Andrew V. McLaglen

British Heroes Collection Andrew V. McLaglen

Collection of action and war films featuring British leading men. 'The Wild Geese' (1978) are a 50-man military unit for hire, comprised of mercenaries and led by Colonel Faulkner (Richard Burton), Lieutenant Shawn Fynn (Roger Moore), Rafer Janders (Richard Harris) and Pieter Coetzee (Hardy Kruger). When they are hired by sinister businessman Sir Edward Matheson (Stewart Granger), the team depart for Africa, their mission to rescue an imprisoned political leader, seize the airport and return safely to England.

'Zulu Dawn' (1979), a prequel to the 1963 classic (and schoolboy's favourite) 'Zulu', follows the story of the 1879 battle of Isandlhwana, one of the worst defeats in British colonial history. The film describes the diplomatic errors and ill-advised military decisions which led to a confrontation between 1,500 British soldiers and a 25,000 strong Zulu army. The emphasis is again placed upon huge, awe-inspiring battle scenes and the brave stand the soldiers take against insurmountable odds.

In 'Ashanti' (1979), after his wife Anansa is kidnapped by African slave traders, Dr David Linderby (Michael Caine) sets off in pursuit. It transpires that Anansa's captor, Suleiman (Peter Ustinov), intends to sell her to an Arab Prince (Omar Sharif), but the authorities refuse to assist David in his search and he is forced to turn to men just as ruthless as the slave traders in order to get his wife back. He also finds a willing helper in the form of nomad Malik (Kabir Bedi), whose whole family have also been stolen by Suleiman.

Finally, in 'Jaguar Lives' (1979), karate champion Jonathan Cross, aka Jaguar (Joe Lewis), embarks on a mission to save the world from drug dealers, gangs, and the evil machinations of super criminal Adam Caine (Christopher Lee).