From Hell to Victory
English Release Poster
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 traced 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 hands of German officers and French Resistance fighters.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Walther P38 WWII dated with black grips - 9x19mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A French Resistance fighter holds a P38.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A Gestapo agent with P38.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing An SS officer threatens a French curé .
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Col. Jürgen Dietrich (Horst Buchholz ) with a P38.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing An SS officer (Howard Vernon ) with a P38 in holster.
Astra 400/600
In one scene a French Resistance fighter assassinated a German high officer with an Astra pistol. It's hard to say if it is an Astra 400 or Astra 600 .
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Astra 400 - 9 x 23mm Bergmann / Largo
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Astra 600 - 9x19mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A Resistance fighter shows his pistol to Fabienne (Anny Duperey ).
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A close view of the pistol.
1934 Mauser Pocket Pistol
While acting in French Resistance, Fabienne (Anny Duperey ) carries a 1934 Mauser Pocket Pistol .
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 1934 Mauser Pocket Pistol - 6.35mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Fabienne draws her pistol during the shootout on Eiffel Tower.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Another view of the pistol.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Jürgen Dietrich (Horst Buchholz ) finds the pistol in Fabienne's handbag.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Fabienne carries her pistol in stocking. The shape of the grip can be seen.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 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 of the fuel for V2 missiles.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Mauser HSc with plastic grips - .32 ACP
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Rosson in diving suit appears from the water intake, holding his suppressed pistol.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Another view of the pistol.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 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.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 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
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Star Model B Pistol, blued finish - 9x19mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Sgt. Jim Rosson (Ray Lovelock ) carries a pistol in holster during the commando raid.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Maj. Brett Rosson (George Peppard ) carries a pistol in 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 M1911A1 or Star Model B.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Jim Rosson holds his pistol during the battle.
Submachine Guns
Sten Mk II
Sten Mk II is used by Maurice Bernard (George Hamilton ) during all 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.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Sten Mk II - 9x19mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Sten Mk II (Canadian) - 9x19mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A British soldier holds a Sten with a T-shaped buttstock.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Jim Rosson (Ray Lovelock ) with a M1A1 Thompson and Maurice Bernard with Sten during the St. Nazaire Raid.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A close view of firing Sten.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Maurice reloads his Sten during the battle in Normandy.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Brett Rosson (in the middle) with a Sten.
M1A1 Thompson
Most American soldiers are armed with M1A1 Thompson SMGs, sometimes fitted with Cutts compensator.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing M1A1 Thompson with 30-round magazine - .45 ACP
Error creating thumbnail: File missing M1A1 Thompson with 20-round magazine and Cutts compensator - .45 ACP
Error creating thumbnail: File missing OSS unit lands in France. An M1A1 is seen at the right.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing M1A1s with Cutts compensators are seen in the same scene.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Jim Rosson (Ray Lovelock ) with Thompson and Maurice Bernard (George Hamilton ) with Sten Mk II during the St. Nazaire Raid.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A soldier fires an M1A1 with Cutts compensator.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A centinel holds an M1A1 with Cutts compensator.
M1928A1 Thompson
M1928A1 Thompsons are also used by American soldiers.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 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.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing An American soldier fires a Thompson.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing An M1928A1 is seen in Maj. Brett Rosson's (George Peppard ) office.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Two soldiers with M1928A1s.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A M1928-style rear sight is seen at the right.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 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 of the fuel for V2 missiles MP40s are used by Maj. Brett Rosson (George Peppard ) and Holland Resistance fighters, including their leader Capt. Vanderkreut (Franco Fantasia ).
Error creating thumbnail: File missing MP40 submachine gun - 9x19mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A German soldier fires an MP40 during the shootout with French Resistance fighters on the Eiffel Tower.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing German soldiers with MP40s in Paris.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A British commando holds an MP40 during the St. Nazaire Raid.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A close view of the muzzle.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A German soldier fires at commandos.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A German soldier with MP40 in Nicole Levine's estate.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A Holland Resistance fighter holds an MP40.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Brett Rosson fires an MP40.
MP38
Some MP38s are also seen in hands of German soldiers.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing MP38 - 9x19mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 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.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing M3 "Grease Gun" - .45 ACP
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 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 same submachine gun. It has a pistol grip and a foregrip and lacks the buttstock or has a folding one. It bears some resemblance with Thompson but the grip and the magazine well are too far from each other. Same looking submachine guns are seen in hands of American soldiers in some other scenes. Such props can be seen in some other Spanish-filmed movies of that time, like Cuba .
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Labora Fontbernat M1938 - 9x19mm Par or 9x23mm Largo
Error creating thumbnail: File missing For comparison: Colt M1921AC Thompson with 20-round magazine - .45 ACP.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A soldier fires a Thompson-style SMG with a foregrip.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A soldier holds an unloaded SMG.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A soldier holds a SMG at the background.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 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.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Berthier Model 1916 Carabine
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Maurice covers from German air attack.
M43 Spanish Mauser
M43 Spanish Mauser rifles are seen in several scenes in hands of French, German and American soldiers, standing for correct MAS-36s , Karabiner 98ks and Springfield M1903s . They can be identified due to typical auxiliary bayonet lugs and straight bolt handles.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Spanish Mauser M43 - 7.92x57mm Mauser
Error creating thumbnail: File missing French soldiers carry M43 rifles while retreating to the seashore during the Dunkirk evacuation.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A close view of a rifle in the same scene.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Error creating thumbnail: File missing French soldiers carry their rifles over heads.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A man of Free French Forces commando unit holds a Mauser rifle at the left.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing German soldiers with Mauser rifles burst into Nicole Levine's estate.
Karabiner 98k
Some German soldiers carry Karabiner 98k rifles.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Karabiner 98k - German manufacture 1937 date - 7.92x57mm Mauser
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 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.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III* - .303 British
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A soldier with SMLE is seen during the Dunkirk evacuation.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A close view of the barrel.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Numerous Lee-Enfields are seen in hands of British soldiers on board of a ship.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 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 .
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 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
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A soldier drops his weapon, hit by shell explosion.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A soldier with M1 Carbine is seen at the right.
Machine Guns
MG34
An MG34 is used by German soldiers during the commando raid on a bridge in France.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing MG34 with front and rear sights folded down - 7.92x57mm Mauser
Error creating thumbnail: File missing An MG34 fires at British commandos.
MG42
An MG42 on AA mounting is seen during the operation against the German plant of the fuel for V2 missiles.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing MG42 Machine Gun - 7.92x57mm Mauser
Error creating thumbnail: File missing German soldiers fire at a British Mosquito bomber.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A close 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.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing ZB26 Light Machine Gun - 7.92x57mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A German soldier runs with a ZB26 machine gun.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Two machine guns are planted near a burning tank.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A GI (at the left) mows down German soldiers with his machine gun. In this case ZB26 stands for a BAR .
Schwarzlose Machine Gun
A Schwarzlose Machine Gun , standing for Vickers , is used by British soldiers in Normandy.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Schwarzlose MG M. 7/12 - 8x50mmR Mannlicher.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Browning M1919A4E1
Browning M1919A4E1 machine guns are mounted on M41 Walker Bulldog tanks that appear as German tanks.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Browning M1919A4E1 - .30-06 Springfield
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A frontal machine gun on M41.
MG15
MG15 machine guns are mounted on CASA 2.111 (Spanish license-build version of Heinkel He 111) bomber planes in nose, dorsal and ventral positions. In one scene a twin AA mounting of MG15 is seen.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing MG15 machine gun with 75-round double drum 7.92x57mm Mauser
Error creating thumbnail: File missing He 111 (CASA 2.111) on the airfield. Dorsal and ventral mounting can be seen.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A ventral mounting can be seen.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A nose machine gun is seen during the air raid on London.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing MG15 in 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.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 2 cm FlaK 30 - 20x138mm B
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A Flak 30 on position.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Another view of the same gun.
Hispano-Suiza HS.404
Hispano-Suiza HS.404 auto cannons are wing-mounted on Spitfire and HA-1112 (Spanish license-build version of Bf.109) fighter planes.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Hispano-Suiza HS.404 20mm with ammo drum
Error creating thumbnail: File missing British Spitfires on the airfield.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Dick Sanders (Jean-Pierre Cassel ) piloted his Spitfire.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Karl Wessel's (Georges Claisse ) Bf.109 (HA-1112) fires wing cannons in night air battle.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A barrel of Hispano can be seen.
Other Weapons
Mills Bomb
A Mills Bomb is used by Maurice Bernard (George Hamilton ) during the St. Nazaire Raid.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing No. 36M Mk.I "Mills Bomb" High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Maurice readies to throw a grenade in a German pillbox.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A close view of the grenade in a second before 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 M1933 , identified by the unique shape of the barrel support.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Spanish Valero M1933 mortar - 81mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Germans fire a mortar.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Loading.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing GIs return fire.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Another view of the American mortar.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A close 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 . Similar looking props are seen in Lost Command and Battle of the Bulge , also filmed in Spain.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Spanish M65 Rocket Launcher 88.9mm with blast shield.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing US soldier with launcher on position.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Maurice Bernard (George Hamilton ) aims at a German tank.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing An OSS group under the command of Maj. Brett Rosson (George Peppard ) is equipped with two launchers.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing One of Rosson's men aims his launcher.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing US paratrooper with launcher.
Unidentified Rocket Launcher
Another version of rocket launcher is seen in the same scene. They bear resemblance with early version of Panzerschreck but differs in details.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing RPzB 43 "Panzerschreck" rocket launcher with rocket - 88mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Two rocket launchers repel the attack of German tanks. These props lack blast shields.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A close view of the same scene.
Flamethrower
A flamethrower of unknown model is used by US troops during the battle in Normandy in June 1944.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
45 mm anti-tank gun M1937 (53-K)
During the battle in Normandy in June 1944 several AT guns are seen on US troops position. They appear to be Soviet-manufactured 45-mm 53-K guns. In reality captured 53-K guns were used by Wehrmacht in coastal defence, including the Atlantic Wall, so such gun could be captured and reused by GIs. Also it can be used as a substitution for unavailable American 37-mm AT gun M3.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing M1937 (53-K) Soviet anti-tank gun - 45 mm (1.77 in)
Error creating thumbnail: File missing AT guns on position.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A view from the barrel.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing An AT gun supports the US paratroopers.
Trivia
Artillery
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A British AA gun fires at German planes during the Dunkirk evacuation.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Unidentified small caliber AA gun is seen abandoned during the Dunkirk evacuation.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A field gun is seen abandoned during the Dunkirk evacuation.
Tanks and Armoured Cars
Error creating thumbnail: File missing An M8 Greyhound appears as a German armoured car.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing An M47 Patton appears as a German tank.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Two M41 Walker Bulldog as German tanks.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing M41s in attack.
French Poster
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