MovieChat Forums > The Wild Geese (1978) Discussion > The first time you saw The Wild Geese...

The first time you saw The Wild Geese...

posted 18 years ago by crawfrordboon
67 replies | jump to latest

Here's the thread for people to tell their own stories of the first time they saw this great film, what you thought, how your opinion changed over the years, when you got the video/DVD, any funny stories about seeing it etc....

For my part, it was about 1999 on a Sunday evening, I was sitting in our family study flicking through the channels on a battered old mid-80s TV set, when I saw some kind of war movie. A load of men wearing green outfits in trucks were tearing through some arid-looking countryside; pretty soon they get attacked on a bridge by a plane. This looks a bit old fashioned, I think, but it looks riveting!

For the next 50 minutes or so I was hooked. Isn't that Roger '007' Moore making a few one-liners here and there? And surely that's Richard Burton, what's he doing looking so out-of-shape in a film like this - and a film with both those guys in, WOW it must be a winner!

I still remember the tragic plane scene, and being shocked when Burton has to shoot one of the others, who he apparently knows (remember I hadn't seen the start of the film where it sets up their friendship or Emile) - at the time I was too young and inexperienced to recognise Richard Harris. The final confrontation scene remained in my memory also.....

(FADE OUT)

Fade back in about four years later, having discovered the joys of being 18 and being able to buy things online not available in shops. I'd found the IMDb entrily by chance, looking for information on the Lee Marvin potboiler 'The Klansman', and decided to see if I'd been dreaming all those years ago - was there really a film with Burton and Moore set in some kind of war? After scrolling through Roger's career profile, I came across The Wild Geese. A funny title, I thought, but it looked very similar to the film I'd seen previously.

I took a chance and ordered a copy on video from an internet site. The first hour went by with not a great deal reminding me of what I'd seen, except the visual style and the presence of Burton and Moore. But then the action kicked in and I was right back in that place, absolutely chuffed and amazed by how good the film was. Since then I have watched the film so often, particularly the Roger Moore - drug dealer scene and the main titles, that the tape got worn out, so I invested in a DVD, which although lacking essential like subtitles and theatrical trailer, has only strenghtened my love of this great film.

Your own stories and memories please....

"He's a bit of a rough diamond but his heart's in the right place."

[–] KMitch 18 years ago

Talk about showing my age! I remember it being advertised on TV when it first came out in May 1978 (Rafer limping after the plane pleading to be shot playing a prominent part) and persuading my parents to take me and my mate to see it at the earliest opportunity, ie opening night at The Rex cinema (RIP) in Haslemere. Remember when films in the UK used to open on a Sunday? For the record, it was originally AA rated (14+) and I was twelve. As an independent cinema The Rex was great in that they couldn't really care less how old you were, eg when I was fifteen I took my year younger girlfriend on a date there to see Death Wish II. Actually, I did have to do a bit of smooth talking to get her in but they weren't bothered by me still wearing my school uniform!

[–] teacher_tom516 17 years ago

I remember it like it was yesterday - Not too hard to remember cuz in fact yesterday was the first time I watched it. My friend's a war movie fan (like I am) and sometimes he gets hard-to-find titles and last weekend he happened to have the DVD. Really, really enjoyed it, lots more fun than the Rambo Hollywood heroics, wonderful characterizations particularly for RSM Sandy, Medic Witty and of course the leads. Those guys have CLASS! I'll be watching it more than a few more times before I have to hand it back!

Best wishes,
Tom516

"It is not enough to like a film. You must like it for the right reasons."
- Pierre Rissient

[–] vanquish3443 17 years ago

The first time I saw The Wild Geese........on the week of its release in the late 70's. I was, (or rather still am) a lover of good action films and had , (through the film mag of that era 'PHOTOPLAY') seen a lot written about this film. I went and saw it on the night it opened at my local ABC Cinema in Walsall, England, which, by a curious twist of fate, is where the producer of the film, Mr LLOYD, had once worked. Wow...what a movie....it had everything that an impressionable 16 year old wanted. Lots of action and hardly any female appearances. Several things stick in my mind about he film....1. It was the first 'AA' certificate film I had seen, 2. There was an interval half way through the film for refreshments and toilet visits! and 3. Despite my love for all that action there were several memorable (at least they were for me) scenes with cracking dialogue....the exchanges between Hardy KRUGER and Winston NTSHONA and the argument in the control tower at the airport between Richard HARRIS and Richard BURTON.

So impressed was I that I went back a week later to watch it again, this time taking several class mates who were also suitably impressed. I later went on to read the book and managed to get hold of a copy of the press book for the film.

Needless to say I have watched it on tv a number of times, (and cringed at the dubbing of the swearing) and later went on to have copies on VHS and DVD.

Action films have changed so much over the years with the arrival of Rambo, The Terminator, Predator and CGI effects, but The Wild Geese will always be high up in my top ten, (who cares if the grenade throws its victims 20 feet into the air !).

ANY MAN HERE STEPS OUT OF LINE AND I WILL KILL HIM STONE DEAD! IT WILL NOT WORRY ME IN THE SLIGHTEST.

[–] jrcjohnny99 17 years ago

This is a great thread !

Earshaw wrote
"I saw The Wild Geese on British TV in 1982. It was promoted heavily on the cover of that week's TV Times magazine and carried a feature inside about Roger Moore and his fear of guns. It looked like exactly the kind of war movie I'd been watching since I was a kid, so I resolved to tape it. I wasn't disappointed. "

This rings true for me too, I seem to recall it was on ITV, and they usually showed their big movies on a Thursday night (no Corrie that night!);
I had been too young to see it at the flicks (didn't see my first AA until "Escape from Alcatraz" at the old ABC Wigan) but loved Moore as Bond and couldnt wait for this to be on TV (We didn't have a VCR until Chritsmas 82; tho onterestingly it was one of the first VHS tapes I bought used from our local rental store; the original Rank release with the big box)
I played the VHS to death until I left the UK in the mid 90s;
When I moved to the US in 2001 and bought my first DVD, it was one of the first movies I went out to buy, only to find out it was unavailable!!!
I ended up getting my brother to buy me the UK release as soon as it came out a few years ago and of course bougfht the US one later..

I just bought a 52" plasma a couple of weeks ago and this was on eof the first movies I watched;
still love it even after all these years...

Johnny

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] Gunner B 17 years ago

I first saw "The Wild Geese" on tv around (I think) 1983 while I was still at school, although I was already aware of it from the movie posters. It looked like a great action/adventure film, with a great cast, and it had been on my "must see" list for quite a while.

I'm quite a military history buff and enjoy all the classic war films. As a teenager I was in the Army Cadets, and the British Army uniforms, kit and rank structure gave the film a "look and feel" I could immediately relate to. The tough RSM, the training sequence, DPM camo, SLR/FN rifles, Stirling SMG's, GPMG'S, Brens, '37 pattern webbing ... it just felt authentic. (Yes, I know that Daniel Carney's novel equips the mercs with AK-47's and US steel pots. More practical, maybe. But for me, as a kid, it just wasn't the same!)

I remember trying to get my head round SLR rifles firing on full auto, though. It wasn't till later that I learned that these were in fact FN's. (And that you could "convert" an SLR to full auto using a matchstick.)

And I thought they should have "subdued" their cap badges, especially for the night advance on the compound. But spotting the cap badges - and the anomalies - is all part of the fun. (I too wondered why Tosh never mentioned his SAS service. Perhaps he just doesn't like to talk about it?)

It also has some classic lines, which we would often recite at school:

"Here's your contract, you can go outside and scream in the corridor!"
"Let's try for our first heart attack, shall we?!"
"Rafer, what are you carrying?" "I'm carrying this ... and this. Sort of balances me up."
"The radio's Russian, the dials work backwards."
"Let's do it? Heaven help me, I'm in the hands of maniacs!"
"Esposito, you're not dead till I tell you you're dead!"

(Of course, the tv print I saw had been cut, so RSM Young's language was somewhat less colourful. His famous rose bushes remained unqualified, and Roger Moore was jumping from an aeroplane, not "some lady's bedroom window.")

Some years later, I was back at my old school, this time as a teacher. One of the sixth form lads was reciting those same lines. I think he was surprised when I recognised them and joined in!

"The Wild Geese" has been much copied over the years. One of the "Richard Sharpe" novels by Bernard Cornwell - excellent novels in their own right - borrows from it, with Sharpe and his men being abandoned in a French coastal fort and scrambling to safety, under fire, abord an American privateer. And I remember an episode of "Soldier, Soldier" set in Africa - one of the rare occasions when the lads go on active service - where they escape under fire in - what else? - an old Dakota.

Anyone remember "Masada", with Jack Watson putting in another great "RSM Young" performance - this time as a Roman centurion? Excellent casting, and surely no coincidence?

I'm always amazed when people tell me they *don't* like this film. What's not to like about it? It has tough, gritty action, a great cast, pathos, humour, classic one-liners, men on a mission, accurate (for the most part) kit ... Maybe it helps if you grew up with it, like I did? Like "The Professionals" or "The Sweeney" it's a product of its time, firmly rooted in the late seventies. Perhaps it hasn't aged all that well in some respects? But for me, it's still hugely entertaining, absolutely "un-PC", and tremendous fun! It's a film I come back to again and again. (Watched it again last night, in fact.)

As for a remake, we *really* don't need one. As Sandy Young himself might say, we could be in for an infinitely more horrible time than we care to remember. A proper sequel, on the other hand - Wild Geese 3? - with a fresh plot and a good cast - well, that's different!

[–] enochsneed 17 years ago

On its first release at the Empire, Morecambe (RIP) in 1978. Those were the days when you could still stay in the cinema and watch films twice - I did.

I haven't seen it for many years now. No doubt it would seem hokey and dated (saw Euan Lloyd's 'Who Dares Wins' again last year and cringed that I ever found it credible) but hopefully still entertaining.

[–] MrFunktastic 17 years ago

i must have been way too young the first time i saw it - my main memories were watching james bond forcing some guy to eat all his drugs and the machete death scene.

i just watched this for the second time a few months ago and i gotta say it was hugely enjoyable - it was kinda like one of those old "commando" comic books brought to life - and it was pleasantly surprising to see an openly gay character in such an old movie who wasn't just some object of ridicule - i wouldn't want to get into a knife fight with that old dame for sure.

[–] jackhayes12 17 years ago

i remember seeing this film when i was about 9 years old and i tell you what i was amazed by it.
There was a phase when my dad joined blockbuster and rented out films he liked when he was younger so after seeing ALL the rocky films it was then turn for THE WILD GEESE.

Being a MASSIVE fan of James Bond films and Roger Moore being my favourite at the time (now daniel craig though lol), i was pretty shocked to see 007 making some man swallow a bag full of coke. i was thinking to myself even at that age ''is that james bond forcing someone to have an overdose?''
anyway i thought that scence was brilliant it was like seeing a more gritty more ruthless James Bond even at age 9!

Watched more into the film and then even the whole struggle to get home after being stranded in africa was just interesting. i dont think i even went for a toilet break lol. I seriously did love this film as a kid and even now nearly 10 years on i remember watching it that day and thinking about it now i dont know why i haven't got this film on DVD.

Either way i heard they are making a re-make and its quite exciting to see who is going to be cast in it. I can see Daniel Craig in Burton's role (just have to make Daniel Craig look slightly older lol) and DEFINETLY Colm Mealy in Richard Harris' role. Not sure who can pull off Roger Moore's role in this film though. I really have no idea who could play sean finn lol.

Someone any ideas?

Who could play sean finn!?

[–] MrFunktastic 17 years ago

i imagine there's a spot in the remake for ray winstone - i think he could play burtons role quite well. i also think daniel craig could play roger moores character.

you know it will probably end up starring sean bean and ant and dec though...

[–] jrcjohnny99 17 years ago

Amazing it seems it's all Brits on this board!
ABC Morecambe...ah the ood old days of the Odeon's and the ABC's;
I have very fond memories of the Odeon in Bolton where I saw Star Wars, A Bridge Too Far, Sinbad & the Eye of the Tiger etc...
I mentioned in my above post that I had just bought a 52 plasma and an upconvert DVD player and I have to tell you; thats the way to watch The Wild Geese!!!

J

[–] m-t1 17 years ago

"Amazing it seems it's all Brits on this board!"

Yes, J, I quite agree. As someone once put it...

We're all keeping the British end up !!!

[–] moviebuff74 16 years ago

Brendan Gleeson as Rafer Janders
Pierce Brosnan as Sean Finn
Ray Winstone as Tosh

[–] sbuxton-1 17 years ago

Can you tell me who survives in the plan at the end?

[–] ScarletPimpernel64 17 years ago

It was the mid-1980s, NBC was airing it, and I was flabbergasted Stewart Granger didn't get his comeuppance. Lo & behold, my cousin taped it for me off HBO, and I discovered the truth. (YAY!)

"So what else is on your mind besides 100 proof women, 90 proof whiskey, and 14 karat gold?"

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] Woodyanders 17 years ago

I stumbled across a copy of the special edition DVD retailing at a local supermarket for a mere four bucks. I impulsively purchased said DVD right away. I just saw this terrifically entertaining all-star action/adventure epic for the first time last night and thoroughly enjoyed it.

300 bios and counting.

[–] matwsussx 17 years ago

must have been about 1989 on BBC1 in the UK. A late night movie on Saturday after Match of the Day. Saw it at me grans in Kidderminster. Thought with Roger Moore and Richard Burton in it it has to be good and it was. Loved every minute of it.

[–] predone 17 years ago

--
Back in the early '80s, when I was a bachelor NHSC medical officer assigned to run a clinic in a poverty-stricken corner of rural South Jersey, I used to take an armload of patient charts home to my apartment every evening to finish reviewing diagnostic studies and write up reports.

My office in the hospital clinic was a windowless, airless, ceramic-tile-lined echo chamber that had been a minor surgical treatment room for the old Emergency Department, and it was too much like trying to handle paperwork while locked aboard a submarine imitating a hole in the water.

My only entertainment luxury was a cable TV hook-up, and I'd play movies as "background noise" by way of the premium channels while I was reading the radiologists' boilerplate and correlating pathology results with diagnoses.

The Wild Geese was one of those movies, and by far the most memorable.

Didn't get much work done that night.

Oh good! My dog found the chainsaw!