The Heroes of Telemark (1965)

The Heroes of Telemark is a 1965 World War II film directed by Anthony Mann and was based on the actual mission (February 1943) in which Norwegian commandos infiltrated into Nazi-occupied Norway and sabotaged the Vemork Norsk Hydro plant in the town of Rjukan in the county of Telemark, Norway, which the Nazis were using to produce heavy water to make an atomic bomb. The movie changes the actual events for dramatic purposes. The movie's exteriors were actually shot on location in Norway in the wintertime and several of the actual participants have small roles in the movie. Most notably the captain of the ferry, at the end of the movie, was the actual captain of the ferry that the commandos sunk in 1943.

The following weapons were used in the film The Heroes of Telemark:

Handguns

Colt New Service

Dr. Rolf Pedersen (Kirk Douglas) can be seen using the Colt New Service in the movie. It is definitely a large caliber model. Either 45 Colt or .455 Eley/Webley.

British Colt New Service circa 1915 - .455 Webley.

Pederson (Kirk Douglas) with the Colt New Service revolver. This appears to be a production shot rather than a still from the movie.

Walther P-38

Dr. Pedersen (Kirk Douglas) uses a Walther P38 in the movie as does Knut Straud (Richard Harris).

Walther P38 pistol (manufactured at the Mauser Factory) - World War II dated - 9x19mm

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Dr. Pedersen (Kirk Douglas) draws a Walther P38 from his coat pocket.

Luger P08

During the takeover of a steamer a "Quisling" (slang for a Norwegian traitor) uses a Luger P08.

Luger P08 - 9x19mm. This is blank adapted movie gun.

Submachine Guns

Sten Mk I* SMG

Knut Straud (Richard Harris), Ralf Pederson (Kirk Douglas) and other commandos use a Sten Mk I* Submachine Gun in the movie.

Sten Mk I* - 9x19mm

Straud (Richard Harris) and Pederson (Kirk Douglas) their Sten Mk I* Submachine Guns. The movie was filmed on location in Norway during the winter. So it really is as cold as it looks!

Thompson Model 1928 Submachine Gun

Knut Straud and many of the commandos use the Thompson Model 1928A1 Submachine Gun. In real life, a Thompson submachine gun was purposely left behind by the saboteurs to indicate that this was the work of British forces and not of the local resistance, in order to try to avoid reprisals.

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.