The Wild Geese

Plot synopsis:
Colonel Allen Faulkner (Richard Burton), a middled-aged British mercenary and former Army officer, arrives in London from Switzerland to meet the rich and ruthless merchant banker Sir Edward Matherson (Stewart Granger). The latter proposes an operation to rescue Julius Limbani (Winston Ntshona), imprisoned former leader of the fictious central African country of Zembalia, who is due to be killed by the military dictator who overthrew him. Limbani, whose people believe he is already dead, is being held in a remote prison, guarded by ferocious African troops known as the "Simbas", under General Ndofa.Faulkner provisionally accepts the assignment and sets about recruiting his officers, all of whom have worked with him on previous African operations. They comprise:Shaun Fynn (Roger Moore) is a former RAF pilot. He is working as a currency smuggler, but when he realises that he's actually running drugs, he kills the mafia drug dealer and consequently has a death contract placed in his head. Matherson forces the crime boss to lift the contract at the last moment.Pieter Coetzee (Hardy Krüger), is a South African mercenary who only wants to return to his homeland and buy a farm, but can barely afford to pay his rent in London.Rafer Janders (Richard Harris) is hired as an experienced mission planner. He initially refuses the job, as he's making some money as an art dealer and is planning a Christmas vacation with his son, Emile. But Faulkner persuades Janders to join the mission as the tactician.Retired R.S.M (Regimental Sergeant Major) Sandy Young (Jack Watson), is asked by Faulkner to serve as drill sergeant to train the troops and assist in recruitment. He is very willing, but his wife strongly disapproves.With the tacit approval and support of the British government, the 50 soldiers are transported to an unspecified African location, equipped and mercilessly trained by Young. The day before the mission is to begin, Janders exacts a promise from Faulkner to watch over his son Emile, and take care of him should Janders die on the mission. Faulkner agrees.The mercenaries are transported by plane and parachuted into the African country near Zembala Prison. Coetzee uses a powerful crossbow with cyanide-tipped quarrels to take out the prison sentries. The rest of the guards are killed silently with cyanide gas. They rescue Limbani, but he is clearly a sick man and is later hit by crossfire during the battle. The group then makes its way to a small airfield to await pickup.But backers of the project, led by Matherson, reach an agreement with the Zembalese government concerning valuable copper concessions, and the aeroplane due to collect them is recalled at the last minute.The abandoned mercenaries are forced to fight their way through hostile territory, pursued by the Simbas.The relationship between Limbani and Coetzee develops from initial animosity: "I bleed red like you, white man; don't call me kaffir" to one of understanding, as Coetzee comes to understand and appreciate Limbani's struggle, and realises that white and black must work together.Fighting off armed attacks, ambushes and napalm bombing, the mercenaries separate into two groups, and make their way to Limbani's home village, where they intend to provoke a revolution. Faulkner is forced to kill his own men who are gravely injured by an airstrike. Coetzee observes, "we can't leave them to the Simbas", whom will torture him to death.Coetzee is then killed while saving Limbani from a Simba ambush, leaving another soldier to carry Limbani. The medic Arthur Witty (Kenneth Griffith) is killed by machete-armed Simbas while trying to fend off another ambush, allowing the rest of the platoon to escape. Faulkner is reunited with the rest of the remaining 32 mercenaries at Limbani's village where an Irish missionary alerts them to the presence of an aging transport plane, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain aka "Dakota" at an old runway to provide for their escape.As the masses of Simba troops attack, the group attempts to board the plane, but many are killed in the fierce battle. While in the cockpit reading the plane for takeoff, Fynn is shot in the leg, but manages to keep the plane moving. Janders is badly wounded and can't get onto the plane; he implores Faulkner to shoot him as he is running down the runway with mobs of Simba troops in chase. Faulkner cannot bear to shoot his friend, but there is no hope. As Janders cries out his son's name: Emile! Emile!", Faulkner shoots and kills him just as the plane takes off.The plane is initially refused landing permission in nearby Rhodesia, but after they provide proof that Limbani is aboard, they are given permission to land at Kariba. But by the time they land, virtually out of fuel, Limbani has died of his wounds. Flynn passes out, wounded but still alive despite blood loss.Several months later, having managed to return to London, Faulkner breaks into Sir Edward's residence, holds him at gunpoint and takes half of the originally agreed payment from his safe. He then kills him.Faulkner fulfills his promise to Janders. In the closing scene, Faulkner visits Emile at his boarding school. Faulkner offers to tell Emile about his father.

Tags: revenge, murder, violence

Review:
A British multinational seeks to overthrow a vicious dictator in central Africa as hires the much-wanted mercenary Colonel Allen Faulkner (Richard Burton miscast as chief of mercenaries) , as he travels to London invited by the British millionaire Sir Edward Matherson (Stewart Granger) to rescue the African President Julius Limbani that had been kidnapped in a coup d'état by the dictator Colonel Mboya.
They plan the whole operation and succeed in their mission .The commando is led by Colonel Faulkner , a sergeant named Sandy (Jack Watson) along with Lieutenent Pieter (Hardy Kruger).The adventure starts when the veteran band of mercenaries land deep inside the African country to rescue Limbani and destroy installations .This fast-paced film packs adventures, large-scale blow-up , plot-twists routine plot , and lots of action for the most part .
Certainly a good work done by one of Hollywood's more skill director, a real craftsman.It's followed by Wild Geese II (Peter Hunt with Scott Glenn, Edward Fox, Barbara Carrera ), an inferior sequel deals about a new group of the much-wanted mercenaries assigned by a rich television network (Robert Webber) to free famous arch-Nazi war criminal Rudolph Hess (Laurence Olivier); this following depended in their all star cast .
The film keeps faith with the good guys always win in the end as "Sir Edward" learns the hard way that he double crossed the wrong man because the ever resourceful Faulkner eventually turns the tables on him; Matheson comes off second best in the confrontation in the study.
In this story a powerful, but arrogant English lord and wealthy financier, (Stewart Granger) Sir Edward Matherson, hires, a professional Mecernary, Col. Allen Faulkner, (Richard Burton) to fly into Africa and rescue a popular but imprisoned African leader Julius Limbani.
The screenplay, much like the actors playing the key roles, is very self aware to not take itself too seriously, it's also very funny at times, there is some absolute cracker-jack slices of dialogue here.The PC brigade and political historians beat themselves around their heads trying to flatten the appeal of The Wild Geese, it didn't work.
No film is for everyone, but this one has a lot to love, especially for fans of the genre and the cast.Richard Burton plays Allen Faulkner, an aged British mercenary hired by a multinational company to lead a team into Africa and rescue the president of a war-torn nation to serve their purposes.
Burton convinces as boozed-out, aging and fallen out of fortune mercenary, Harris as his reluctant buddy and Krueger (although his sudden conversion from racist Afrikaner to moderate is more than a little sudden and implausible), Krueger plays the redneck Boer with a heart to a tit.The rest of the cast is similar formidable: Stewart Granger, although generally known for his dandy-roles, is suitable unlikeable as aristocratic, double-dealing employer, Frank Finlay excellent even in a tiny role as missionary, one cannot help but like Kenneth Griffith as gay comedic-sidekick-cum-hero, Ian Yule, all makes a perfect cast for this Film.
The leading African cast other than the enemy-soldiers of course, namely John Kani and Winston Ntshona, is generally portrayed positive and amiable and as for accusing the film for showing African countries as either tribal and backward or run by military despots and juntas – well, one needs only look toward the country that was back then called Rhodesia today or perhaps at Uganda, one of the more "stable" countries in Africa, where they're considering a bill that will make homosexuality a crime punishable by death, at the time I'm tipping these words.
Allegedly, loosely based on the incredible adventures of "Mad Mike" Hoare and his mercenary unit operating in the Belgian Congo in the early sixties rescuing Westerners and stemmimg tribal violence..."The Wild Geese" is a real "Boys Own" adventure that races along like a good action film should !Ageing mercenary leader Allan Faulkner (Richard Burton) is hired by wealthy, but unscrupulous, merchant banker Sir Edward Matherson (Stewart Granger in an oily performance) to rescue an imprisoned African leader, Julius Limbani (Winston Ntshona) from terrorists and turn him over to his own people...at stake are copper mine concessions in Africa worth millions !!Burton enlists the aid of war time pals, Capt.
Rafer Janders (Richard Harris) debonair pilot Lt. Shawn Fynn (Roger Moore), ex-South African troubleshooter Pieter Coetze (Hardy Kruger) and 'tough as nails' RSM Sandy Young (Jack Watson) as well as about 40 other mercenaries to engage on one last adventure for truth, justice and a very large paycheck.Burton & Co. parachute into darkened Africa and all goes well....until a double cross emerges and the Wild Geese are running for their lives....outgunned and outmanned by the pursuing brutal, machete-wielding Simba troopsWhen the action commences in "The Wild Geese"...it comes thick and fast...the film is filled with gritty firefights, fast paced entertainment and colorful use of African savannah / veldt locations for the battle scenes....highly recommended for fans of the action / war genre !!Just when is this film going to come out on DVD ???.
The Wild Geese has great actors like Burton, Harris and Moore, and there are several scenes found politically incorrect nowadays.
The cast list is like a who's who of great macho actors-with fine performances in relatively small parts.Look out for Ronald Fraser,Percy Herbert,and Valerie Leon.Also-the score is excellent.Director Euan Lloyd went on to make two similar films with a lot of the same actors in.These were THE SEA WOLVES and WHO DARES WINS..
This is easily the best mercenary film I've ever seen, much better than the more-hyped "Dogs of War." Daniel Carney's novel by the same title, the basis for "The Wild Geese," is good too, but I prefer seeing the actors bring the story to life.
Fifty hand-picked mercenaries attempt to a free an imprisoned nationalist from a corrupt dictatorship, but their escape plan goes wrong and they are left to fight their way to safety across many miles of hostile terrain.The high profile cast includes Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Richard Harris and Stewart Granger.
Best of all is Harris, excellent and commanding as the member of the mission who doesn't want to be there because he has settled down to a peaceful life with his son, but whose loyalty to his old mercenary buddies forces him into accepting the job.The plot of the film is nothing special, and indeed it feels predictable and cliched in some parts.
In a way, I suppose this is the ultimate take on modern mercenary soldiers, just as, for example, "March or Die" - made around the same time - was THE French Foreign Legion movie, simply because there weren't too many films made in that particular genre, if there is such a thing.
Roger Moore, Richard Burton, Richard Harris, Not forgetting legendary German And international star Hardy Kruger,)And a whole host of familiar British, acting talent, are the wild geese the best Damn Mercenary's in the business,Burton play's the Tailor made role of Colonel Faulkner, an alcoholic, mercenary, who is recruited by former Matinée idol Stewart Granger, To release a disposed dictator of Africa, Naturally Granger, has other interests particularly the mining faction of Africa,Burton,Quickly assemble's together his army buddies's to undertake this deadly mission, which doesn't go too smoothly, In the cracking climax The 'Geese find themselves's out numbered And against the odd's.
As hammy and as un-PC as they come, 'The Wild Geese' is actually a pretty good yarn, buoyed up by its cast of excellent character actors, plus the heavyweight teaming of Richards Burton and Harris, and the eyebrow of Roger Moore.A group of rather elderly soldiers of fortune are brought together to carry out a secret operation to liberate a President and to kill all who get in the way.
Hardy Krüger is also good as the man who kills simply to fund his farm back home.As a 'boy's own' film, 'The Wild Geese' probably scores high but there is something here for everyone and it is fairly enjoyable; also good to see Richard Burton playing all kinds of rubbish as if it was Shakespeare.Very much of its day but still worth a look..
The rest of the cast do pretty well and they are good enough to feature in a film like this.Overall, if you like the Dirty Dozen and those types of movies, then there is sufficient action and excitement to carry you over.
When seeing this film for the first time, at about 12yrs old its still as enjoyable 20yrs later.Apart from the fighting,an out-numbered and stranded mercenary unit,the acting of some of the greats really adds to the whole package.The screen presence of Richard Burton (Faulkner) especially when talking to Stewart Grainger (Matheson)is particular special.The plot is simple enough with a nice twist,the action is well  done with the pace quickening nicely.Its still topical enough to be enjoyed today,Africa still has its problems and money and business call the shots.Richard Harris,Roger Moore and Hardy Kruger are all excellent and supported well by the rest of the cast,and a theme song sung by the brilliant Joan Armatrading.Although now 25yrs old its still a great film probably due to the above great actors.See it and dont let the Simbas get you!!.
the wild geese is one of the most underrated action movies of all time and what about the cast talk about star quality lot's of awesome action great story and a ending that no matter how many times you see it you'll be on the edge of your seat.if you hav'nt seen this movie and love action flicks this is a must see.it's just been released on DVD here in the UK (hopefully uncut).
Today's PC types will take issue with some of the characterizations of misfit guns-for-hire who, in real life, populated (and fought and died in) places like Katanga, Kolwezi and Stanleyville, but still it molds action, suspense, plot twists and heart-clutching scenes into a great action-adventure film - A lovingly prepared valentine to the British fighting spirit transported to perpetually strife-torn 1970s Africa.
I hadn't seen it for a few years until today.Other reviews go into the plot so I'll leave that one alone, except to say that I think this bares some similarities to Tears of the Sun. I think The Wild Geese is vastly superior to Tears of the Sun however.Suffice to say, they don't make 'em like this anymore.A wall to wall blood and guts, brutal at times war/action film.
Their aim doesn't deteriorate with age.The relationship between the lead characters is strong and this is also a great buddy film, each man having their own motivations for doing the job while sharing a very strong bond.The film isn't perfect and I'm not saying it should have scooped the Oscars or anything but any shortcomings can't detract from the good points.When the going gets tough, the Wild Geese get going.
A British action movie with no Americans in it which is rare the action scenes are brutal violent nasty and very real.the cast are great.Burton Harris Moore all look like there having fun.but more importantly so is the audience.maybe they should remake it.even the plot where there stuck behind enemy lines after being betrayed was used in rambo 2.a true classic..
Fine cast of stalwart actors and superstars in mostly the British film industry make their mark in this war-actioner regarding the mercenary- era stories of note in 1960s-70s post-independent African countries.
The major Actors, Richard Harris, (Rafer Janders), Roger Moore (Shawn Fynn), Hardy Kruger (Peter Cotzee) playing a hard- lined Apartheid era soldier and of course the wonderful Jack 'NCO' Watson as well as homosexual (purposefully) support from Witty, played by the excellent Kenneth Griffiths' medic make this an excellent blood and guts saga of this kind of genre.
I have watched this film over the Years many times and every time its still like watching it for the first time there action all the way through the film it has a good strong cast and a good strong story of old soldiers working as mercenaries.
Richard Burton: The Old Soldier: Colonel FaulknerRoger Moore: The Womenising Comic/Hitman: Lt Shaun FynnRichard Harris: The Planner and Father: Capt Rafer JandersHardy Kruger: The South African: Lt Pieter CotzeFour men are hired to do a dareing job, Bring out President Julias Limbani from Africa, a prisoner and a leader.The Film is brilliantly acted from the outset, the action is second to none, the storyline is solid and the characters sound.With the talents of so many good actors playing the lead characters just adds to the icing on the cake.Richard Burtons cynical attitude, Roger Moore's witt and great attitude and lack of respect, even for his own life, Richard Harris at his best as the loving father, Hardy Kruger as the non believer!Its a Must see for any one who likes a good Movie!.
If you're a male, at any age, this film will appeal to you.Starring tough and yet intelligent, poignant stars such as Burton, Kruger, Harris, Moore and Granger this movie has all the elements that build a fine story.The British mercenaries are financed to go to Africa, rescue a President from his captors and return to the U.K. for the rest of their earnings.
Each character has a valued part to play in this compelling action flick, and consequently the viewer really cares about the outcome.Throughout, you can sense that the main players really had a good time doing this movie (in his biography Harris recalls that he and Burton were both on the wagon during the filming!) There are some fine set pieces on location in Africa and the finale is really quite a rousing affair.Wild Geese II unsuprisingly fails to meet the same standards..
So it's a disappointment the filmmakers couldn't make something worth watching.Based on a novel by Daniel Carney, "The Wild Geese" presents Col. Faulkner (Richard Burton), a hard-drinking soldier of fortune still shaking off the pain from losing good-guy African leader Julius Limbani (Winston Ntshona) to a cruel dictator years ago.
When I first saw this film, I was too young to appreciate just how good an actor Richard Burton was.Having watched this movie again, I think I became more aware of what great acting is all about.
Likewise with Richard Harris.The supporting cast, especially Jack Watson and Kenneth Griffith, are also fine exponents of their craft.In these days of action packed thrillers, and no brainers, it is nice to watch a film with a clear plot, a competent script and good acting..
I saw The Wild Geese as I do like Richard Harris and Roger Moore and while he is not a favourite Richard Burton has also given some good performances.
The Wild Geese does have an interesting cast, and while they do all give good enough performances, Harris in particular(Stewart Granger I personally found rather bland), all have been better and all have been in much better movies.A major problem was my difficulty in connecting with the characters, some of them are not well developed much and it doesn't help that the script doesn't do much to make them more engrossing.To me, the most interesting character was the one played by Hardy Kruger.
Mercenaries On The Run. Movie Review: "The Wild Geese" (1978)A 1970s action thriller enriched with some political dispute material; Actor Richard Burton (1925-1984) presents himself in one of his most accomplished roles, leading fellow actors Roger Moore (1927-2017), Richard Harris (1930-2002) among others into battle on Central African grounds to break out a disposed African President.
A conniving businessman sets up mercenaries lead by Richard Burton,Harris and Moore,they rescue an African leader but are doubled crossed.The action is non stop and the dialogue rattles along very well.This is not the greatest war film ever but its very watchable I would like to see a remake of this with modern stars.A great couple of hours entertainment..
Moore & Burton seem to be in a competition as to who can 'out-ham' the other (some tournament as in their time, both have taken ham-acting to previously unheard of levels) and Harris looks as if this movie was in the middle of one of his 'Wild Man' sessions.Wild Geese features probably some of the worst editing that I have ever seen, with action sequences that border on farce.The plot is wafer thin, the characterizations even thinner and at the end of it all you're left with a feeling of 'erm.....was that it?'Avoid this film like the plague..
It's an eclectic cast of serious depth.Spawning two sequels, and headlined by a James Bond-esque eponymous theme song, "The Wild Geese" is an easy-viewing, uncomplicated action-war movie with a couple of sentimental moments (e.g. Harris' agreement with Burton, or the budding friendship between Kruger and Ntshona) and plenty of good old-fashioned up the British heroics.
All we want is to know who the good guys are (Moore, Harris, Burton & co) and who the bad guys are (Granger, Allen and a bunch of Simbas from Central Africa).In this case, therefore, a high-flying businessman, Granger offers Burton and his company of British Mercenaries a contract to overthrow a naughty dictactor and release the imprisoned Opposition leader so as to win democratic freedom for his country.The deal is agreed and Burton's Army succeed in their task, but just when they think their plane is about to land in order to pick them up and take them hope, Granger makes a phone call..........From that point on the story moves from "complicated double-dealings" to a out-and-out fight for survival as the troops battle their way through the hostile environment of Africa and renegade armies such as the feared Simbas.It would be true to say that this film was very much an easy payday for the elderly statesmen of the acting world.
Richard Burton, a wooden film actor, looked absolutely awful and the rest of the cast were all far too old and obviously unfit to play mercenaries.
The Wild Geese stars some wonderful actors: Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Richard Harris, Hardy Kruger, Stewart Granger.