The Bridge on the River Kwai

Other mistake: In the scene in the office with Jack Hawkins and William Holden, where William Holden is arm twisted into going back to the bridge, the oscillating fan, which is on and oscillating, has no blades, plus there is no breeze in the office. You can see the complete motor, plus the drive spindle, where the fan blade should be attached. It dominates the scene, along with the two actors.

Other mistake: Near the end of the film, the demolition team plants the explosives at the base of the bridge supports, under the water. Yet, when Colonel Nicholson falls on the detonator, there are explosions on the bridge itself, far above where the charges were placed, regardless of the water level.

Revealing mistake: When the bridge blows up, there are explosions on the bridge deck itself, but the charges were only set on the pillars below.

Jacob La Cour

More mistakes in The Bridge on the River Kwai

Colonel Nicholson: We can teach these barbarians a lesson in Western methods and efficiency that will put them to shame. We'll show them what the British soldier is capable of doing.

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More trivia for The Bridge on the River Kwai

Question: When the commando teams drops their gear did the parachute fail to open, or could the equipment survive a drop from a plane at that height?

Answer: Depending on how it was packed most likely.

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