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Farewell To The King
This WW II drama, though taking place in the PTO (Pacific Theatre of Operations), contains an ecclectic 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 Startegic 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 revolver (either a Mk IV or VI - it is never clear which) as his sidearm.
M1911 pistol series
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 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.
Webley Mk VI Revolver
Carried by Fairbourne (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 (.455) 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.
Sten Gun
The ubiquitous British SMG of the war seen being used by both the SOE/OSS men and by Learoyd's headhunters. 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.
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Thompson M1928-A1
This American classic also makes its' presence known in the movie though, oddly, it is the M1928A1 version that is in use rather than the M1 which would have been more common given the move's time frame (1944-45). Used by both the headhunters and prominently by Sgt. Tenga (Frank McRae).
Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE)
The iconic British 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 weapon 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.
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Winchester Model 1897
This popular "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 indentified by its' ventilated barrel shroud, exposed hammer and almost sword like bayonet.
Browning Automatic Rifle
One of the earliest Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW) 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 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
Seen during the weapons' training of the headhunters and during combat with the Japanese is this American mortar.
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Mk 2 hand grenade
Used throughout the movie but especially dramatically by Learoyd (Nick Nolte) during his rescue of the delirious Fairbourne (Havers).
Japanese Small Arms
Colonel Mitamura's (Aki Aleong) men carry the standard Japanese weaponry of WW II. These include:
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)
Type 96/99 Machinegun
This "Bren-like" 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.
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Type 92 Heavy Machinegun
An evolution of the French Hotchkiss design the standard Japanese HMG makes an appearance in the movie, especially during the battle with Mitamura's forces in the cave leading to the "Path of the Clouds".
