THE DOGS OF WAR. THE BEST DAMNED MERCENARIES IN THE BUSINESS!
A group of retired mercenaries led by Major Faulkner (Richard Burton) are hired to liberate an African opposition leader who could bring freedom to his people. An action movie with few surprises; how many flicks are there where soldiers are betrayed by their government and left to fight on their own? Still, the filmmakers do a good job introducing us to the wild bunch and the cast members look like they’re having fun… although it may be hard to believe in Burton and Roger Moore as tough mercenaries. Several James Bond collaborators worked on the film, which has its suspenseful moments (but it does go on too long).
1978-Britain. 134 min. Color. Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen. Screenplay: Reginald Rose. Cast: Richard Burton (Allen Faulkner), Roger Moore (Shawn Fynn), Richard Harris (Rafer Janders), Hardy Krüger, Stewart Granger, Jack Watson.
Trivia: Joseph Cotten and Burt Lancaster were allegedly considered for parts. Followed by Wild Geese II (1985).
