A Bridge Too Far is the 1977 World War II film based on the 1974 best selling book by Cornelius Ryan and directed by Sir Richard Attenborough (better known to younger viewers as an actor, for his portrayal "John Hammond" in the Spielberg Films Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park).
See the Discussion section for some trivia on the film.
The following weapons were used in the film A Bridge Too Far:
Used by all 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 rifle during the later stages of the battle for Arnhem.
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 Njmegen bridge.
The M1 Carbine is also seen used by US Airborne officers and NCO's in the film. Most notably seen when Sgt. Eddie Dohun (James Caan) pulls one out of its Jeep mount when he is hiding from a German Patrol in the forest. Also used by Col. Stout (Elliott Gould) when leading the charge to capture the Son bridge.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingWorld War II Era M1 Carbine, with Dark Walnut Stock, 'L' peep sight and no bayonet lug - correct for most of WW2, shown with khaki sling and Magazine pouch for buttstockError creating thumbnail: File missingCol. Robert Stout (Elliott Gould) leads 101st Airborne paratroopers in his charge to capture the Son bridge. Stout carries a correct World War II era M1 Carbine. The character of Col. Stout was based on Colonel Robert Sink, commander of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, which was about to seize the Son River bridge when the Germans managed to blow it up just before they got there.Error creating thumbnail: File missingKorean War Era M1 Carbine, late 1945 issue, usually referred to as the Korean War Era M1 Carbine, since it saw the most US military action in that campaign- .30 carbine. Also there are no Wartime photographs of Soldiers carrying this model Carbine during World War II, however occupation troops have them. It has the adjustable rear sight and a bayonet lug.Error creating thumbnail: File missingExhausted 101st Airborne MP points the way with his M1 Carbine - .30 carbine. Note that though the "L" peep sight is correct, but the bayonet lug is Korean War Issue.Error creating thumbnail: File missingSgt. Eddie Dohun (James Caan) readies his M1 Carbine - .30 carbine. The M1 Carbine is a Post World War II variant with a bayonet lug and an adjustable rear sight.Error creating thumbnail: File missingCloser shot of Sgt. Eddie Dohun with his anachronistic Korean War vintage M1 Carbine - .30 carbine
M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine
A Folding stock version of the M1 Carbine, this 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.
The M1911A1 is used throughout the movie, especially by Sgt. Eddie Dohun (James Caan) when threatening an Army combat surgeon (Arthur Hill) in order to get him to treat his wounded captain (Nicholas Campbell). The handgun is also seen, albeit briefly, holstered amongst American officers, NCOs and Military Police.
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 M1911 chambered in .455 Webley, issued to members of the R.A.F. In the film, the British M1911 is used by British 1st Airborne General Roy Urquhart (Sean Connery) and several other Airborne officers as they try to evade capture by Waffen SS forces.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingM1911 .455 Webley, a licensed handgun to the British Armed Forces after World War 1, issued to members of the R.A.F. (and possibly by association, members of the Army Airborne.)Error creating thumbnail: File missingBritish 1st Airborne General Roy Urquhart (Sean Connery) fires an M1911 Variant, quite possibly the .455 Webley Version of the M1911.
M1A1 Thompson
The M1A1 Thompson is seen only briefly 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.
The standard submachine gun for British and Polish Airborne units, most featured had the forward pistol grip removed as was the case for Market Garden.
A No2 Portable Flamethrower is used in the attack on the German bunker on the Arnhem bridge this weapon, known as the "Lifebuoy" for its resemblance to a lifesaver, was the standard British flamethrower.
The PIAT (Projectile Infantry Anti-Tank) is seen throughout the movie being used by British and Polish airborne units (who were similarly equipped). This weapon fired a 3 lb. 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 the Arnhem bridge.
