Loved this film as a kid, had a scratchy VHS copy that I watched over and over. I've gained a new love and appreciation for it as I rediscover it now, being of similar age to the protagonists and a war veteran.
I got this film because I'm trying to collect a full set of Burton DVDs, but what really floored me was Richard Harris' performance. He played Rafer so effortlessly, yet with such authenticity... The ending was utterly heartbreaking.
I saw this at the Art Decco Hereford Odeon. A magnificent cinema which remained a one screen cinema (1200 seats) until it closed to build some sodding shops in the early 80s. Great film. Even better cinema.
Thank you, guys, for a great discussion of one of my all-time favourite films! (The same production team did another of my favourites: “The Sea Wolves” - Euan Lloyd, Andrew V McLaglen, Reginald Rose, and John Glen.) I, too, have seen it several times and always enjoyed it. Frankly, I think the film made many improvements over the novel: for example, adding the ending with Burton and Granger. The book ends with the plane touching down. Also, Faulkner dies in the novel! And it is Janders, not Finn, who forces the drug dealer to eat his own stuff. Finn is not really a memorable character in the novel. Burton and Harris were forced to keep themselves in check, and this helped the film tremendously. It had a superb cast overall, aided by the production crew, which included many Bond veterans. My heartfelt thanks to Richard Burton and all involved; I was fortunate to see him on stage in New York - in “Equus” and “Camelot.”
Thanks for your comments Thomas. It is indeed a truly amazing film. I remeber seeing at the cinema when it first came out. Euan was a great producer and brought us some classics, The Sea Wolves, like with you, is a favourite. I had the pleasure of interviewing John Glen recently for an upcoming doc we're making, so many stories from these and many other wonderful films.
@@RABBITANDSNAIL My pleasure. Looking forward to your documentary! Some years back, I read John Glen’s book, “For My Eyes Only.” It covers the richness of his career, including his early work on classic TV shows like “Danger Man.” Later, you have his stint as Editor and Second Unit Director on my all-time favourite Bond film, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” I was glad to read how proud he is of “For Your Eyes Only” and “Licence To Kill” - both in my top eight among the Bonds. I saw another of Euan Lloyd’s films, “Who Dares Wins.” (US title: “The Final Option.”) One of my first glimpses of Lewis Collins, who was excellent. Reginald Rose was a fine writer. Another favourite film of mine is his original story, “Twelve Angry Men.” Another classic! But “Wild Geese II” ? How distressed I was to learn it was directed by Peter Hunt! I guess Edward Fox and Laurence Olivier were well-paid. Oh, well, even the best producers have their turkeys!
Moore was not going to be seen at the end of the film, in the car with Burton. However Burton said Moore was a big star & the public should know if he had lived.
Lewis Collins said he was originally cast in the Scott Glen role for Wild Geese 2. Collins was handsome so could have played it Roger Moore esq alongside Burton.
Thanks for this video what a fantastic classic film with a dream cast I've lost count of the number of times I've watched this film it has to be one of the best men on a mission adventures ever The cast are so good there's not one bad performance from anyone I have the book which is good but the film greatly improves on the story This film keeps me engrossed every time I watch it Thank you from south Wales
ruclips.net/video/sWT9haZ__xw/видео.html not a deleted scene, but on this Making Of (dubbed into German), at 4:14 there is an amazing unplanned moment where Richard Harris saves another actors life. I've always wondered if there was more to the Faulkner/Matheson bit at the beginning🤔
Moore was asked to be in Wild Geese 2. Burton & Moore may have worked again. Although Moore was too old to be the same ladies man Sean Flynn. A couple more Richard Harris esq heavyweights wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Peter Hunt directed Wild Geese 2. Surprised it was so bad. Don't believe Burton would have saved it. A coup in Berlin sounds boring compared to Africa.
A bloody classic with a classic cast love it
Loved this film as a kid, had a scratchy VHS copy that I watched over and over. I've gained a new love and appreciation for it as I rediscover it now, being of similar age to the protagonists and a war veteran.
Let's try for our first heart attack, shall we?
I got this film because I'm trying to collect a full set of Burton DVDs, but what really floored me was Richard Harris' performance.
He played Rafer so effortlessly, yet with such authenticity... The ending was utterly heartbreaking.
Rafer 😂
Emile
Thanks film talk🎉❤.😊
Remember watching this film with my father when it was shown on TV must be over 40 years ago. So many memories great cast .
I saw this at the Art Decco Hereford Odeon. A magnificent cinema which remained a one screen cinema (1200 seats) until it closed to build some sodding shops in the early 80s. Great film. Even better cinema.
Why can,t they make movie's like this anymore?
Booked a cinema out to show this for my 30th birthday
Thank you, guys, for a great discussion of one of my all-time favourite films! (The same production team did another of my favourites: “The Sea Wolves” - Euan Lloyd, Andrew V McLaglen, Reginald Rose, and John Glen.) I, too, have seen it several times and always enjoyed it. Frankly, I think the film made many improvements over the novel: for example, adding the ending with Burton and Granger. The book ends with the plane touching down. Also, Faulkner dies in the novel! And it is Janders, not Finn, who forces the drug dealer to eat his own stuff. Finn is not really a memorable character in the novel.
Burton and Harris were forced to keep themselves in check, and this helped the film tremendously. It had a superb cast overall, aided by the production crew, which included many Bond veterans. My heartfelt thanks to Richard Burton and all involved; I was fortunate to see him on stage in New York - in “Equus” and “Camelot.”
Thanks for your comments Thomas. It is indeed a truly amazing film. I remeber seeing at the cinema when it first came out. Euan was a great producer and brought us some classics, The Sea Wolves, like with you, is a favourite. I had the pleasure of interviewing John Glen recently for an upcoming doc we're making, so many stories from these and many other wonderful films.
@@RABBITANDSNAIL My pleasure. Looking forward to your documentary! Some years back, I read John Glen’s book, “For My Eyes Only.” It covers the richness of his career, including his early work on classic TV shows like “Danger Man.” Later, you have his stint as Editor and Second Unit Director on my all-time favourite Bond film, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” I was glad to read how proud he is of “For Your Eyes Only” and “Licence To Kill” - both in my top eight among the Bonds.
I saw another of Euan Lloyd’s films, “Who Dares Wins.” (US title: “The Final Option.”) One of my first glimpses of Lewis Collins, who was excellent.
Reginald Rose was a fine writer. Another favourite film of mine is his original story, “Twelve Angry Men.” Another classic!
But “Wild Geese II” ? How distressed I was to learn it was directed by Peter Hunt! I guess Edward Fox and Laurence Olivier were well-paid. Oh, well, even the best producers have their turkeys!
Moore was not going to be seen at the end of the film, in the car with Burton. However Burton said Moore was a big star & the public should know if he had lived.
I saw it at THE CURZON at Eastbourne 1978
Loved this film.
Lewis Collins said he was originally cast in the Scott Glen role for Wild Geese 2. Collins was handsome so could have played it Roger Moore esq alongside Burton.
"Thers a clause in my contract that says my liver is to be buried separately and with honors "
Never seen this film, but my interest has been pricked. I once served Paddy Allen in a now-closed bookshop in Piccadilly.
Thanks for this video what a fantastic classic film with a dream cast I've lost count of the number of times I've watched this film it has to be one of the best men on a mission adventures ever
The cast are so good there's not one bad performance from anyone
I have the book which is good but the film greatly improves on the story
This film keeps me engrossed every time I watch it
Thank you from south Wales
fantastic film,the only time i went to the cinema and they had a break halfway through the film.10/10 for me as well.
Would love to see any existing deleted scenes.
ruclips.net/video/sWT9haZ__xw/видео.html not a deleted scene, but on this Making Of (dubbed into German), at 4:14 there is an amazing unplanned moment where Richard Harris saves another actors life. I've always wondered if there was more to the Faulkner/Matheson bit at the beginning🤔
Awsome movie
@@davegiles2610 thanks so much for this.
Watched it today. Fantastic movie.
Love the Wild Geese but why do reviews never mention the awesome theme song the flight of the wild geese by Joan Armatrading ??
OJ Simpson was originally cast in the Roger Moore role. Assume for the US market.
i think mike hoare of the congo mercenaries was technical adviser on the film i think the film was loosely on his exploits in the congo as mercenaries
Moore was asked to be in Wild Geese 2. Burton & Moore may have worked again. Although Moore was too old to be the same ladies man Sean Flynn. A couple more Richard Harris esq heavyweights wouldn't be a bad idea either.
The film was released in 78, but it was shot in 1977
Moore was still Bond & didn't need Wild Geese 2.
Got this film on blu ray
It is a great film. I remember going to see it at the cinema when it first came out.
How are the special features? Any deleted scenes?
I think the drug that roger Moore makes the young guy eat was uncut herion
Great movie. I have the Arrow Video release.
Burt Lancaster was at first cast in the Richard Harris role. Moore was going to be third star.
Emil!.... Emil!!!..... Blam Blam blam!
Heather Honey
Peter Hunt directed Wild Geese 2. Surprised it was so bad. Don't believe Burton would have saved it. A coup in Berlin sounds boring compared to Africa.
Totally agree, Adam!