Mistakes in The Bridge on the River Kwai

Mistake #1

When William Holden visits the Special Operations HQ for the first time a black vehicle is seen pulling in to the complex. The car is a 1948 Dodge or other Chrysler product which had not yet been manufactured.

Mistake #2

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

Mistake #3

The team going to mine the bridge waits until after dark. But as they move downstream you can see sunlight glinting off the water. Also in shots up towards the bridge you can see a lovely blue sky.

Mistake #4

The commandos are in the river, at night and they are setting the charges on the bridge, the variety show is going on at the same time. Between the British soldiers heads and the roof of the auditorium, the Japanese soldiers are standing in bright sunlight.

Mistake #5

The opening credits incorrectly list Alec's last name as "Guiness." It's "Guinness." [This is only in certain prints of the film. In other prints, his name is spelled correctly.]