Review of The Man Who Would Be King (1975) by Lexie H — 02 Dec 2003

[b]The Man Who Would Be King (1975)[/b] ***1/2.

[i]"Our gig is done."[/i].

Caine and Connery carry this film on their backs. They are two extraordinary gentleman, as Robert Osbourne so aptly states in his intro to the film on the TCM broadcast. He claims that the title of this film could be pseudonymed the same as this past summer's blockbuster, ironically (?) starring Sean Connery. He goes on to claim that the 1975 film is much more enjoyable and the superior. He may have a point here. But I won't digress too much... Anyway, Connery and Caine decide to leave notoriety in India and they travel to the Middle East in search of riches and fame. Heck, they may even try to become a king. So the film documents their toils and troubles with the people, greed, etc. which culminates in a rather humorous and fitting conclusion.

The first scene of the movie shows Caine, dressed raggedly, uttering enigmatic phrases in a raspy, grating voice to Rudyard Kipling, played by Christopher Plummer. After this it goes into flashback and the story of Caine and Connery is told, replete with humility. At the movie's end, Caine caps off the story by relaying his final thoughts about Connery's fate to Kipling. Overall, everything clicks. Great direction from Huston is countered with splendid performances by the two scoundrels.