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A Bridge Too Far: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:BTF-BARA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An 82nd Airborne paratrooper with his modified BAR ready to provide cover fire for Major Cook ([[Robert Redford]]) during the assault on the Nijmegen Bridge. This appears to be an older model M1918 BAR, rather than the M1918A1 or M1918A2, noted by the particular early handguard and lack of bipod.]] | [[Image:BTF-BARA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An 82nd Airborne paratrooper with his modified BAR ready to provide cover fire for Major Cook ([[Robert Redford]]) during the assault on the Nijmegen Bridge. This appears to be an older model M1918 BAR, rather than the M1918A1 or M1918A2, noted by the particular early handguard and lack of bipod.]] | ||
===Bren Mk I=== | ===Bren Mk. I=== | ||
[[Bren Mk I]] light machine guns are also used by the British Grenadier Guards of XXX Corps. | [[Bren Mk I]] light machine guns are also used by the British Grenadier Guards of XXX Corps. | ||
[[Image:Bren gun.JPG|thumb|none|450px|Bren Mk I light machine gun - .303 British]] | [[Image:Bren gun.JPG|thumb|none|450px|Bren Mk I light machine gun - .303 British]] | ||
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[[Image:BTF-BrowningM2A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A Grenadier Guards soldier fires the Browning M2HB. (Note: In the film, the sound effect for the .50 cal gun is that of an MG42!)]] | [[Image:BTF-BrowningM2A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A Grenadier Guards soldier fires the Browning M2HB. (Note: In the film, the sound effect for the .50 cal gun is that of an MG42!)]] | ||
===Vickers | ===Vickers Mk. I=== | ||
The [[Vickers]] machine gun is used by the Grenadier Guards of XXX Corps. | The [[Vickers]] machine gun is used by the Grenadier Guards of XXX Corps. | ||
[[Image:VickersMk1.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Example of a Vickers Mk 1 machine gun used in the film - .303 British]] | [[Image:VickersMk1.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Example of a Vickers Mk 1 machine gun used in the film - .303 British]] | ||
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==Others== | ==Others== | ||
===PIAT=== | ===PIAT=== | ||
The [[PIAT]] (''Projector Infantry Anti-Tank'') spigot mortar is seen throughout the film being used by British and Polish Airborne units (who were similarly equipped). This weapon fired a 3 pound hollow charge warhead via means of a powerful spring which ignited its propellant. The weapon had a powerful recoil, which necessitated it being fired prone since any other position would knock the user flat down. Seen especially during the repulse of the initial German assault on Arnhem Bridge. | The [[PIAT]] (''Projector Infantry Anti-Tank'') spigot mortar is seen throughout the film being used by British and Polish Airborne units (who were similarly equipped). This weapon fired a 3-pound hollow charge warhead via means of a powerful spring which ignited its propellant. The weapon had a powerful recoil, which necessitated it being fired prone since any other position would knock the user flat down. Seen especially during the repulse of the initial German assault on Arnhem Bridge. | ||
[[Image:PIAT_bomb.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank (PIAT) - 3.25 inch]] | [[Image:PIAT_bomb.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank (PIAT) - 3.25 inch]] | ||
[[Image:BTF-PIAT-2A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A British 1st Airborne soldier prepares to defend Arnhem with the PIAT.]] | [[Image:BTF-PIAT-2A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A British 1st Airborne soldier prepares to defend Arnhem with the PIAT.]] | ||
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British soldiers use Ordnance QF 25-pounder Howitzers. | British soldiers use Ordnance QF 25-pounder Howitzers. | ||
[[File:25 Pounder Gun.JPG|thumb|350px|none|Royal Ordnance QF 25-pounder gun - 87.6mm]] | [[File:25 Pounder Gun.JPG|thumb|350px|none|Royal Ordnance QF 25-pounder gun - 87.6mm]] | ||
[[Image:BTF_gf25.jpg|thumb|none|600px|British soldiers fire their howitzers.]] | [[Image:BTF_gf25.jpg|thumb|none|600px|British soldiers fire their howitzers to start the Operation with a rolling barrage.]] | ||
===No. 2 Portable Flamethrower=== | ===No. 2 Portable Flamethrower=== | ||
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[[Image:BTF-K98 07A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A German soldier aims his Karabiner 98k.]] | [[Image:BTF-K98 07A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A German soldier aims his Karabiner 98k.]] | ||
=== | ===Gewehr 1898=== | ||
A [[Mauser Gewehr 1898]] is used by a German soldier who is defending the Nijmegen Bridge. | A [[Mauser Gewehr 1898]] is used by a German soldier who is defending the Nijmegen Bridge. | ||
[[Image:Mauser g98.jpg|thumb|none|450px|Mauser Gewehr 1898 - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | [[Image:Mauser g98.jpg|thumb|none|450px|Mauser Gewehr 1898 - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | ||
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[[Image:BTF-MauserSniperA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A German soldier aims his K98 sniper rifle before get shot by Major Cook.]] | [[Image:BTF-MauserSniperA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A German soldier aims his K98 sniper rifle before get shot by Major Cook.]] | ||
=== | ===Karabiner 98AZ=== | ||
During the German retreat at the beginning of the film, one of the soldiers is seen with a [[Mauser 98AZ Artillery Carbine]]. | During the German retreat at the beginning of the film, one of the soldiers is seen with a [[Mauser 98AZ Artillery Carbine]]. | ||
[[Image:Mauser 98AZ Artillery Carbine.jpg|thumb|none|450px|Mauser 98AZ Artillery Carbine - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | [[Image:Mauser 98AZ Artillery Carbine.jpg|thumb|none|450px|Mauser 98AZ Artillery Carbine - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | ||
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[[Image:BTF-MP40A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A German soldier (Tim Beekman) with his MP40. He fires it briefly but the sound is actually that of an MG42.]] | [[Image:BTF-MP40A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A German soldier (Tim Beekman) with his MP40. He fires it briefly but the sound is actually that of an MG42.]] | ||
[[Image:BridgeTooFar 2032.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The MP40s are seen in hands of retreating German soldiers.]] | [[Image:BridgeTooFar 2032.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The MP40s are seen in hands of retreating German soldiers.]] | ||
[[Image:BTF-MP40 00A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A British 1st Airborne soldier uses his captured MP40 during the battle for Arnhem. An interesting trivia: The British Sten submachine gun was designed to take the stick magazine of the MP40 meaning the British forces could (and probably did) use German ammo and magazines. In this case though, the paratrooper had no time to properly "loot" the Germans.]] | [[Image:BTF-MP40 00A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A British 1st Airborne soldier uses his captured MP40 during the battle for Arnhem. An interesting trivia: The British Sten submachine gun was designed to take the stick magazine of the MP40 meaning the British forces could (and probably did) use German ammo and magazines. In this case, though, the paratrooper had no time to properly "loot" the Germans.]] | ||
[[Image:BTF-MP40 05A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Lieutenant General Wilhelm Bittrich's ([[Maximilian Schell]]) guards carry MP40 submachine guns.]] | [[Image:BTF-MP40 05A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Lieutenant General Wilhelm Bittrich's ([[Maximilian Schell]]) guards carry MP40 submachine guns.]] | ||
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==Others== | ==Others== | ||
===7.5 cm Pak 40=== | ===7.5 cm Pak 40=== | ||
German soldiers use several [[7.5 cm Pak 40]] anti-tank guns. | German soldiers use several [[7.5 cm Pak 40]] anti-tank guns in an attempt to repeal the XXX Corps' advance. | ||
[[Image:7,5 cm-Pak 40.jpg|thumb|none|400px|7.5 cm Pak 40 anti-tank gun - 75x714mmR]] | [[Image:7,5 cm-Pak 40.jpg|thumb|none|400px|7.5 cm Pak 40 anti-tank gun - 75x714mmR]] | ||
[[Image:BTF_pak40.jpg|thumb|none|600px|German soldiers with their Pak 40s.]] | [[Image:BTF_pak40.jpg|thumb|none|600px|German soldiers waiting to open fire with their Pak 40s. An interesting note is that by 1944, the German AT-guns were actually painted in either ''Olivgrün'', ''Rotbraun'' (2) or ''Gelbraun'' camouflage. The gray camouflage seen here, however, is a cinematic means often used to distinguish the different armies. Only at the beginning of WWII, the factory gray was common for heavy weapons. Also worth mention is the insufficient distance between the guns.]] | ||
===Granatwerfer 36 Mortar=== | ===Granatwerfer 36 Mortar=== | ||
Revision as of 14:54, 22 March 2021
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A Bridge Too Far is a 1977 World War II film based on the 1974 bestselling book of the same name written by Cornelius Ryan and was directed by Sir Richard Attenborough, the British actor/director who was known for his work both in front of the camera (The Great Escape) as well as behind the camera (Gandhi) and perhaps is better known to younger viewers for his portrayal of "John Hammond" in the films Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park. The screenplay adaptation was written by William Goldman (Marathon Man, Harper, Misery) and the film featured an all-star cast including Sean Connery, Gene Hackman, Laurence Olivier, Ryan O'Neal, Robert Redford, James Caan and Anthony Hopkins. A Bridge Too Far follows the events surrounding Operation Market Garden, an audacious military plan to end the war in Europe by landing Allied paratroopers along a series of bridges in enemy-occupied Holland in order to allow a British armored column to pass into Germany.
See the Discussion section for some trivia on the film.
The following weapons were used in the film A Bridge Too Far:
Allied Weapons
Rifles/Carbines
Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk 1*
The Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk 1* is carried by the majority of the British troops, mostly the Grenadier Guards in the armored column as well as the British 1st Airborne Division when they were trapped in Arnhem. The No.4 Mk 1* rifle was also seen in the hands of the Polish Airborne Brigade troops. Colonel John Frost (Anthony Hopkins) was also seen using a No.4 Mk 1* rifle during the later stages of the battle for Arnhem.
M1 Garand
The main rifle used by US Airborne troops in the film is the M1 Garand. A gas-operated clip-fed semi-automatic shoulder weapon, it served as the primary American weapon from 1942-1957 and notably used by Major Julian Cook (Robert Redford) of the 82nd Airborne while leading his men to capture the Nijmegen Bridge. German troops crossing a small bridge also appear to be carrying M1 Garands. Though it's quite possible German soldiers could have used captured American Garands, their use in this particular sequence appears to be continuity error.
M1 Carbine
The M1 Carbine is also used by US Airborne officers and NCOs in the film. Most notably seen when Sergeant Eddie Dohun (James Caan) pulls one out of his jeep when he is hiding from a German patrol in the forest. Also used by Col. Robert Stout (Elliott Gould) when leading the charge to capture the Son Bridge.
M1A1 'Paratrooper' Carbine
A folding stock version of the M1 Carbine, the M1A1 Carbine should have been more prevalent among the US Airborne troops, however only a few samples are ever seen in the film, most notably during large scenes of massing troops.
Handguns
Colt M1911A1
The Colt M1911A1 is used throughout the film, especially by Sgt. Eddie Dohun (James Caan) when threatening an Army combat surgeon (Arthur Hill) in order to convince him to treat his wounded captain (Nicholas Campbell). The handgun is also seen, albeit briefly, holstered amongst American officers, NCOs and Military Police.
Colt M1911
Apparently, the widespread issue of Browning Hi-Power pistols (the iconic handgun of elite British Military units in World War II) to British Airborne units only started after Operation Market Garden, so it is appropriate that they are seen using another handgun. A likely candidate in this case is the Colt M1911 chambered in .455 Webley, issued to members of the R.A.F. In the film, the M1911 is used by British 1st Airborne Major General Roy Urquhart (Sean Connery) and several other Airborne officers as they try to evade capture by Waffen SS forces.
Submachine Guns
Sten Mk V
The Sten Mk V is the standard submachine gun for British and Polish Airborne units in the film, most featured had the forward pistol grip removed as was the case for Operation Market Garden.
M1A1 Thompson
The M1A1 Thompson is briefly seen in the hands of US Airborne troops during the drop into Holland. Strangely, the Thompson is not prominently featured in the film despite being one of the primary weapons carried by the US Airborne along with M1 Garands and M1A1 folding stock Carbines.
M1928A1 Thompson
At least one M1928A1 Thompson is seen being carried by one of the US Airborne paratroopers.
Machine Guns
M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle
The Browning Automatic Rifle is carried by US Airborne troops in the film, notably by 82nd Airborne troops during the assault on the Nijmegen Bridge.
Bren Mk. I
Bren Mk I light machine guns are also used by the British Grenadier Guards of XXX Corps.
Browning M2HB
The Browning M2HB is used by British Armored troops, mounted on their Lend-Lease Sherman tanks and half-tracks.
Vickers Mk. I
The Vickers machine gun is used by the Grenadier Guards of XXX Corps.
Others
PIAT
The PIAT (Projector Infantry Anti-Tank) spigot mortar is seen throughout the film being used by British and Polish Airborne units (who were similarly equipped). This weapon fired a 3-pound hollow charge warhead via means of a powerful spring which ignited its propellant. The weapon had a powerful recoil, which necessitated it being fired prone since any other position would knock the user flat down. Seen especially during the repulse of the initial German assault on Arnhem Bridge.
Ordnance QF 25-pounder
British soldiers use Ordnance QF 25-pounder Howitzers.
No. 2 Portable Flamethrower
A No. 2 Portable Flamethrower is used in the attack on the German bunker on Arnhem Bridge. This weapon, known as the "Lifebuoy" for its resemblance to a lifesaver, was the standard British flamethrower.
Mk II Hand Grenade
The Mk II Hand Grenade is carried by several US paratroopers in the film.
Axis Weapons
Rifles
Karabiner 98k
The Karabiner 98k was the standard weapon for all German ground forces during World War II. Several of the rifles used in the film appear to be shortened Gewehr 98 rifles, based on the prominent Lange-Visier rear sight. This is a very uncommon conversion; most Gew.98-to-Kar98k conversions used the tangent-leaf sight of the Weimar-refurbished Gewehr 98.
Gewehr 1898
A Mauser Gewehr 1898 is used by a German soldier who is defending the Nijmegen Bridge.
Karabiner 98k Sniper Rifle
The Kar98k's sniper variant is used by Wehrmacht (German Army) designated marksmen and snipers.
Karabiner 98AZ
During the German retreat at the beginning of the film, one of the soldiers is seen with a Mauser 98AZ Artillery Carbine.
Submachine Guns
MP40
The MP40 is used by German troops in the film. A British paratrooper also uses a captured MP40 during the chaotic urban combat in Arnhem.
Machine Guns
MG34
The most commonly seen machine gun used by German troops in the film is the MG34.
MG42
The MG42 is used by German troops.
Others
7.5 cm Pak 40
German soldiers use several 7.5 cm Pak 40 anti-tank guns in an attempt to repeal the XXX Corps' advance.
Granatwerfer 36 Mortar
German soldiers are briefly seen with a Granatwerfer 36 Mortar during the XXX Corps' advance.
Allied and Axis Armor
Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank (mocked up as a German Panther)
1960s vintage Leopard 1 tanks were mocked up to resemble the World War II German Panther tank. The Leopard 1 tanks had 105mm main guns and two 7.62x51mm machine guns (FN MAGs or MG3s). What is interesting is that supposedly all of the original cast hull Leopard 1 tanks were converted into the newer Leopard 1A1 during the 1970s (with upgraded armor, track skirts and thermal jacket on the gun barrel), however, despite the 'film' modifications to make it look like a Panther, this is an original and unconverted Leopard 1. Since the film was mostly shot on location in the Netherlands (where many of the original battles took place), this is most likely a Dutch Army Leopard, one of the batch purchased from West Germany in 1969 (when the Netherlands officially adopted the Leopard as its main battle tank).
Sherman Tanks
In order to supplement the actual tanks used in the depiction of the XXX Corps' column, several of the Shermans were actually fibreglass replicas (cast from real tanks) that were placed over LWB Land Rovers.
