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Difference between revisions of "Hell Is for Heroes"

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[[Image:HellisforHeroesPoster.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''Hell is for Heroes (1962)'']]
 
  
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'''''Hell is for Heroes''''' is a 1962 World War II film directed by [[Don Siegel]] and stars [[Steve McQueen]] as a disillusioned US soldier who is part of a company that finds itself short-handed while they are engaged by advancing German forces.  The film's cast included [[James Coburn]], Bobby Darin, Fess Parker and Bob Newhart in his feature film debut.   The film was co-written by Robert Pirosh, who also wrote the 1949 WWII film ''[[Battleground]]'' and would later go on to create the WWII television series ''[[Combat!]]''.
+
{{Infobox Movie|{{PAGENAME}}
 +
|name = ''Hell Is for Heroes''
 +
|picture = HellisforHeroesPoster.jpg
 +
|caption = ''Movie poster''
 +
|country = [[Image:USA.jpg|25px]] United States
 +
|director = [[Don Siegel]]
 +
|date= 1962
 +
|language = English<BR>German
 +
|studio=Paramount Pictures
 +
|distributor=Paramount Pictures
 +
|character1=Pvt. John Reese
 +
|actor1=[[Steve McQueen]]
 +
|character2=Sgt. Bill Pike
 +
|actor2=[[Fess Parker]]
 +
|character3=Sgt. Jim Larkin
 +
|actor3=[[Harry Guardino]]
 +
|character4=Pfc. James E. Driscoll
 +
|actor4=[[Bob Newhart]]
 +
|character5=Cpl. Frank Henshaw
 +
|actor5=[[James Coburn]]
 +
|character6=Supply Sergeant Frazer
 +
|actor6=[[L.Q. Jones]]
 +
|character7=Homer Janeczek
 +
|actor7=[[Nick Adams]]
 +
|character8=Pvt. Stan Kolinsky
 +
|actor8=[[Mike Kellin]]
 +
|character9=
 +
|actor9=[[]]
 +
|character10=
 +
|actor10=[[]]
 +
}}
 +
'''''Hell Is for Heroes''''' is a 1962 World War II film directed by [[Don Siegel]] and stars [[Steve McQueen]] as Pvt. John Reese, a disillusioned U.S. soldier (Reese a former master sergeant, demoted to private after a court martial) who joins a rifle squad as a replacement.  The cast included [[James Coburn]], [[Bobby Darin]], [[Fess Parker]] and [[Bob Newhart]] in his feature film debut. ''Hell Is for Heroes'' was co-written by Robert Pirosh, who served in in World War II as an infantryman with the 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division and saw combat in the Alsace-Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns. Following the war, Pirosh would also write the 1949 war film ''[[Battleground (1949)|Battleground]]'', for which he received the Academy Award for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay and subsequently created the WWII television series ''[[Combat!]]''. The movie was filmed in the summer of 1961 around Redding, California. It was a very hot summer so many of the scenes were filmed at night; for the comfort of the crew and cast. Though a troubled production with a miniscule budget (McQueen allegedly hated working on the movie and butted heads with director Don Siegel repeatedly) the movie has gone on to become something of a cult classic. It is consistently rated among the better World War II movies to come out of Hollywood.  
  
 
{{Film Title}}
 
{{Film Title}}
Line 9: Line 39:
 
=Submachine Guns=
 
=Submachine Guns=
  
−
== M3 submachine gun ==
+
== M3 "Grease Gun" ==
−
Pvt. John Reese ([[Steve McQueen]]) uses the [[M3 submachine gun]] throughout the film. He tapes three of his magazines together "jungle style" for faster reloading. Interestingly Reese only has M1 Garand ammunition pouches, and not any box magazine pouches.  
+
Pvt. John Reese ([[Steve McQueen]]) uses the [[M3 "Grease Gun"]] throughout the film. He tapes three of his magazines together "jungle style" for faster reloading. Interestingly, Reese only has M1 Garand ammunition pouches, and not any box magazine pouches, as there was no pouch made for the M3 magazine and M3 magazines did not fit in a Thompson magazine pouch.  
 
[[Image:M3_Grease.jpg‎|thumb|none|500px|M3 "Grease Gun"]]
 
[[Image:M3_Grease.jpg‎|thumb|none|500px|M3 "Grease Gun"]]
−
[[Image:HIFHM3.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Reese assembles his M3 submachine gun.]]
+
[[Image:H4H 21.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. John Reese ([[Steve McQueen]]) assembles his [[M3 "Grease Gun"]] during a conversation with Homer. Interestingly, Reese only has on his belt M1 Garand ammunition pouches, and not any box magazine pouches. ]]
−
[[Image:HIFHM33.JPG‎|thumb|none|600px|Reese turns his M3 towards a clumsy soldier.]]
+
[[Image:HIFHM33.JPG‎|thumb|none|600px|Reese turns his M3 towards a clumsy soldier.  Note the three mags taped together "jungle style".]]
−
[[Image:HIFHM36.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Reese prepares his M3 for the final assault on the pillbox.]]
+
[[Image:HIFHM36.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Reese prepares his M3 for the final assault on the pillbox.]]
−
[[Image:HIFHM37.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Reese firing at the pillbox.]]
+
[[Image:HIFHM37.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Reese firing at the pillbox.]]
 
'''Note:''' As is common in firing blank ammunition, many weapons used in the film experienced malfunctions. The M3 submachine gun [[Steve McQueen]] uses in the film appears to have to be cleared constantly of jams by the actor, notably in the final battle.  
 
'''Note:''' As is common in firing blank ammunition, many weapons used in the film experienced malfunctions. The M3 submachine gun [[Steve McQueen]] uses in the film appears to have to be cleared constantly of jams by the actor, notably in the final battle.  
 
[[Image:HIFHM38.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. John Reese ([[Steve McQueen]]) in the center is seen trying to clear the jammed M3.]]
 
[[Image:HIFHM38.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. John Reese ([[Steve McQueen]]) in the center is seen trying to clear the jammed M3.]]
−
[[Image:HIFHM39.JPG‎ |thumb|none|600px|McQueen has to clear another jam just a few seconds later.]]
+
[[Image:HIFHM39.JPG‎ |thumb|none|600px|Having to clear another jam.]]
  
 
==MP40==
 
==MP40==
−
The [[MP40]] is used by opposing Germans forces.
+
The [[MP40]] is used by German troops.
 
[[Image:MP40.jpg‎|thumb|none|500px|MP40]]
 
[[Image:MP40.jpg‎|thumb|none|500px|MP40]]
−
[[Image:HIFHMP.JPG|thumb|none|500px|German soldier with holding a MP40.]]
+
[[Image:HIFHMP.JPG|thumb|none|600px|German soldier with holding a MP40.]]
−
[[Image:HIFHMP2.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Another shot of the soldiers MP40.]]
+
[[Image:HIFHMP2.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Another shot of the soldier's MP40.]]
  
 
=Rifles=
 
=Rifles=
 
==M1 Garand==
 
==M1 Garand==
−
The [[M1 Garand]] by various characters including Pvt. Corby ([[Bobby Darin]]), T/Sgt. Pike ([[Fess Parker]]), Sgt. Larkin ([[Harry Guardino]]), and Homer Janeczek ([[Nick Adams]]) to name a few.
+
The [[M1 Garand]] by various characters including Pvt. Corby ([[Bobby Darin]]), T/Sgt. Pike ([[Fess Parker]]), Sgt. Larkin ([[Harry Guardino]]), Homer Janeczek ([[Nick Adams]]) and Pvt. Driscoll ([[Bob Newhart]]).
 
[[Image:M1_Garand.jpg‎|thumb|none|500px|M1 Garand]]  
 
[[Image:M1_Garand.jpg‎|thumb|none|500px|M1 Garand]]  
−
[[Image:Hifhg.JPG|thumb|none|500px|The men in a trench holding their M1 Garands.]]
+
[[Image:Hifhg.JPG|thumb|none|600px|The M1 Garand is seen in the hands of (from left to right)  Sgt. Larkin ([[Harry Guardino]]), Pvt. Corby ([[Bobby Darin]]) and Pvt. Driscoll ([[Bob Newhart]]).]]
−
[[Image:Hifh2.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Soldiers firing their M1 Garands to cover Pvt. Reese and the others.]]
+
[[Image:H4H 15.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Driscoll ([[Bob Newhart]]) holds the M1 Garand after experiencing an accidental discharge with it.]]
−
[[Image:Hifhg3.JPG|thumb|none|500px|]]
+
[[Image:Hifh2.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Corby ([[Bobby Darin]]) and Homer Janeczek ([[Nick Adams]]) firing their M1 Garands to cover Pvt. Reese and the others.]]
−
[[Image:Hifhg4.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Homer Janeczek ([[Nick Adams]]) picks up an M1 Garand towards the end of the movie.]]
+
[[Image:H4H 41.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Sgt. Larkin ([[Harry Guardino]]) armed with the M1 Garand with bayonet affixed.]]
 +
[[Image:H4H 109.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Cpl. Henshaw ([[James Coburn]]) armed with the M1 Garand.]]
 +
[[Image:H4H 01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Corby ([[Bobby Darin]]) armed with the M1 Garand during the final battle.]]
 +
[[Image:H4H 11.jpg|thumb|none|600px|T/Sgt. Pike ([[Fess Parker]]) armed with the M1 Garand during the final battle.]]
 +
[[Image:H4H 128.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Corby ([[Bobby Darin]]) reloads his M1 Garand during the final battle.]]
 +
[[Image:Hifhg4.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Homer Janeczek ([[Nick Adams]]) picks up an M1 Garand towards the end of the movie.]]
  
 
==M1 Carbine==
 
==M1 Carbine==
−
The [[M1 Carbine]] is seen with the mortar crews.
+
The [[M1 Carbine]] is seen carried by the mortar crews.  The M1 carbines are fitted with the anachronistic bayonet lug.
−
[[Image:M1-Carbine.jpg‎ |thumb|none|500px|M1 Carbine]]
+
[[Image:M1CarbineLateModel.jpg|thumb|none|550px|Korean War Era [[M1 Carbine|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]]
−
[[Image:Carbine.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Mortar crew with M1 carbines slung.]]
+
[[Image:H4H 25.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Mortar crew with M1 carbines slung.]]
−
[[Image:Carbine2.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Another shot of the Mortar crews M1 carbines.]]
+
[[Image:H4H 32.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The M1 carbines are fitted with the anachronistic bayonet lug.]]
 +
[[Image:H4H 124.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Another shot of the M1 carbines carried by the mortar crew.]]
  
 
==Browning Automatic Rifle==
 
==Browning Automatic Rifle==
−
Pvt. Kolinski ([[Mike Kellin]]) uses the [[Browning Automatic Rifle]] throughout the film.
+
The [[Browning Automatic Rifle]] is seen in the hands of both Cpl. Henshaw ([[James Coburn]]) and Pvt. Kolinski ([[Mike Kellin]]) throughout the film.
 
[[Image:BAR.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Browning Automatic Rifle "B.A.R."]]
 
[[Image:BAR.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Browning Automatic Rifle "B.A.R."]]
−
[[Image:HIFHBAR.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Pvt. Kolinski ([[Mike Kellin]]) escorts a prisoner with his B.A.R.]]
+
[[Image:H4H 20.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The [[Browning Automatic Rifle]] is seen carried by Cpl. Henshaw ([[James Coburn]]).]]
−
[[Image:HIFHBAR2.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Pvt. Kolinski ([[Mike Kellin]]) holding the B.A.R.]]
+
[[Image:HIFHBAR.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Kolinski ([[Mike Kellin]]) escorts a prisoner with his B.A.R.]]
−
=Machine Guns=
+
[[Image:HIFHBAR2.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Kolinski ([[Mike Kellin]]) holding the B.A.R.]]
 +
 
  
 
== Karabiner 98k ==
 
== Karabiner 98k ==
−
The [[Karabiner 98k]] is used by opposing German forces. After killing a charging German, Reese picks up the dead soldiers Karabiner 98k rifle and removes the bolt so no other enemies can quickly use the rifle.  
+
The [[Karabiner 98k]] is used by opposing German forces. After killing a charging German, Reese picks up the dead soldier's Karabiner 98k rifle and disables it by removing the bolt.
 
[[Image:Karabiner-98K.jpg‎|thumb|none|500px|MP40]]
 
[[Image:Karabiner-98K.jpg‎|thumb|none|500px|MP40]]
−
[[Image:HIFHM.JPG|thumb|none|500px|A advancing German carrying a Karabiner 98k.]]
+
[[Image:HIFHM.JPG|thumb|none|600px|An advancing German soldier carrying a Karabiner 98k.]]
−
[[Image:HIFHM2.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Reese picks up the dead Germans rifle.]]
+
[[Image:HIFHM2.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Reese picks up the dead German's rifle.]]
−
[[Image:HIFHRM3.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Note the removed bolt in Reese's right hand.]]
+
[[Image:HIFHRM3.JPG|thumb|none|600px|The rifle is disabled as the bolt is seen in Reese's right hand.]]
−
[[Image:HIFHM4.JPG|thumb|none|500px|German on the left is firing a Karabiner 98k.]]
+
[[Image:HIFHM4.JPG|thumb|none|600px|German soldier on the left fires the Karabiner 98k.]]
−
 
 
  
 
=Machine Guns=
 
=Machine Guns=
−
== Schwarzlose Machine Gun Model 07/12 ==
+
==ZB 53 / Vz.37==
−
The [[Schwarzlose Machine Gun Model 07/12]] is seen during the final assault. This is actual stock footage of German soldiers using the machine gun.  
+
The [[ZB-53 / Vz.37]] is seen during the final assault. This is actually stock footage of German soldiers using the machine gun.  
−
[[Image:07-12.jpg‎|thumb|none|500px|]]
+
[[Image:ZB-53.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Czech ZB 53 / Vz.37 machine gun on tripod - 7.92x57mm Mauser]]
−
[[Image:Schwarzlose.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Stock Footage showing the Schwarzlose MG M.07/12 in action.]]
+
[[Image:Schwarzlose.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Stock Footage showing the ZB 53 / Vz.37 in action.]]
−
[[Image:Schwarzlose2.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Again more stock footage of the Schwarzlose MG M.07/12 machine gun.]]
 
  
 +
==MG42==
 +
A broken [[MG42]] is seen on the ground early in the movie. The MG misses the rear stock and has it's bolt removed and barrel hatch open.
 +
[[Image:MG42.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG42 Machine Gun - 7.92x57mm Mauser]]
 +
[[File:HifhMG42A.jpg |thumb|none|600px|The MG42 wedged in between the rocks. The distinct charging handle sticks out.]]
 +
 
==Browning 1919==
 
==Browning 1919==
 
The [[Browning M1919A4]] is seen being carried by a soldier in the beginning of the movie, and later on during the final attack.
 
The [[Browning M1919A4]] is seen being carried by a soldier in the beginning of the movie, and later on during the final attack.
 
[[Image:M1919A4Browning.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Browning 1919 machine gun]]
 
[[Image:M1919A4Browning.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Browning 1919 machine gun]]
−
[[Image:Hifhb1.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Soldier carrying the Browning 1919 on his shoulder.]]
+
[[Image:Hifhb1.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Soldier carrying the Browning 1919 on his shoulder.]]
−
[[Image:Hifhb2.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Soldiers fire the Browning 1919 during the final assault.]]
+
[[Image:Hifhb2.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Machine gun teams lay down fire with their Browning 1919's during the final assault.]]
−
[[Image:Hifhb3.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Browning 1919 stirring up some dust.]]
+
[[Image:Hifhb3.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Browning 1919 stirring up some dust.]]
−
 
 
−
==Browning M2==
 
−
The [[Browning M2]] is seen mounted on a tank during the final assault. The footage of the tank is actually stock footage. 
 
−
[[Image:BrowningM2.jpg‎ |thumb|none|500px|Browning M2 machine gun]]
 
−
[[Image:BM2mg.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Stock footage showing the Browning M2 mounted on a tank.]]
 
  
 
=Other=
 
=Other=
 
== M2 Mortar ==
 
== M2 Mortar ==
−
The [[M2 Mortar|M2 Mortar]]. is used by the U.S. troops during the final assault and the previous night.
+
The [[M2 Mortar|M2 Mortar]] is used by the U.S. troops in the film.
 
[[Image:M2Mortar60mm.jpg|thumb|none|400px|]]
 
[[Image:M2Mortar60mm.jpg|thumb|none|400px|]]
−
[[Image:M22.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Soldiers firing the M2 mortar.]]
+
[[Image:M22.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Soldiers firing the M2 mortar.]]
−
[[Image:M23.JPG|thumb|none|500px|M2 mortar in action.]]
+
[[Image:M23.JPG|thumb|none|600px|M2 mortar in action.]]
  
−
==M-2 Flamethrower==
+
==M1A1 Flamethrower==
−
The [[M2 Flamethrower]] is used by Cpl. Henshaw ([[James Coburn]]) and several others. The firing mechanism looks like an M1A1 flamethrower, yet the fuel tanks are that of a M-2 flamethrower. Although a pair of typical M-2 Flamethrowers are seen, they are never fired in the movie.  
+
The [[M1 Flamethrower]] is used notably by Cpl. Henshaw ([[James Coburn]]) and Pvt. Corby ([[Bobby Darin]]).
−
[[Image:M2-2FlameAth.jpg|thumb|none|600px|M-2 Flamethrower]]
+
[[File:M1A1_Flamethrower.JPG|thumb|none|350px|[[M1A1 Flamethrower]]]]
−
[[Image:Flame.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Cpl. Henshaw fires his M2 flamethrower at some Germans.]]
+
[[Image:Flame.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Cpl. Henshaw ([[James Coburn]]) uses the M1A1 flamethrower to flush out some Germans.]]
−
[[Image:Flame2.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Two soldiers equipped with M2 flamethrowers make their way forward in the final assault.]]
+
[[Image:Flame3.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Homer helps Corby retrieve the M1 flamethrower.]]
−
[[Image:Flame3.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Homer helping retrieve an M2 flamethrower.]]
+
[[Image:Flame4.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Pvt. Corby ([[Bobby Darin]]) uses the flamethrower.]]
−
[[Image:Flame4.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Note the different firing mechanism than a typical M2.]]
+
 
 +
==M2-2 Flamethrower==
 +
The [[M2 Flamethrower]] is used by two soldiers in the final assault
 +
[[File:M2-2FlameAth.jpg|thumb|none|350px|[[M2 Flamethrower]]]]
 +
[[Image:Flame2.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Two soldiers advance with the [[M2 Flamethrower]]. Note the nearest of the two soldiers is climbing with his right hand on the rear trigger. This could easily allow for accidental discharge, while the fuel would not ignite from the back trigger alone it's still bad technique. The farthest soldier is holding the weapon correctly.]]
  
 
==Mk 2 hand grenade==
 
==Mk 2 hand grenade==
 
[[Mk 2 hand grenade]]s are used by Reese and various soldiers.  
 
[[Mk 2 hand grenade]]s are used by Reese and various soldiers.  
 
[[Image:MK2 grenade DoD.jpg|thumb|none|200px|Mk 2 Hand Grenade]]
 
[[Image:MK2 grenade DoD.jpg|thumb|none|200px|Mk 2 Hand Grenade]]
−
[[Image:MK2.JPG|thumb|none|500px|T/Sgt. Pike with 2 Mk 2 Hand Grenades on his belt.]]
+
[[Image:MK2.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Capt. Loomis (Joseph Hoover) with the MKII Hand Grenades on his belt.]]
−
[[Image:MK22.JPG|thumb|none|500px|Reese with a Mk 2 Hand Grenade.]]
+
[[Image:MK22.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Reese with a Mk 2 Hand Grenade.]]
−
[[Image:MK23.JPG|thumb|none|500px|close up of the prop Mk 2 grenade.]]
+
[[Image:MK23.JPG|thumb|none|600px|Closeup of the prop Mk 2 grenade.]]
−
 
 
−
== S Mines ==
 
−
During an attempted attack on the enemy bunker, Reese leads a the group of soldier through a mine field loaded with S-mines.
 
−
[[Image:Smine-sensor.jpg‎|thumb|none|500px|]]
 
−
[[Image:Smine.JPG‎|thumb|none|500px|S Mine prongs sticking out of the ground.]]
 
−
 
 
−
=Special=
 
−
The film was produced on a low budget that quickly got out of control. Only two actors played German soldiers, meaning that they are killed multiple times during the film. Hell is for Heroes utilizes the use of stock war footage shot during WWII. As with some other war movies of the era, filmmakers inserted clips of actual war footage saving time and money. Most of the stock footage is of artillery being fired, but also includes the some of machine gun fire. Below are some screenshots of the stock footage of artillery.
 
  
−
[[Image:Real.JPG‎|thumb|none|500px|]]
+
==Satchel Charge==
−
[[Image:Real2.JPG‎|thumb|none|500px|]]
+
Reese also is seen with a satchel charge during the final assault.
−
[[Image:Real3.JPG‎|thumb|none|500px|]]
+
[[Image:H4H 127.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Reese reaches for the satchel charge.]]
−
[[Image:Real4.JPG‎|thumb|none|500px|]]
 
−
[[Image:Real5.JPG‎|thumb|none|500px|]]
 
−
[[Image:Real6.JPG‎|thumb|none|500px|]]
 
−
[[Image:Real7.JPG‎|thumb|none|500px|]]
 
  
 
[[Category:Movie]]
 
[[Category:Movie]]

Latest revision as of 22:46, 15 July 2021



Hell Is for Heroes
HellisforHeroesPoster.jpg
Movie poster
Country Flag of the United States.jpg United States
Directed by Don Siegel
Release Date 1962
Language English
German
Studio Paramount Pictures
Distributor Paramount Pictures
Main Cast
Character Actor
Pvt. John Reese Steve McQueen
Sgt. Bill Pike Fess Parker
Sgt. Jim Larkin Harry Guardino
Pfc. James E. Driscoll Bob Newhart
Cpl. Frank Henshaw James Coburn
Supply Sergeant Frazer L.Q. Jones
Homer Janeczek Nick Adams
Pvt. Stan Kolinsky Mike Kellin


Hell Is for Heroes is a 1962 World War II film directed by Don Siegel and stars Steve McQueen as Pvt. John Reese, a disillusioned U.S. soldier (Reese a former master sergeant, demoted to private after a court martial) who joins a rifle squad as a replacement. The cast included James Coburn, Bobby Darin, Fess Parker and Bob Newhart in his feature film debut. Hell Is for Heroes was co-written by Robert Pirosh, who served in in World War II as an infantryman with the 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division and saw combat in the Alsace-Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns. Following the war, Pirosh would also write the 1949 war film Battleground, for which he received the Academy Award for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay and subsequently created the WWII television series Combat!. The movie was filmed in the summer of 1961 around Redding, California. It was a very hot summer so many of the scenes were filmed at night; for the comfort of the crew and cast. Though a troubled production with a miniscule budget (McQueen allegedly hated working on the movie and butted heads with director Don Siegel repeatedly) the movie has gone on to become something of a cult classic. It is consistently rated among the better World War II movies to come out of Hollywood.


The following weapons were used in the film Hell Is for Heroes:



Submachine Guns

M3 "Grease Gun"

Pvt. John Reese (Steve McQueen) uses the M3 "Grease Gun" throughout the film. He tapes three of his magazines together "jungle style" for faster reloading. Interestingly, Reese only has M1 Garand ammunition pouches, and not any box magazine pouches, as there was no pouch made for the M3 magazine and M3 magazines did not fit in a Thompson magazine pouch.

M3 "Grease Gun"
Pvt. John Reese (Steve McQueen) assembles his M3 "Grease Gun" during a conversation with Homer. Interestingly, Reese only has on his belt M1 Garand ammunition pouches, and not any box magazine pouches.
Reese turns his M3 towards a clumsy soldier. Note the three mags taped together "jungle style".
Reese prepares his M3 for the final assault on the pillbox.
Reese firing at the pillbox.

Note: As is common in firing blank ammunition, many weapons used in the film experienced malfunctions. The M3 submachine gun Steve McQueen uses in the film appears to have to be cleared constantly of jams by the actor, notably in the final battle.

Pvt. John Reese (Steve McQueen) in the center is seen trying to clear the jammed M3.
Having to clear another jam.

MP40

The MP40 is used by German troops.

MP40
German soldier with holding a MP40.
Another shot of the soldier's MP40.

Rifles

M1 Garand

The M1 Garand by various characters including Pvt. Corby (Bobby Darin), T/Sgt. Pike (Fess Parker), Sgt. Larkin (Harry Guardino), Homer Janeczek (Nick Adams) and Pvt. Driscoll (Bob Newhart).

M1 Garand
The M1 Garand is seen in the hands of (from left to right) Sgt. Larkin (Harry Guardino), Pvt. Corby (Bobby Darin) and Pvt. Driscoll (Bob Newhart).
Pvt. Driscoll (Bob Newhart) holds the M1 Garand after experiencing an accidental discharge with it.
Pvt. Corby (Bobby Darin) and Homer Janeczek (Nick Adams) firing their M1 Garands to cover Pvt. Reese and the others.
Sgt. Larkin (Harry Guardino) armed with the M1 Garand with bayonet affixed.
Cpl. Henshaw (James Coburn) armed with the M1 Garand.
Pvt. Corby (Bobby Darin) armed with the M1 Garand during the final battle.
T/Sgt. Pike (Fess Parker) armed with the M1 Garand during the final battle.
Pvt. Corby (Bobby Darin) reloads his M1 Garand during the final battle.
Homer Janeczek (Nick Adams) picks up an M1 Garand towards the end of the movie.

M1 Carbine

The M1 Carbine is seen carried by the mortar crews. The M1 carbines are fitted with the anachronistic bayonet lug.

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
Mortar crew with M1 carbines slung.
The M1 carbines are fitted with the anachronistic bayonet lug.
Another shot of the M1 carbines carried by the mortar crew.

Browning Automatic Rifle

The Browning Automatic Rifle is seen in the hands of both Cpl. Henshaw (James Coburn) and Pvt. Kolinski (Mike Kellin) throughout the film.

Browning Automatic Rifle "B.A.R."
The Browning Automatic Rifle is seen carried by Cpl. Henshaw (James Coburn).
Pvt. Kolinski (Mike Kellin) escorts a prisoner with his B.A.R.
Pvt. Kolinski (Mike Kellin) holding the B.A.R.


Karabiner 98k

The Karabiner 98k is used by opposing German forces. After killing a charging German, Reese picks up the dead soldier's Karabiner 98k rifle and disables it by removing the bolt.

MP40
An advancing German soldier carrying a Karabiner 98k.
Reese picks up the dead German's rifle.
The rifle is disabled as the bolt is seen in Reese's right hand.
German soldier on the left fires the Karabiner 98k.

Machine Guns

ZB 53 / Vz.37

The ZB-53 / Vz.37 is seen during the final assault. This is actually stock footage of German soldiers using the machine gun.

Czech ZB 53 / Vz.37 machine gun on tripod - 7.92x57mm Mauser
Stock Footage showing the ZB 53 / Vz.37 in action.

MG42

A broken MG42 is seen on the ground early in the movie. The MG misses the rear stock and has it's bolt removed and barrel hatch open.

MG42 Machine Gun - 7.92x57mm Mauser
The MG42 wedged in between the rocks. The distinct charging handle sticks out.

Browning 1919

The Browning M1919A4 is seen being carried by a soldier in the beginning of the movie, and later on during the final attack.

Browning 1919 machine gun
Soldier carrying the Browning 1919 on his shoulder.
Machine gun teams lay down fire with their Browning 1919's during the final assault.
Browning 1919 stirring up some dust.

Other

M2 Mortar

The M2 Mortar is used by the U.S. troops in the film.

M2Mortar60mm.jpg
Soldiers firing the M2 mortar.
M2 mortar in action.

M1A1 Flamethrower

The M1 Flamethrower is used notably by Cpl. Henshaw (James Coburn) and Pvt. Corby (Bobby Darin).

M1A1 Flamethrower
Cpl. Henshaw (James Coburn) uses the M1A1 flamethrower to flush out some Germans.
Homer helps Corby retrieve the M1 flamethrower.
Pvt. Corby (Bobby Darin) uses the flamethrower.

M2-2 Flamethrower

The M2 Flamethrower is used by two soldiers in the final assault

M2 Flamethrower
Two soldiers advance with the M2 Flamethrower. Note the nearest of the two soldiers is climbing with his right hand on the rear trigger. This could easily allow for accidental discharge, while the fuel would not ignite from the back trigger alone it's still bad technique. The farthest soldier is holding the weapon correctly.

Mk 2 hand grenade

Mk 2 hand grenades are used by Reese and various soldiers.

Mk 2 Hand Grenade
Capt. Loomis (Joseph Hoover) with the MKII Hand Grenades on his belt.
Reese with a Mk 2 Hand Grenade.
Closeup of the prop Mk 2 grenade.

Satchel Charge

Reese also is seen with a satchel charge during the final assault.

Reese reaches for the satchel charge.
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