“The Heroes of Telemark” (1965)

War

Running Time: 97 minutes

Written by: Ben Barzman and Ivan Moffat

Directed by: Anthony Mann

Featuring: Kirk Douglas, Richard Harris and Ulla Jacobsson

Terboven: “Winston Churchill is puffing an extra big cigar today. And we laugh at him. Why? Because all these containers, which the British did so much to destroy, have already been pre-fabricated in Berlin. They are already on their way here and will be installed by tomorrow.”

“The Heroes of Telemark” is a 1965 British-American war film directed by Anthony Mann and starring Kirk Douglas and Richard Harris. The film is based on the true story of the Norwegian resistance fighters who sabotaged the German heavy water plant in Rjukan during World War II. This act was crucial in preventing Nazi Germany from developing nuclear weapons.

The film begins with Dr. Rolf Pedersen (Kirk Douglas), a Norwegian physics professor, being recruited by the Norwegian resistance to assist in the sabotage of the Norsk Hydro plant in Telemark. The plant is producing heavy water, a crucial component for Nazi Germany’s atomic bomb project. Pedersen is initially reluctant but is eventually persuaded to join the mission, realizing the catastrophic consequences if the Nazis succeed.

Pedersen teams up with Knut Straud (Richard Harris), a determined resistance fighter. Together, they face numerous challenges, including evading the Gestapo, navigating the treacherous Norwegian landscape, and executing the sabotage operation without endangering the local civilian population. The film builds tension as the team meticulously plans and executes the sabotage, culminating in a dramatic and suspenseful climax.

“The Heroes of Telemark” is loosely based on real events, and while it captures the essence of the Norwegian resistance’s bravery and ingenuity, it takes significant liberties with historical facts. The film condenses several real-life operations into a single mission, and characters are often amalgamations or entirely fictional. For instance, the real-life hero of the Telemark operation, Joachim Rønneberg, is not represented in the film, and the character of Dr. Rolf Pedersen is a fictional creation.

Despite these inaccuracies, the film effectively conveys the high stakes and immense pressure faced by the resistance fighters. The depiction of the harsh Norwegian winter and the perilous conditions under which the saboteurs operated is particularly compelling and adds to the film’s authenticity.

Kirk Douglas delivers a strong performance as Dr. Rolf Pedersen, portraying a man torn between his pacifist principles and the necessity of violent action to prevent greater evil. Douglas’s charisma and screen presence drive the film, making Pedersen a sympathetic and relatable character.

Richard Harris, as Knut Straud, complements Douglas with his portrayal of a hardened resistance fighter committed to the cause. Harris brings a rugged determination to the role, providing a stark contrast to Douglas’s more intellectual character. The chemistry between Douglas and Harris is one of the film’s highlights, adding depth to their partnership and the mission’s emotional stakes.

The supporting cast, including Ulla Jacobsson as Anna Pedersen and Michael Redgrave as Uncle Arne, also deliver solid performances, contributing to the film’s overall impact.

Anthony Mann’s direction is both ambitious and meticulous, effectively balancing the film’s action sequences with character-driven moments. Mann, known for his work on Westerns and epics, brings a sense of grandeur to the Norwegian landscape, using it as a dramatic backdrop that enhances the film’s tension and stakes.

The cinematography by Robert Krasker is exceptional, capturing the stark beauty and harshness of the Norwegian winter. The use of on-location shooting in Norway adds to the film’s authenticity and visual appeal. The action sequences, particularly the sabotage operation and the subsequent chase scenes, are well-executed and thrilling, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

At its core, “The Heroes of Telemark” is a story about courage, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of war. The film explores the difficult choices faced by individuals in times of conflict, highlighting the personal cost of resistance and the broader implications of their actions. The characters’ internal struggles and the external dangers they face underscore the film’s message about the importance of standing up against tyranny, even at great personal risk.

The film also addresses the ethical dilemmas of warfare, particularly the tension between achieving strategic objectives and minimizing civilian casualties. This theme is embodied in the characters’ debates and the careful planning of the sabotage mission, which aims to avoid unnecessary loss of life while achieving a critical objective.

“The Heroes of Telemark” is a compelling war film that combines historical drama with action and suspense. While it takes liberties with historical accuracy, it succeeds in capturing the spirit and bravery of the Norwegian resistance fighters who played a crucial role in thwarting Nazi Germany’s atomic ambitions. The strong performances by Kirk Douglas and Richard Harris, along with Anthony Mann’s skilled direction and Robert Krasker’s stunning cinematography, make it a memorable and impactful film.

For viewers interested in World War II history, resistance movements, or stories of courage against overwhelming odds, “The Heroes of Telemark” offers a gripping and inspiring cinematic experience. Despite its historical inaccuracies, the film stands as a tribute to the real-life heroes of Telemark and their remarkable contribution to the Allied war effort.

Special Features

• 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
• Audio Commentary by film historians Steve Mitchell and Steven Jay Rubin (2024)
• The Making of ‘The Heroes of Telemark’ – interview featurette with the production crew (2024)
• Playing a Hero – interview with actor David Weston (2024)
• Location Reports from Norway & Weymouth (1965)
• Vintage interviews with Richard Harris, Kirk Douglas, Michael Redgrave, Ulla Jacobsson, Anthony Mann (1965)
• Theatrical Trailer
• Audio LPCM 2.0 Mono
• Original Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
• Optional English HOH Subtitles