MovieChat Forums > Gandhi (1983) Discussion > End Credits, First Billed

End Credits, First Billed

posted 10 years ago by schmeilenberg
6 replies | jump to latest

For a film about equality and India getting independent from the UK I found it peculiar that almost all the white actors (most of them from the UK) were billed before the Indian actors in the end credits. Especially odd was the fact that Candice Bergen was second in line, as she appeared much later than some of the Indian cast. Roles such as Patel, Jinnah, Khan and Nehru certainly had more screen time than, say, that played by an American actor Martin Sheen.
In such a long film with many speaking roles I think they should have gone with "in order of appearance" or "in alphabetical order".
I don't mean to start a racial debate or a flood of trolly comments. But did anyone else notice this? Thoughts?

[–] monajaved 10 years ago

I agree, I noticed it too. Especially when the actor who played General Dyer was credited third or something. I don't know much about the actors of that time but maybe they credited the bigger actors first followed by small time actors?

[–] JacintoCupboard 9 years ago

The movie business will never be a democracy. In the end it is about box office and pulling power.

I think suggesting a racist rationale for the way actors were billed is being precious, especially when the entire movie distorts history in favour of Indians.

Having said that, Candice Bergen's second billing IS bizarre given how small her part was and the fact that pre Murphy Brown she was hardly a star.

[–] jrcjohnny99 8 years ago

"Having said that, Candice Bergen's second billing IS bizarre given how small her part was and the fact that pre Murphy Brown she was hardly a star."

This is a joke right?
Bergen had been a star for nearly 20 years at this point...

The reason Bergen got that high billing is that she had been involved with the film for over 15 years and had been a huge supporter of getting the film made.

[–] drjeff21 7 years ago

Candace Bergen was nominated for an Oscar prior to this movie and Murphy Brown.

[–] zcid47 9 years ago

i also noticed it.. especially with the actor who played Nehru who was one of the most relevant supporting characters and still appeared much later in the credits
.

[–] Tickerage 8 years ago

She said it herself in the film, "Just an admirer." Yes, that's all you were. Not really that relevant to such a sweeping and important film. Having her 2nd billed was wrong.

At least there will be plenty implied.