Heaven's Gate

Heaven's Gate DVD-Cover Country United States Directed by Michael Cimino Release Date 1980 Language English Russian German French Polish Studio Partisan Productions Distributor United Artists Main Cast Character Actor James Averill Kris Kristofferson Ella Watson Isabelle Huppert John L. Bridges Jeff Bridges Nick Ray Mickey Rourke Major Wolcott Ronnie Hawkins Mr. Eggleston Brad Dourif Frank Canton Sam Waterston Billy Irvine John Hurt

Heaven's Gate is director Michael Cimino's bleak 1980 "anti-western" based on events in 1890s Wyoming. Sheriff James Averill (Kris Kristofferson), educated in the East and full of idealism, attempts to protect Eastern European immigrants - farmers against the land barons and owners of pastures who hire mercenaries to settle their scores. The hired gunmen, including Nathan Champion (Christopher Walken), plan to kill a number of farmers whose names appear on a death list and whom the farmers believe have been stealing their cattle. Backed by the federal government, the mercenaries prepare to attack the farmers when Averill and Champion clash over the impending massacre and Ella Watson (Isabelle Huppert), a local prostitute and woman they both love. The film, while shot very realistically with attention to every detail, became notorious for its enormous budget and its negative buzz and subsequently became one of the biggest box office flops of all time.

The following weapons were used in the film Heaven's Gate:

Handguns

Single Action Army

Most of the characters in the movie use "Cavalry" model Single Action Army revolvers. Sheriff Averil James (Kris Kristofferson) carries an "Artillery" model..

Colt Single Action Army w/ 7.5" barrel known as the "Cavalry" model.

Nathan D. Champion (Christopher Walken) is armed with a Cavalry model.

Frank Canton (Sam Waterston) shoots a convict with his Cavalry SAA.

One of the settlers fires a Cavalry SAA in a fight.

An SAA in hand of the fallen mercenary.

Nick Ray (Mickey Rourke) makes a stand with Champion (Christopher Walken) using a Cavalry SAA and a long-barreled Colt Dragoon.

Colt Single Action Army w/ 5.5" barrel known as the "Artillery" model. The most common of the SAA revolvers as it is just the right length. - .45 Long Colt.

Sheriff James Averill (Kris Kristofferson) fires an Artillery SAA.

Another shot of Averill's Artillery SAA.

1848 Colt Dragoon

Nick Ray (Mickey Rourke) also uses a long-barreled Colt Dragoon during his and Nathan Champion's last stand.

3rd Model Colt Dragoon with a long barrel.

Nick makes a stand with Champion (Christopher Walken) using a Cavalry SAA and a long-barreled Colt Dragoon.

Remington Model 1875 "Frontier"

One of the immigrants is armed with a 5.5" Remington 1875.

Remington Model 1875 "Frontier" Model by Aldo Uberti.

The immigrant aims his Remington at Nathan D. Champion.

Merwin Hulbert & Co. Pocket Revolver

Deputy John L. Bridges (Jeff Bridges) and Ella Watson (Isabelle Huppert) both use Merwin Hulbert & Co. Pocket Revolver

Merwin Hulbert & Co. Pocket Model.

Ella cleans the gun while sitting with Nathan Champion (Christopher Walken).

Ella shoots mercenaries guarding the bridge over the river.

John breaks up the ruckus by firing his pocket revolver.

Rifles

Henry Model 1860

Sheriff James Averill (Kris Kristofferson) initially purchased a Henry 1860 rifle, but later switch to a more modern Winchester Model 1892.

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Henry Model 1860 - .44 Rimfire.

Sheriff Averill sits with his Henry and his badge.

Deputy John Bridges pulls this rifle from the hide under a bar.

Winchester Model 1892

Many characters in the film are armed with Winchester Model 1892's.

Winchester 1892 -.32WCF/.38-40/.44-40/.25-20.

A mercenary fires his 1892 that appears to be missing the handguard.

Men at the wagon ramparts fire their Winchesters.

Frank Canton (Sam Waterston) fires upon the sheriff with another handguardless Winchester.

Sherif Averill (Kris Kristofferson) holsters his Winchester.

Nathan D. Champion (Christopher Walken) makes his stand.

Mr. Eggleston (Brad Dourif) shoots from behind the wooden barrier at the mercenaries.

Winchester Model 1866 "Yellow Boy"

Deputy John L. Bridges (Jeff Bridges) in battle is seen with a Winchester Model 1866 "Yellow Boy"

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Winchester 1866 "Yellow Boy" Carbine - .44 RF.

John fires his Winchester while on horseback, the lack of handguards and loading gate can be seen.

Remington Rolling Block

Sheriff James Averill (Kris Kristofferson) also uses a Remington Rolling Block rifle.

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Remington No. 1 Rolling Block - ..22 rimfire

Sheriff Averill takes a shot at the fleeing rapist.

File:Heaven´s Gate-rifle.jpg

Averill sets down his rifle by the window.

Winchester Model 1876

Some Winchester Model 1876 rifles appear in the hands of mercenaries, some appear to be missing their handguards like other rifles in the film.

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1876 Winchester rifle similar to the one used in Tombstone.

Two men in the background fire their 1876 Winchesters lacking handgaurds.

Maynard Single Shot Percussion Carbine

Some mercenaries are seen using Maynard Single Shot Percussion Carbines.

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Maynard Single Shot Percussion Carbine- .50 caliber

One of the mercenaries takes a shot at Ella on her horse.

Trapdoor Springfield Model 1873 Cavalry Carbine

Many of the immigrant farmers arm themslves with "Trapdoor" Springfield Model 1873 rifles.

Replica Springfield Model 1873 Cavalry Carbine "Trapdoor Springfield" built by Aldo Uberti - .45-70

Several farmers are seen with Springfields.

Mrs. Kovach (Gordana Rashovich)fires a shot to signal the uprising.

John L. Bridges (Jeff Bridges) operates multiple Springfields.

Shotguns

12 Gauge Double Barreled Shotgun

Trappers are seen with 12 Gauge Double Barreled Shotguns. Nathan Champion (Christopher Walken) also uses this weapon.

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Colt Model 1878 reproduction - 12 Gauge

Champion checks the hole he has made in a covered wagon with his shotgun at the ready.

A trapper checks the chambers of his shotgun.