MovieChat Forums > The Killer Elite (1975) Discussion > original novel

original novel

posted 19 years ago by blur81
5 replies | jump to latest

I was wondering if anyone has read the original novel by Robert Rostand. I picked it up at a used bookstore and found it a very interesting read. The novel differs from the book in that Duvall's and Caan's characters are both British and the setting of the novel is in London. The Mako character is not Asian at all but an African premier. Apart from this the movie is pretty faithful to the book. I just picked up a book today called "A Killing in Rome" which is by the same author. Apparently it follows the further adventures of Mike Locken. Best wishes,Eric

[–] alkay85 19 years ago

The book is good although I have to correct you: While the book takes place in England, Locken is American, Hansen is South African. Rostand did two more novels featuring Locken: the one you mentioned, and "Viper's Game". Both are excellent.

[–] mail-2775 15 years ago

I didn't read it, but thanks for the good post.

[–] Sandoz 15 years ago

So then, it's probably safe to assume that the plot in the book involves no martial arts assassin hit squads?

That aspect of the film dates the film so terribly (even during it's initial run) and makes it seem schizophrenic. Not that I'm against a good, kick-ass kung fu throwdown, but it's almost like there's a pretty decent CIA/espionage film inside TKE that's trying to work itself free while getting bogged down in all the karate shenanigans around it.

"You maniacs! You blew it up! Damn you! God damn you all to hell!!"

[–] alkay85 14 years ago

"So then, it's probably safe to assume that the plot in the book involves no martial arts assassin hit squads?"

Correct. No ninja hit squads, the plot is very different from the film. Some other major differences:

Both Mack and Miller are British and the politician they are assigned to protect is African. The novel takes place entirely in Great Britain and involves a trio of assassins, one of whom may be a plant feeding the "good guys" information. Like I said earlier, well written and worth the effort to track down on E-Bay, along with the sequels: "Viper's Game" and "A Killing in Rome".

[–] Squeeth2 10 years ago

I read it in the 1970s and a few weeks later the film was on the telly. I don't remember much apart from the wooden hill but I've got it on dvd for another look.

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