Review of Kings and Desperate Men

This is a film in which McGoohan sounds a little theatrical, which I find fascinating, because I've never had (and never will have) the chance to see him in the theater. He does not overact at all. The fact is he plays the role of a very successful radio host in a sort of talk show, who had actually wanted to become an actor in his youth, but was not successful. Instead, he ended up marrying the daughter of the owner of the radio station and became very rich and famous with his program. Although he's being held a hostage and although he knows his wife and child (an autistic child) are also being held hostages, he's always in control, and that's what keeps him alive. His character is a very self-confident man, who is used to dealing with powerful people, and does not get easily intimidated. He is a little arrogant at times, and maybe stuck up, because from his vantage point of view he knows what is going to happen. He's the kind of man who has seen it all, and has nerves of steel. The title of the movie was taken from John Donne's poem "Death". The terrorist wants to use his program to justify his acts (he had also kidnapped a judge). So, McGoohan introduces him quoting John Donne: "Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men". This line explains the whole situation. It's a fantastic film for people who understand subtleties, who can read between the lines. It's not another Danger Man action movie (although I love them too). It's a great movie for those who have a soul and love thought-provoking films. But don't take my word for it. Go watch it, with an open mind. Enjoy the witty repartees. Oh, BTW, Mr McGoohan does a little singing too. He has a nice baritone voice. Cristina