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 British SOE (Special Operations Executive) and the American OSS (Office of Strategic Services).
The following weapons were used in the film Farewell To The King:
The iconic British Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* 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, the only exception being when Sgt. Tenga (Frank McRae) uses one with a scope to kill several Japanese machine gunners. 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 Yoo (Marilyn Tokuda), Learoyd's (Nick Nolte) wife during her confrontation with the Japanese at the "Long House" is a Lee-Enfield No. 5 Mk I "Jungle Carbine", which is never fired and which the actress should have been grateful for since this version had a notorious recoil.
"Dynamite Dave" (William Wise) uses an M1 Carbine when he lays demolitions in the cave. Gwai (Gerry Lopez) can be seen with an M1 Carbine later in the film, which he uses during the massacre of the Japanese.
Fairbourne (Nigel Havers) uses the M1A1 Carbine, the paratrooper version with folding stock, as his personal weapon. Why he uses it as a British officer is never explained, but it is possible that he chose it because it had more range than the Webley revolver that a Captain would normally carry, and was lighter and had a higher rate of fire then the standard Lee-Enfield. Learoyd (Nick Nolte) briefly inspects one when the Headhunters bring Fairbourne and Sgt. Tenga (Frank McRae) to him, firing it to the awe of his Headhunters.
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 Sten Mk III being fielded here rather than the more common Sten Mk II model. Also wielded by the Australian troops at the end of the movie.
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).
One of the earliest Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW), the M1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle, is also issued to the Headhunters, including Gwai (Gerry Lopez) during their war against the Japanese. Definitely the M1918A2 version of the venerable weapon given the bipod which is mounted directly to the fore of the front sight.
The Bren Gun, the SAW of choice for Commonwealth 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. Australian Stretch Lewis (Richard Morgan) is the main user of the weapon, teaching the headhunters how to use it. Learoyd (Nick Nolte) uses one in the cave. Sgt. Tenga (Frank McRae) and an Australian soldier are respectively seen with the Bren Gun during the link-up and confrontation between the headhunters and the Aussies at the end.
The immediate predecessor of the Browning M1919, the .30 Browning M1917 seems to be the GPMG of choice for the Headhunters, including Gwai (Gerry Lopez) even though the M1919 would arguably be a better choice. Identifiable by both the water cooling jacket and the somewhat bulky M1917 tripod.
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.
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.
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.
The M2 60mm Mortar is seen during the weapons' training of the Headhunters by "Dynamite Dave" (William Wise) and during combat against the Japanese soldiers.
Mk 2 Hand Grenades are used throughout the movie but especially dramatically by Learoyd (Nick Nolte) during his rescue of the delirious Fairbourne (Nigel Havers), throwing it to stop Colonel Mitamura (Aki Aleong).
The Japanese forces led by Colonel Mitamura (Aki Aleong) carry the standard Japanese weaponry of WW II including the:
Arisaka Type 99
The Arisaka Type 99, the updated version of the standard Japanese bolt action rifle, is shown being carried by Mitamura's men in the movie. Gwai (Gerry Lopez) carries one when he meets Fairbourne (Nigel Havers) and Sgt. Tenga (Frank McRae). It is difficult to tell them apart, but close scrutiny of the rifle barrel can determine the difference.
An evolution of the French Hotchkiss design, the 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".
The "Bren-like" Type 99 Light Machine Gun is carried by the Japanese troops during the movie. Learoyd (Nick Nolte) can be seen with the weapon in some of the covers, but never in the movie. One of the Headhunters is briefly seen with one
