 1944, some US Army soldiers carry M3 "Grease Gun" SMGs.

M3 "Grease Gun" - .45 ACP
Two soldiers with M3s are seen.

Labora Fontbernat M1938 (Modified as Thompson-Style Submachine Guns)

During the battle in Normandy in June 1944, Sgt. Jim Rosson (Ray Lovelock) is seen with this modified submachine gun. It has a pistol grip and a foregrip and lacks the buttstock or has a folding one. It bears some resemblance to the Thompson, but the grip and the magazine well are too far from each other. Similar looking submachine guns are seen in the hands of American soldiers in some other scenes. Such props can be seen in some other Spanish-filmed movies of that time, like Cuba.

Labora Fontbernat M1938 - 9x19mm Para or 9x23mm Largo
For comparison: Colt M1921AC Thompson with 20-round magazine - .45 ACP.
A soldier fires a Thompson-style SMG with a foregrip.
A soldier holds an unloaded SMG.
A soldier holds an SMG at the background.
Sgt. Jim Rosson with a Thompson-style SMG.

Rifles

Berthier Mle 1916 Carbine

During the Dunkirk evacuation, Maurice Bernard (George Hamilton) is seen with a Berthier Mle 1916 Carbine.

Berthier Model 1916 Carabine
Maurice take cover from a German air attack.

M43 Spanish Mauser

M43 Spanish Mauser rifles are seen in several scenes in the hands of French, German, and American soldiers, standing in for correct MAS-36s, Karabiner 98ks, and Springfield M1903s. They can be identified due to the typical auxiliary bayonet lugs and straight bolt handles.

Spanish Mauser M43 - 7.92x57mm Mauser
French soldiers carry M43 rifles while retreating to the seashore during the Dunkirk evacuation.
A closer view of a rifle in the same scene.
FHTV-Mauser-3.jpg
French soldiers carry their rifles over their heads.
A man belonging to a Free French Forces commando unit holds a Mauser rifle at the left.
German soldiers with Mauser rifles burst into Nicole Levine's estate.

Karabiner 98k

Some German soldiers carry Karabiner 98k rifles.

Karabiner 98k - German manufacture 1937 date - 7.92x57mm Mauser
A German soldier executed Nicole Levine. Note the turned down bolt handle.

Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III*

British soldiers carry Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III* rifles in several scenes.

Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III* - .303 British
A soldier with an SMLE is seen during the Dunkirk evacuation.
A closer view of the barrel.
Numerous Lee-Enfields are seen in the hands of British soldiers on board of a ship.
An SMLE is seen at the left during the battle in Normandy.

M1 Carbine

During the battle in Normandy in June 1944, some US Army and Free French Forces soldiers carry M1 Carbines.

World War II Era M1 Carbine, with Dark Walnut Stock, 'L' peep sight and no bayonet lug - .30 Carbine - correct for most of WWII, shown with khaki sling and oiler and a period twin magazine pouch for buttstock
A soldier drops his weapon, hit by a shell explosion.
A soldier with an M1 Carbine is seen at the right.

Machine Guns

MG 34

An MG 34 is used by German soldiers during the commando raid on a bridge in France.

MG 34 - 7.92x57mm Mauser
An MG 34 fires at British commandos.

MG42

An MG42 on an AA mounting is seen during the operation against the German plant producing fuel for V-2 missiles.

MG42 Machine Gun - 7.92x57mm Mauser
German soldiers fires at a British Mosquito bomber.
A closer view of the barrel.

ZB26

Several ZB26 light machine guns are used by both German and American soldiers during the battle in Normandy in June 1944.

ZB26 Light Machine Gun - 7.92x57mm
A German soldier runs with a ZB26 machine gun.
Two machine guns are planted near a burning tank.
A GI (at the left) mows down German soldiers with his machine gun. In this case, the ZB26 seems to stands in for a BAR.

Schwarzlose Machine Gun

A Schwarzlose Machine Gun, standing in for a Vickers, is used by British soldiers in Normandy.

Schwarzlose MG M. 7/12 - 8x50mmR Mannlicher.
FHTV-Schwarzlose-1.jpg

Browning M1919A4E1

Browning M1919A4E1 machine guns are mounted on M41 Walker Bulldog tanks that appear as German tanks.

Browning M1919A4E1 - .30-06 Springfield
A frontal machine gun on an M41.

MG15

MG15 machine guns are mounted on CASA 2.111 (the Spanish license-built version of the Heinkel He 111) bomber aircraft in nose, dorsal, and ventral positions. In one scene, a twin AA mounting of the MG15 is seen.

MG15 machine gun with 75-round double drum 7.92x57mm Mauser
An He 111 (played by a CASA 2.111) on the airfield. The dorsal and ventral mounting can be seen.
A ventral mounting can be seen.
A nose machine gun is seen during the air raid on London.
An MG15 in a twin AA mounting.

2cm FlaK 30

A 2cm FlaK 30 is seen on the positions of US troops during the battle in Normandy in June 1944.

2 cm FlaK 30 - 20x138mm B
A Flak 30 on position.
Another view of the same gun.

Hispano-Suiza HS.404

Hispano-Suiza HS.404 auto cannons are wing-mounted on Spitfire and HA-1112 (the Spanish license-built version of the Bf.109) fighter planes.

Hispano-Suiza HS.404 20mm with ammo drum
British Spitfires on the airfield.
Dick Sanders (Jean-Pierre Cassel) piloted his Spitfire.
Karl Wessel's (Georges Claisse) Bf.109 (played by a HA-1112) fires wing-mounted cannons during the night air battle.
A barrel of a Hispano can be seen.

Other Weapons

Mills Bomb

A Mills Bomb is used by Maurice Bernard (George Hamilton) during the St. Nazaire Raid.

No. 36M Mk.I "Mills Bomb" High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade.
Maurice prepares to throw a grenade in a German pillbox.
A closer view of the grenade a second before the explosion.

Valero M1933 Mortar

Numerous mortars are used by both German and American soldiers during the battle in Normandy in June 1944. They appear to be Spanish Valero M1933s, identified by the unique shape of the barrel support.

Spanish Valero M1933 mortar - 81mm
Germans fire a mortar.
Loading.
GIs return fire.
Another view of the American mortar.
A closer view of the barrel.

M65 Rocket Launcher

During the battle in Normandy in June 1944 US troops use numerous AT rocket launchers. They appear to be Spanish Instalaza M65 Rocket Launchers, which appear to be standing in for various Bazooka models. Similar looking props are seen in Lost Command and Battle of the Bulge, also filmed in Spain.

Spanish M65 Rocket Launcher 88.9mm with blast shield.
A US soldier with a launcher at the ready.
Maurice Bernard (George Hamilton) aims at a German tank.
An OSS group under the command of Maj. Brett Rosson (George Peppard) is equipped with two launchers.
One of Rosson's men aims his launcher.
A US paratrooper with a launcher.

Unidentified Rocket Launcher

Another rocket launcher is seen in the same scene. They bear resemblance with early versions of the Panzerschreck, but differ in details. These may be prop replicas loaded with pyrotechnic effects standing in for Bazookas.

RPzB 43 "Panzerschreck" rocket launcher with rocket - 88mm
Two rocket launchers repel an attack by German tanks. These props lack blast shields.
A closer view of the same scene.

Flamethrower

A flamethrower of unknown model is used by US troops during the battle in Normandy in June 1944.

FHTV-Flame-1.jpg

45 mm anti-tank gun M1937 (53-K)

During the battle in Normandy in June 1944, several AT guns are seen at US positions. They appear to be Soviet-manufactured 45-mm 53-K guns. In reality, captured 53-K guns were used by the Wehrmacht in a coastal defense role, including the Atlantic Wall, so such guns could be captured and reused by GIs. They may also be used as a substitution for the more appropriate, but unavailable at the time American 37-mm AT gun M3.

M1937 (53-K) Soviet anti-tank gun - 45 mm (1.77 in)
AT guns on position.
A view from the barrel.
An AT gun supports the US paratroopers.

Trivia

Artillery

A British AA gun fires at German planes during the Dunkirk evacuation.
An unidentified small caliber AA gun is seen abandoned during the Dunkirk evacuation.
A field gun is seen abandoned during the Dunkirk evacuation.

Tanks and Armored Cars

An M8 Greyhound appears as a German armored car.
An M47 Patton appears as a German tank.
Two M41 Walker Bulldogs as German tanks.
M41s in attack.

French Poster

From Hell to Victory French Poster.jpg

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