Darby's Rangers

’’Darby’ Rangers’’ (1958)

Darby’s Rangers is the 1958 World War II film that was the next-to-last feature directed by William A. Wellman. The film also marked the first starring role for actor James Garner, who portrays Colonel William Orlando Darby. The movie chronicles Col. Darby's formation of an elite Army commando group as the “tip of the Army’s spear,” thus creating the Rangers. The cast included Etchika Choureau, Jack Warden, Edd Byrnes (as Edward Byrnes), Peter Brown, Stuart Whitman, and Murray Hamilton.

The following weapons were used in the film Darby’s Rangers:

M1 Garand

Throughout the film, Rangers carry the M1 Garand.

M1 Garand semiautomatic Rifle with leather M1917 sling - .30-06

The film is dedicated to the US Army Rangers.

Col. Darby (James Garner) arrives in Scotland for Ranger training. Sgt. Sims Delancey (Murray Hamilton) left, and Sfc. Hank Bishop (Stuart Whitman), right, stand behind Darby.

Rangers begin training in Scotland.

Rangers storm the beaches of North Africa.

Rangers assault an Italian gun emplacement in North Africa.

Urban warfare in Italy.

Ranger sharpshooters take out an Italian sniper.

Facing the Germans in Italy.

M1911A1

Throughout the film, Rangers carry a Colt M1911A1 pistol.

World War II Colt M1911A1 Pistol - .45 ACP

Darby (James Garner) with the Colt M1911A1 pistol.

M1 Carbine

Throughout the film, Army Rangers carry the M1 Carbine.

Korean War Era M1 Carbine, with Birch Stock, Adjustable sight, bayonet lug, and twin magazine pouch - .30 Carbine. Most of the World War II variations of the M1 Carbine were sent back to the Military Arsenals and retrofitted with the Bayonet Lug and adjustable rear sight. This is the version seen after late 1945 and all the way until the 1960s. This version is seen most often in World War II movies, despite being anachronistic for most World War II battles.