THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING (1975)

When I was growing up, there was a small group of prestigious films that I looked upon as not something to graduate to as my tastes evolved, but as titles reserved for a different class of person entirely. It came as little surprise when my grandfather mentioned one Sunday afternoon that The Man Who Would Be King was among his favourite movies, more specifically his favourite Season Connery performance. He was a bank of worldly knowledge and from a generation that proudly displayed the Encyclopedia Britannica in their living room. Now, having seen the film for myself, I can easily understand why he enjoyed it so much.

Imprint Films in Australia has released the epic screen adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s book on Blu-ray for its golden jubilee. Directed by the great and powerful John Huston, we follow two ex-soldiers of the Army, Daniel ‘Danny’ Dravot (Sean Connery) and Peachy Tolliver Carnehan (Michael Caine), who travel from India to the remote region of Kafiristan where they seek adventure and riches. However, through their combined ruse as selfless servicemen, Daniel is proclaimed to be a god by the impoverished people and is made their king.

The Man Who Would Be King is a light comedy for the first 30 to 45 minutes as Connery and Caine hatch their scheme before a gobsmacked Rudyard Kipling, who inserts himself in the story as a local journalist. They’re like a colonial Newman and Redford: two buddies with great chemistry who have singled out Kafiristan as their “mark”. While some of their hijinks have not aged too well, such as Conney doing blackface (still less racist than You Only Live Twice), this rather relaxed portion of the film allows for greater impact by the time the viewer is fully immersed in this improved new kingdom and strange faraway land.

Kipling’s story is fundamentally a commentary on Britain’s foreign dominance. Ironically, both Danny and Peachy, who are no longer accustomed to the rigidity of English rule, are quick to impose the same practices over their new subjects. Danny especially, who insists he takes a wife and talks about having children, who will have titles, and over generations, establishing an aristocracy. It’s a powerful metaphor for those who relocate to or stake a claim in a different country, but don’t wish to live any differently than before.

Connery and Caine are both fantastic in their respective roles. They’re a perfect counter to one another, especially when Danny gets carried away with their deception; intoxicated by wealth and power, while Peachy remains sensible, wishing to flee with the loot and return to England as a gentleman. Not to disrespect their work, but the story would make a perfect Looney Tunes short starring Bugs and Daffy. It’s easy to guess who plays who, although I struggle to imagine Daffy shouting, “The slut bit me!”

SPECIAL FEATURES

Call It Magic: The Making Of ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ – featurette
The Gentle Giant – interview with actor Danny Huston
High Atlas Adventure – interview with continuity supervisor Angela Allen
Theatrical Trailer
Audio English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Aspect Ratio 2.39:1
Optional English Subtitles
Limited Edition Slipcase

While this release doesn’t include any new featurettes, it brings together a relevant assortment of material from previous forms of media. On-set documentaries always offer an interesting look into the movie-making process from years gone by. Despite running only 12 minutes, the vintage making-of for King provides insightful interviews from Huston and his leading men and depicts a daring stunt sequence that wouldn’t fly today. Also of note is a short sit-down with a young Danny Huston, who provides a few anecdotes of being on the set of King, and a touching retrospective on his father’s career. – by Hannah Lynch

VIDEO AND AUDIO

Despite not receiving the royal treatment of a new restoration from a 4K scan and whatnot, The Man Who Would Be King still makes a grand entrance in what is now standard 1080p HD and in the film’s original ratio of 2.39:1. I would cite this transfer as a good example of how I like classic films to look. Medium contrast levels provide deep blacks while enhancing the rich natural colours, and the matte texture to the image seems to hold everything in perfect balance, like a perfectly developed photograph.

As opposed as I often am to bloated physical media editions, I would been 100% on board if Imprint went all out with The Man Who Would Be King, but considering the film is also available under the very price Warner Archive label, meaning it’s under lock and key for many, Imprint have made this classic a lot more accessible.

THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING
(1975, director: John Huston)