‘Theirs Is The Glory’ — A Daring Adventure That Became The Greatest Drama Ever Told

Experience the Battle of Arnhem As Never Before We are proud to present a special production of the 1946 British war classic, ‘Theirs Is The Glory’. This extraordinary cinematic achievement offers a visceral, authentic and deeply moving portrayal of one of the Second World War’s most daring and tragic operations: the Battle of Arnhem. Following the recent relaunch of ‘A Bridge Too Far’ (1977), this production offers audiences a unique opportunity to revisit ‘Operation Market Garden’ through a lense that is at once more intimate, immediate, and historically grounded. A Tribute Forged in Reality: Historical Background ‘Theirs Is The Glory’ is based on the real events of September 1944, when British and Allied forces launched ‘Operation Market Garden’ — an ambitious airborne assault aimed at ending the war by Christmas. The plan was to capture a series of bridges across the Netherlands, culminating in the seizure of the Arnhem road bridge across the Rhine. The British 1st Airborne Division was tasked with this final and most difficult objective. As history records, the operation was a bold gamble that ultimately fell short. Outnumbered, isolated, and under-supplied, the airborne troops at Arnhem held out heroically for nine days against overwhelming German forces before being forced to withdraw. Their bravery and sacrifice became legend, not only for their military determination but also for the personal courage displayed in the face of adversity. ‘Theirs Is The Glory’ stands apart from other war films by capturing this story mere months after the battle, using the very soldiers who fought there as its cast, filmed on the actual locations in Arnhem and Oosterbeek where they had recently fought and bled. Cinema Beyond Fiction: Cast and Production Unlike any war film before or since, ‘Theirs Is The Glory’ is not a reenactment — it is a resurrection. Directed by Brian Desmond Hurst and produced by Rank Studios, this film made history by eschewing professional actors in favour of over 200 surviving members of the British 1st Airborne Division. These were not Hollywood stars or trained performers — they were the real men who had lived through the horror and camaraderie of the battle, now reliving their experiences for the camera. Shot entirely on location in the war-ravaged ruins of Arnhem and its surroundings, production posed considerable challenges. Logistics were complex, resources were scarce, and many of the buildings seen in the film were still standing only as skeletal remains. Yet it is precisely these conditions that give the film its raw, uncompromising realism. The cinematography evokes a stark beauty from the devastation, and the lack of scripted melodrama allows the silent stoicism of the soldiers to take centre stage. The music, composed by Allan Gray, subtly underscores the human cost and courage at the heart of the narrative. ‘Theirs Is The Glory’ vs. ‘A Bridge Too Far’ Why This Film Still Matters Those who have viewed ‘A Bridge Too Far’ — Richard Attenborough’s star-studded 1977 epic — may feel they’ve already seen the definitive portrayal of Arnhem. And while that film is undeniably a cinematic masterpiece, it is important to recognise that ‘Theirs Is The Glory’ offers something no Hollywood production ever could — a living memory. While ‘A Bridge Too Far’ employed some of the finest actors of its generation — Sean Connery, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Caine, … — it is fundamentally a dramatisation, made decades after the fact. It focuses on strategic decisions and presents a panoramic view of the campaign from multiple command perspectives. In contrast, ‘Theirs Is The Glory’ is deeply personal. It narrows the frame, taking us into the ruined streets, shell-pocked gardens, and burning buildings where the soldiers fought and died. It shows us not what the battle looked like in imagination, but how it actually felt to those who were there. This contrast is not merely stylistic — it is emotional. Where ‘A Bridge Too Far’ informs, ‘Theirs Is The Glory’ remembers. Its authenticity is both haunting and humbling. This screening is more than entertainment — it is a tribute. A tribute to those who parachuted into uncertainty, who held their ground when all hope seemed lost, and who, through this film, chose to tell their own story. Whether you are a military historian, a film enthusiast, or someone newly discovering the events of Arnhem, ‘Theirs Is The Glory’ offers an unparalleled window into a pivotal moment of the Second World War. It is not only a film to be watched — it is a story to be felt. Join us for this special presentation and witness the courage of ordinary men captured in extraordinary cinema. Because in remembering them, theirs truly is the glory.