The Heroes of Telemark (1965)

56% of users liked it
(2,266 ratings)

In this tale of espionage and adventure set during World War II, Norway has fallen under Nazi occupation, and a factory is producing "heavy water" (a key ingredient in the manufacture of atomic weapons), under the order of the German military. Knut Straud (Richard Harris), a leading figure in the… More In this tale of espionage and adventure set during World War II, Norway has fallen under Nazi occupation, and a factory is producing "heavy water" (a key ingredient in the manufacture of atomic weapons), under the order of the German military. Knut Straud (Richard Harris), a leading figure in the Norwegian underground, joins forces with scientist Dr. Rolf Pederson (Kirk Douglas), who is working with British intelligence agents to destroy the factory in hopes of keeping the Atomic Bomb out of Axis hands. However, while originally Straud and Pederson are only supposed to infiltrate the factory as a reconnaissance force while awaiting British troops, the English army is forced to retreat from their plans, leaving the Norwegians to destroy the factory and scuttle a shipment of the "heavy water" all by themselves. Inspired by a true story, The Heroes of Telemark also features Michael Redgrave and Anton Diffring. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 11 min.
Directed By: Anthony Mann
Written By: Ben Barzman, Ivan Moffat
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics

On DVD: Apr 5, 2011

Critic Reviews

Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Spy film with spectacular landscapes.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The snowcovered Norwegian fjords and mountains overwhelm the characters and the flat story.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
A solid, but unremarkable World War II actioner.

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Featured Audience Ratings

xGary X

The kind of pulpy war movie that has more in common with boy's own comic books than the conflict itself. If you like stuff like Where Eagles Dare, you'll like this.
Barry L

True story of the way the Norwegians tried to destroy the heavy water production plant after unsucessful allied bombing runs....Very taut film with some great scenes, fantastic snow shots and a great finish....the alarm clocks were a bit daft though.

Cast

            Kirk Douglas as Dr. Rolf Pederson

            Richard Harris as Knut Straud

            Ulla Jacobsson as Anna

            Michael Redgrave as Uncle

            David Weston as Arne

            Anton Diffring as Maj. Frick

            Eric Porter as Terboven

            Mervyn Johns as Col. Wilkinson

            Jennifer Hilary as Sigrid

            Roy Dotrice as Jensen the Mysterious

            Barry Jones as Prof. Logan

            Ralph Michael as Nilssen

            Maurice Denham as Doctor at Hospital

            Robert Ayres as Gen. Courts

            William Marlowe as Claus

            David Davies as Captain of "Galtesund"

            Karel Stepanek as Hartmuller

            Elvi Hale as Mrs. Sandersen

            Gerard Heinz as Ernardt

            George Murcell as Sturmfuhrer

            Russell Waters as Mr. Sandersen

            Annette Andre as Girl Student

            Grace Arnold
            
            Sebastian Breaks as Gunnar

            Faith Brook as Woman on Bus

            Robert Bruce as Major

            Howard Douglas as Galtesund Passenger

            John Golightly as Freddy

            Philo Hauser as Businessman

            Alan Howard as Oli

            Brian Jackson as Norwegian Naval Attache

            Patrick Jordan as Henrik

            Geoffrey Keen as Gen. Bolt

            Brook Williams as Elinar

            Alf Joint as German Guard on Ferry

            Joe Powell as Quislings

            Victor Beaumont as German Sergeant

            Wolf Frees as Knippelberg

            Paul Hansard as German Official

            Jan Conrad as Watchman in Factory

            Pamela Conway as Girl in Darkroom

            Terry Plummer
            
See full cast