MovieChat Forums > The Man Who Would Be King (1975) Discussion > 'Watched it with my Dad' flick

'Watched it with my Dad' flick

posted 19 years ago by gumborific
62 replies | jump to latest

After reading a bunch of threads and posts I have gathered that this film seems to be typical of the film your Dad would turn you onto.

I am 36, and distinctly remember the summer day in the early 80's that I watched this film with my Dad on HBO.

This film has always been on my top 10 list for many reasons.

1. My father liked it. Maybe not for the reasons I do now, but definitely because as a baby boomer, and 2nd generation American, he knew well made film, respected the actor's craft, and came from a generation that enjoyed the escapism that film provided. Oh, and my Dad liked it...I can list many films I still watch because of that fact...yes he hugged me regularly, and that helped.

2. Huston....enough said.

3. Literature...as I got older (Lit. major/film minor) I learned more about Kipling. I was ecstatic that even though my father liked the film there was so much to discover about its roots in literature and history.

4. Freemasonry - I have read enough about Templars and Freemasons that if I ever became a freemason I would have to just be promoted to grand poobah of needless information.

5. It's big! Films nowadays are not big. Gladiator isn't even big compared to this film. Perhaps this is just another compliment for Huston, but few films after Apocalypse Now feel "BIG" to me...it's one of those things you can't really explain but I know some of you understand.

6. Puberty - Without being too graphic or gratuitous I gathered something about what men desire. And that's okay.

7. Caine and Connery - after many years of enjoying film you just realize that there have been very little combinations of actors that compare to this one. Of course it's debatable, but you have to admit...."BIG"...there goes that word again.

So, grab a bottle of India Pale Ale, and watch this movie again if you are my age. If you are younger, you are lucky, because you have a computer nearby to research anything that took me years to ascertain. If you are older, THANK YOU, because like my Dad, I have never met anyone older than I that doesn't have a healthy respect for this film.

[–] timwoods-1 18 years ago

this has been a fascinating thread for me.

i came to this film's info page to find out when it was done, as i vividly remember going to see it with my dad. apparently, i was four or five years old when i saw it. (i grew up in new zealand, films were released one or two years after they were made)

i haven't seen the film since, but i can still remember something about a rope bridge, something about two guys, something that captured my imagination about the landscape and something . . . something i can't quite place my finger on.

on reading these comments, i wonder if the thing that i can't quite place my finger on is the "what men desire" bit of the thread starter.

i must see this film again.

especially after the comments here.

[–] mfn15 18 years ago

Never watched with my Dad, although I think he liked the movie but did just watched it with my son, 14 and he enjoyed it.

[–] Mr__Mojo__Risin_ 18 years ago

I saw this movie in the theatre with my father. It has always been one of my favorites. I borrowed the dvd from my dad and showed it to my son. It's now one of his favorite movies as well.

It's happy hour somewhere

[–] jdlugosinski 18 years ago

Man, you summed this up perfectly! I too saw this with my Dad in the mid-80's, which is when I really began developing a better sense for good film.

To me, this is a perfect film...exotic, solid plot, outstanding acting, and how can you not love Billy Fish? When he sacrifices himself near the end, I can't help but feel like an old friend has left me.

In any case...this movie should be required viewing!

[–] o-von 18 years ago

I will always remember this movie as "the one that i watched with my dad". The first time I watched it was about 10 years ago when i was a kid and it was one of the few movies that ever made me tear at the end. I just got finished watching it right now and it's as good as I remember it...I still got a little misty eyed from the last scene.

[–] montecristo42 17 years ago

This thread is extremely interesting to me for many reasons, not the least of which is that I would classify this movie the same way. It's one of those I saw with, and on the advice of, my Dad.

BIG is the best way to describe it. I don't think we get "adventure" stories anymore. We certainly get plenty of crappy action flicks, but none of recent memory have that sense of adventure to them.

Also, I've found that the movie does not look dated at all. I know that it's set in 19th century, but still, it looks a lot better than most other "historical fiction" films I've seen.

I'm trying to think up a list of movies that would fit into this category. Wrath of Khan, Spartacus, Leone's Dollar Trilogy. . .so many that are great in their own right, but my recollection of them is augmented by the nostalgia factor of enjoying them with someone else.

I think the nostalgia factor of this film is ramped up by the buddy theme running throughout the movie, too.

[–] crazy_smart 17 years ago

I watched it with my Grandad, and it always reminds me of him. He's still alive, but I don't see him as often because I'm away at university and when I put this on I just get a warm feeling that reminds me of childhood, snuggled up next to my grandad with the fire on full blast.

+++
This must what going crazy feels like
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No, THIS must be what going crazy feels like
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[–] montecristo42 17 years ago

UPDATE

SPOILERS BELOW

The wife bought this for me for Christmas, and it's one of my most favorite gifts in years. It's been a few years since I last saw it, but the film lost none of its vitality for me. Truly, truly an adventure film the likes of which we don't really get anymore. A buddy film, and so much more.

Aside from providing major character development, Danny's change from greedy, lustful adventurer to man who dreams of being the Queen's equal--from fun-loving, thrill-seeking profiteer to a man trying to be a just ruler and follow in Alexander the Great's footsteps--really captures the essence of imperialism, while showing us the many facets of human nature. And all the while there is Peachy, the man who at first suggested Danny take on the role of a god and who then becomes the voice of "reason" as the film progresses.

Best line of the entire movie:

Danny, near the end: "Well, everything's all right then."

He's about to die, and yet, the fact that Peachy has remained his best friend gives him peace and makes the journey all worthwhile. UNBELIEVABLE.

When the film finally cuts back to Plummer's face, as Peachy is finished his story, you see some of the finest acting ever. Just the expression, the mouth slightly open, the sweat on the brow, the eyes widened--all at the spectacle, the wonder, and the horror of the story that just preceded it. Pure movie magic.

[–] jaydiztort 17 years ago

Wow, i cant believe how much i've enjoyed reading this thread, i have just finished watching an interview with Micheal Caine on TCM 2 and he was talking about the film, and i cant believe i forgot about this film for years, I too watched this film many times with my dad, it was one of his favourites, and one of mine too, I cant find the video we used to watch so i'm going to go buy the dvd after i write this, What a great film!!!!

[–] jc1305us 17 years ago

It's really funny this thread. My dad had raved about this movie in passing, oh I don't know when, but on a plane ride back from France last week, "The Man Who Would be King" was offered as one of the movies (British Airways). I leaned over and told him it was one of the choices and he said it was such a great movie and one of his favorites. I started to watch, and was about a 1/2 hour in, when the plane landed. Solution? I ordered the DVD for me, and sent a copy up his way. I know he'll enjoy it as much as I have.

[–] kurt_student 16 years ago

Yep, I am guilty as charged, me and my old dad watched this.

[–] zarch-3 16 years ago

Me 2, I was 15 when it was first released. Dad is gone now...

It's full of meaning and the reckless ambition of men that knows no boundary

[–] gumborific 16 years ago

Wow, glad to see this response. In honor of your reply, and your Dad, I am gonna watch it with my Dad again soon. He just turned 60, and I think it's time to thank him and relive some of those memories. Peace brutha!

"In our wings that bark, flashing teeth of brass, standing tall in the dark" - David Bowie

[–] gumborific 16 years ago

I just finally put my settings on email response, and am so glad to come back to this thread after this long and see all of your responses. No flames, no immature rants, just men and their memories of their Dads, AND MOMS, of this amazing piece of art. It brought a tear to my eye, and I am definitely going to watch this again with the old man soon. As for the poster who listed a few Clint Eastwood flicks...now there's some more memories for my Dad and I...don't even get me started!

Peace!

"In our wings that bark, flashing teeth of brass, standing tall in the dark" - David Bowie

[–] Nikon11 16 years ago

Good job.

It's one of the best and most enjoyable threads that I've read and/or taken part in here.

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] CountSuckula 14 years ago

It's one of the best and most enjoyable threads that I've read and/or taken part in here.

Exactly, I couldn't agree more, and that's why I'm bumping this for others to see. I'm soooo glad this thread hasn't disappeared; I was afraid it had since it's been well over a year since I first stumbled upon it.

Great job, guys!

"Stick with me baby, and you'll be fartin' thru silk!"

[–] Nikon11 14 years ago

Thanks, Count

[–] bbgunpop 14 years ago

Yep I watched it with my dad about 3-4 years ago when I was 16 or so. Great film. I like anything to do with kipling or the empire.

Its pretty infuriating the way most people and kids dont have a damn clue about the empire. An empire so influential, bigger than any other, responsible for pretty much all we know in the modern world. There is no mention of it other than it was this big bad opressive regime that made "americans" pay huge taxes to the crown and is depicted as being solely responsible for the african slave trade among other things. Such a load of nonsense, that sadly is used as the base story for the creation of the USA. And ofcourse almost all people accept the idea that the empire was bad, yet they dont see the truth that the world was better off for the empire and the post war world domination of the USA is far far worse.

[–] Nikon11 14 years ago

Come on, man. Now you've gone and added a somewhat political and divisive tone to this great thread.

Do us a favor, would you edit your last paragraph out? I'll do the same afterward. Thanks.

[–] bbgunpop 14 years ago

Maybe so, but I hardly think my one little paragraph speaking up for the British Empire is really all that terrible. I love Americas people, and most of its culture. But I dont accept the way the British Empire is dismissed as some insignificant tyranical regime. I went through 16 years of compulsory British state education and not one mention of the Empire. And if it ever is mentioned on TV or in some higher education discussion it is always shunned. You must see how that is wrong. Especially once I realised how wrong things are in the world of today, and how really the worst deeds of the British Empire are not comparable to a corrupt world run purely by corporations.

Oh no I did it again. But seriously im not forcing you to read this, you dont have to. Its not like im aiming this at anyone idividual. And it is a free discussion thread and is kind of on topic. You may as well tell people on the Amistad movie threads not to talk about slavery or the civil rights movement.

[–] Nikon11 14 years ago

Oh, well. I tried.

[–] bbgunpop 14 years ago

Lol.

[–] Sheriff_Of_Nottingham 14 years ago

"Being solely responsible for the African slave trade."

As you stated, this is a load of nonsense. The African slave trade existed many many centuries before Britain or any other European power expanded into Africa. The Arab and Jewish merchant trade in African slaves was substantially larger than that of any European nation. After 1832, the Empire worked to stamp out slavery in its colonies.

It should also be noted that England ended widow burning in India.

[–] Masked_Jackal 14 years ago

OP that's a great post, this is my favourite film.

Connery - Caine just a legendary combination.

NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition!

[–] gumborific 14 years ago

Thanks Dream Theatre.
Fantastic to come back to a thread that is almost four and a half years old and see people are still posting.
I don't mind the mention of the Empire by a previous poster. I am American, and at almost 41, certainly realize that The American Revolution was taught from the American perspective. As I said in my original post, I learned about the free masons much after watching the film. Upon seeing the film I had no idea what they were talking about, and without a trip to the library back then, one couldn't gather much information quickly. Wow, that sounds funny when I read it back as I type on my PC.
As for Americans who don't understand, don't fret. Life cycles do not change. People still learn as they grow. This goes for any human, anywhere in the world.
I remember being in college and a student being confused in a South American history class saying he had thought "Spanish people" came from there.
Perhaps it is ironic that The Who, princes of British rock and roll, played Won't Get Fooled Again at the Super Bow last night. It is a song about Revolution, but differs from the traditional version of Revolution, and conveys the message that as things seemingly change, they really don't change much at all.
"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss!"
See you all again soon!

"In our wings that bark, flashing teeth of brass, standing tall in the dark" - David Bowie

[–] shempoo 14 years ago

I watched this for the first time with my dad when I was around 16. It's still one of my favourite movies ever. My dad is a huge Michale Caine fan. I remember watching most of Caine's movies with my dad when I was young.

[–] Beauty_Of_Buckshot 13 years ago

I've seen a lot of people actually talking about their fathers showing this movie to them. I'm 16 and my 19 year old sister showed this to a year ago. Since then I've been trying to get my Dad to watch it but never have the time. It's so annoying because it is a movie that literally everyone would love if only they'd watch it.

[–] gumborific 13 years ago

So very true ClownPrince!!!
So very true!
My son is 14 now, and it is about time for our viewing.
Thanks for reminding me!!!

"In our wings that bark, flashing teeth of brass, standing tall in the dark" - David Bowie

[–] PillowRock 13 years ago

a movie that literally everyone would love

There is no such movie. Never has been; never will be.

That's no disrespect to this movie in particular. And you may very well be right that your father would love it (obviously, you know his tastes much better than I ever could).

It's just that tastes vary enough from person to person that you'll never see *any* movie (or book, or song, or anything else) that "literally everyone" feels the same way about.

[–] zoeyy14 12 years ago

What a brilliant post, OP. I agree with you on all points, especially that it's a 'big' film and the Caine/Connery partnership really brought the film to new heights for me.
I just watched this (alone) mainly because I'm working my way though some Michael Caine films (a lot of the best films I've watched have been found from working through various actors filmography) but my Dad did actually highly recommend it to me. As much as it is an adventure film, it is also a tale of morality, he said to me. He was so right and it really moved me. I know this will be a film I'll watch with my dad in the future.

[–] gumborific 12 years ago

Thank you so much for the reply and great insight!
You also reminded me that its time for my son and I to see it together. He is turning 15 next month, and that was right about the time I saw it with my Dad. My original post was about 6 years ago, and it is very touching to still see replies on it.
Peace.

"In our wings that bark, flashing teeth of brass, standing tall in the dark" - David Bowie

[–] Nikon11 12 years ago

The thread packs a lot of meaning for me.

Definitely haven't seen eye to eye with my dad much over the years, and especially back in my teens. So, having this memory of him with this film, is special.

[–] gumborific 12 years ago

Nice to hear from you again Nikon. Always fun to check back in here!!!