The Heroes of Telemark (1965)

In the frost-laden heart of German-occupied Norway, the ominous shadow of World War II darkens the tranquil fjords. Amidst this turmoil, The Heroes of Telemark weaves a tale of daring heroism and clandestine resistance. Guided by the tenacious Knut Straud (Richard Harris), a band of Norwegian patriots, including the reluctant physicist Dr. Rolf Pedersen (Kirk Douglas), engage in an audacious mission to thwart the Nazis' catastrophic vision - the creation of the atomic bomb. Nestled near the quaint village of Rjukan, in the untamed wilds of Telemark, the Germans have established an ostensibly impregnable fortress of evil where they manufacture "heavy water", a critical ingredient in their apocalyptic weapon. As the allies receive wind of this alarming development, the question becomes not only if they can halt this impending disaster, but also if they can do so in time. In a twist of fate, Pedersen discovers that the fight against the enemy unites him with familiar faces, including his ex-wife Anna (Ulla Jacobsson) and her uncle (Sir Michael Redgrave), both now embedded within the intricate web of resistance. Despite the crushing blow of losing British commandos in a failed raid and the partial destruction of the precious canisters, the resilient Norwegians press on. Their resilience is met with equal determination by Reichskommissar Terboven (Eric Porter), whose contingency plans ensure the swift resumption of production. An ideological clash between Pedersen and Straud over the potential civilian casualties of an Allied bombing mission adds a layer of tension to their struggle. Meanwhile, betrayal seeps into their ranks, leading to losses that hit close to home. The final act of defiance sees the resistance rig explosives onto a ferry, tasked with transporting the heavy water to Germany, leading to a thrilling and poignant climax. The Heroes of Telemark brings to life a riveting chapter of World War II history, characterized by selfless bravery, relentless spirit, and the indomitable will of ordinary people standing against the onslaught of tyranny. As the ferry sinks into the icy fjord, the film closes on a poignant note, underscoring the sacrifices made and the lives forever changed by the heroes of Telemark.

The Heroes of Telemark is an action movie featuring Kirk Douglas.

It is possible to buy The Heroes of Telemark on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.