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Farewell To The King
Farewell to the King is a 1989 World War II drama starring Nick Nolte and directed by John Milius (Red Dawn). Taking place in the PTO (Pacific Theater of Operations) during the war, the film contains an eclectic mix of British, American and Japanese small arms. The Allied weaponry comes about from the "operation" being a combined effort of the SOE (Special Operations Executive) (British) and the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) (U.S.). It is interesting to note that although the main protagonist of the film, Captain Fairbourne (Nigel Havers), is a member of the SOE, he carries a U.S. M1A1 carbine as his main weapon and a Webley Mk VI as his sidearm.
The following weapons were used in the film Farewell to the King:
Allied Weapons
Colt M1911A1
The Colt M1911A1, the standard U.S. sidearm from WW I to the 1980's, is seen in the hands of Learoyd (Nick Nolte) at the beginning of the film where he witnesses the execution of his captured comrades, briefly contemplates suicide and during the headhunters' campaign against the Japanese when he gives the order to "advance the colors" while firing a pair of them akimbo. Fairbourne (Nigel Havers) also uses one when the headhunters are fired upon when listening to a radio address by President Truman, shooting a Japanese soldier who bayonets and wounds him.
Webley Mk VI
The [[Webley Mk VI is carried by Fairbourne (Nigel Havers) throughout the movie and seen being ritually washed in the pool after the massacre of the Japanese troops. It appears to be the Webley Mk VI due to the size of the revolver in the man's hands. The MK IV is rather small framed and the Mk VI is much larger. Sgt. Conklin (Marius Weyers) uses one during the ambush of the Japanese soldiers during the thunderstorm.
Sten Gun
The Sten Gun, the ubiquitous British SMG of the war seen being used by both the SOE/OSS men such as Sgt. Conklin (Marius Weyers) and Bren Armstrong (Wayne Pygram) and by Learoyd's headhunters, including Gwai (Gerry Lopez). It appears that it is mostly the Mk III being fielded here rather than the more common Mk II model. Also wielded by the Australian troops at the end of the movie.
M1928A1 Thompson
The M1928A1 Thompson also makes its presence known in the movie. It is odd that this is the M1928A1 version considering that the M1A1 Thompson would have been more common given the move's time frame (1944-45). Used by Learoyd (Nick Nolte), his headhunters, including Gwai (Gerry Lopez) and the SOE agents, prominently by Sgt. Tenga (Frank McRae).
Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE)
The iconic British Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle which, in one form or another, saw service with various armies and militia for well over a century (and beyond) is the standard rifle carried by the headhunters in the film. Given the weapon's appearance it seems to be the older Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk. III rather than the more "modern" No.4 Mk. I (the difference being in the sights as well as a short length of exposed barrel). The weapon is also in the hands of the Ghurkas at MacArthur's headquarters and the Australian troops at the end of the movie. Seen once in the hands of Learoyd's (Nick Nolte) wife during her confrontation with the Japanese at the "Long House" is a SMLE No.5 "Jungle Carbine" (which is never fired and which the actress should have been grateful for since this version had a notorious recoil).
M1 Carbine
Both versions of this lightweight M1 Carbine appear in the movie especially in the hands of Fairbourne (Havers) who carries the folding stock M1A1 and by Gwai (Gerry Lopez) who possesses the "full dress" M1.
Winchester Model 1897
This popular Winchester Model 1897 "trench gun" makes it solo appearance in the movie when it is used by Learoyd (Nick Nolte) during the massacre of the Japanese troops in the pool by Falcon's Beak. Easily identified by its ventilated barrel shroud, exposed hammer and almost sword like bayonet.
Browning Automatic Rifle
One of the earliest Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW), the Browning Automatic Rifle, is also issued to the headhunters during their war against the Japanese. Likely the M1918A2 version of the venerable weapon given the bipod which is mounted directly to the fore of the front sight.
Bren gun
The Bren gun, the other SAW of choice for Allied troops during the war, sees its way into the headhunters' arsenal. Given the bare metal flash suppressor attached to the barrel it appears that this is the Mk. 1 version of one of the most successful British small arms designs of all times.
Browning M1917
The immediate predecessor of the Browning M1919, the .30 Browning M1917 seems to be the GPMG of choice for the headhunters. Identifiable by both the water cooling jacket and the somewhat bulky M1917 tripod.
M2 60mm Mortar
The M2 60mm Mortar is seen during the weapons' training of the headhunters and during combat with the Japanese.
Mk 2 hand grenade
Mk 2 hand grenades are used throughout the movie but especially dramatically by Learoyd (Nick Nolte) during his rescue of the delirious Fairbourne (Havers).
Japanese Weapons
The Japanese forces led by Colonel Mitamura (Aki Aleong) carry the standard Japanese weaponry of WW II including:
Arisaka Rifle
The Arisaka Rifle, the standard Japanese bolt action rifle is shown being carried by Mitamura's men in the movie. As with the Type 96/99 Machinegun (see below) it is hard to determine which weapon was used during the film (the Type 38 or Type 99) since both had external similarities but were of different calibres (6.5mm or 7.7mm).
Nambu Type 99 Light Machine Gun
The "Bren-like" Nambu Type 99 Light Machine Gun is carried by the Japanese troops during the movie. Though one (Type 96) fired a 6.5mm bullet and the other (Type 99) fired a 7.7mm round it is almost impossible too identify which weapon is used since (externally) both weapons were nearly identical and were often issued side by side.
Nambu Type 92 Heavy Machine Gun
An evolution of the French Hotchkiss design, the Nambu Type 92 Heavy Machine Gun makes an appearance in the movie, especially during the battle with Mitamura's forces in the cave leading to the "Path of the Clouds".
