The Heroes of Telemark

The Heroes of Telemark Movie Poster Country United Kingdom Directed by Anthony Mann Release Date November 23, 1965 Language English German Norwegian Studio Benton Film Productions Distributor Rank Film Distributors Main Cast Character Actor Dr. Rolf Pedersen Kirk Douglas Knut Straud Richard Harris Anna Pedersen Ulla Jacobsson Uncle Michael Redgrave Arne David Weston Gunnar Sebastian Breaks Freddy John Golightly

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.

Colt New Service circa 1915 - .455 Webley

Pederson (Kirk Douglas) with the Colt New Service. 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 - 9x19mm Parabellum

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

Luger P 08

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

Luger P08 - 9x19mm Parabellum

Submachine Guns

Sten Mk. I*

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

Sten Mark 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!

M1928A1 Thompson

Knut Straud and many of the commandos use the M1928A1 Thompson. 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

MP 40

Not surprisingly the MP40 is seen being used by the German soldiers though not to the extent that some of the older WWII movies would show.

MP 40 - 9x19mm Parabellum

Rifles

Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. I

At the start of the mission after returning to Norway Knut Straud (Richard Harris) retrieves a Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I rifle. It is never seen again.

Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mark I - .303 British

Karabiner 98k

Jensen (Roy Dotrice) and many of the German soldiers use what appears to be the Karabiner 98k.

Karabiner 98k - 7.92x57mm Mauser

Shotgun

Double Barreled Shotgun

Uncle (Michael Redgrave) uses a Double Barreled Hammerless Shotgun against German soldiers.

1960s Era Commercial Stevens hammerless - 12 Gauge

Machine Guns

MG 42

German soldiers use a machine gun resembling the MG 42.

MG 42 - 7.92x57mm Mauser

MG 34

An MG 34 is mounted on the ferry.

MG 34 - 7.92x57mm Mauser

Other

40mm Bofors

Several Bofors 40mm antiaircraft guns are seen mounted on the German train.

Bofors L/60 AA - 40x311mmR