Heros of Telemark

My father loved war movies.  I do not think that he actually understood war too well - war equals dead people, lot of them!  And for someone whom saw the slaughter of the scientific workers associated with the V projects, the fire bombing of Dresden and the bombing of Nordhausen ... he really was quite clueless.  I at least recognized that these represented sons, brothers, fathers and grandfathers - whom would never be returning home.  I think father's entire philosophy of life was based on the idea: you are either alive, or you do not exist.

Anyway, in 1965, a very different style of historical war movie appeared, it was filmed on locations in Norway where the events had transpired  (or as close as could be done, allowing for German and British bombing damage)  It made the story more real and the casting of Kirk Douglas in the lead role brought his brooding performance into focus.  Though he seemed to be very uncomfortable throughout the film.

Of course, the story revolves around the attempts to destroy the Telemark heavy water processing plant in Norway, during World War II.  In spite of all of the attempts, those crafty Germans were always one step ahead of those desiring to destroy the project.  Filled with spies and nail biting sequences, if you are cheering the Norwegians on, this is engaging film.  But, if you cheer on stereo-typical, cold, calculating, merciless Germans - well, lots of  opportunities in this film! Unfortunately, too few films are made to this quality level.

(under the item of Too Much Information:  I had a chance to interview Hisenberg in 1967 or 1968 and I asked him if Telemark as the only heavy water plant or were there others.  He laughed and commented that it was of no importance, they had all  of the Plutonium they needed by then.  Other questions unfortunately only pissed him off - so I hit a nerve when asking about his bomb's triggering mechanism ... sigh - if Kris, then really piss people off!  Which was unfortunate as I had great admiration for the man and his work on the first atom bomb!  Fortunately the design could not have worked!  I may be German but I am not insane!)

Certainly a must view, a must ponder on the points the film brings up concerning life, nationalism, sacrifice, etc!  And the complete absernce of God, when filming in what was a deeply religious country and people.  1960's Western morals being overwritten on to WWII Norway?