Fictionalized account of the Norwegian resistance's success at destroying German heavy water production during World War II. The initial plan is for British commandos to destroy the heavy water plant in Telemark, but when they are all killed, it is left to Dr. Rolf Pederson (Kirk Douglas) and Kurt Straud (Richard Harris) to lead a team of Norwegian resistance fighters. Their first attempt to destroy the heavy water factory is only partly successful and their last chance is to sink the ferry carrying the plant's heavy water production, and also many civilians including school children.—garykmcd