Published on March 28, 2026
In light of the previous review of *Mr. Burton*, the biopic about the early days of Richard Burton, I wanted to revisit a few titles from his filmography. It would be easy for any film buff to think of classics like *The Night of the Iguana* or *Cleopatra*, but as this blog is “cinema my way,” I want to draw attention to two titles that I’ve always enjoyed, which are not often highlighted among the most acclaimed works of the legendary Hollywood star. While they may not be among the greatest films in cinematic history, they possess a certain charm that I find delightful. The films in question are two action flicks released a decade apart, both featuring Burton as the leader of a military unit: *Where Eagles Dare* from 1968 and *Wild Geese* from 1978, both British productions.
*Where Eagles Dare* is a war film set during World War II, in which an elite commando is tasked with rescuing an American general who has been captured and is being held in an impregnable castle atop a mountain. The result is an exhilarating adventure narrative, filled with unexpected plot twists and a healthy dose of action. Burton is joined , who was experiencing a career surge following his role in Sergio Leone’s *Dollars Trilogy*, and Mary Ure, who had received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in *Sons and Lovers* in 1961.
*Wild Geese*, on the other hand, is an action film in which a group of mercenaries is hired by a businessman to free an African leader imprisoned by a dictator. Leading the mercenary group is Burton, accompanied , Richard Harris, and Hardy Krueger, each character distinctly crafted and well-defined. Burton portrays the leader—practical, cold, and impartial—while Harris plays the idealist who only takes on missions he deems just. Moore brings a light-heartedness to the group, reminiscent of his usual role as 007 at the time, and Krueger, emotionally invested due to his African roots, grapples with mixed feelings about freeing the prisoner. They are joined actor Stewart Granger, who plays the businessman behind the operation.
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