This week’s retro trailer is for one of my all-time favorite films, The Man Who Would Be King. This is one of the greatest epic adventure films ever made! If you’ve never seen it, you’ve got to watch it!
The 1975 adventure film was directed by John Huston, and it’s based on Rudyard Kipling’s novella of the same name.
The story is set in the 1880s and follows two former British soldiers, Daniel Dravot and Peachy Carnehan, wonderfully played by Sean Connery and Michael Caine respectively.
The pair embark on a daring quest to become kings of a remote part of Afghanistan. Using their military skills, wits, and a hefty dose of audacious bluffing, they succeed in uniting the warring tribes of Kafiristan and setting themselves up as rulers and gods, with Dravot taking the title of king.
However, their success is short-lived as Dravot’s growing hubris and a fateful misunderstanding lead to their downfall. Dravot’s decision to marry a local girl, which goes against the tribal customs, results in his and Peachy’s exposure as mere mortals, not gods as they had claimed.
Huston’s film is celebrated for its epic scope and awesome performances. Check out the trailers below!