King Rat 1965
"They Made the Toughest Among Them... King!"
Set against the grim backdrop of World War II, *King Rat (1965)* plunges into the harsh reality of captivity after the fall of Singapore in 1942.
Director: Bryan Forbes
Cast
George Segal
Corporal King
James Fox
Peter Marlowe
Tom Courtenay
Grey
Patrick O'Neal
Max
James Donald
Dr. Kennedy
John Mills
Smedley-Taylor
Denholm Elliott
Larkin
Leonard Rossiter
McCoy
Joe Turkel
Dino
Todd Armstrong
Tex
Frequently Asked Questions
What is King Rat (1965) about?
*King Rat* follows the story of Allied POWs in Changi prison after the fall of Singapore, where an American soldier known as Cpl. King carves out a life of relative comfort through trading and clever deals. His dynamic with a British officer reveals the moral complexities of survival, ambition, and unexpected camaraderie in the face of war's brutality.
Who directed King Rat?
King Rat was directed by Bryan Forbes, a filmmaker known for his sharp, character-driven dramas that often explore human resilience.
Who stars in King Rat?
The film stars George Segal as Cpl. King, alongside James Fox, Tom Courtenay, Patrick O'Neal, and John Mills in pivotal roles.
Is King Rat (1965) worth watching?
*King Rat* is a compelling watch for fans of war dramas with strong character studies. Its unflinching look at survival and morality in extreme conditions, combined with strong performances, makes it a standout in the genre. While not widely rated on IMDb, its reputation as a classic of British cinema adds to its appeal.
How long is King Rat?
King Rat runs for 134 minutes, offering a dense and immersive viewing experience.
🎥 Trailer
About King Rat (1965) — A gripping WWII prison drama about survival and ambition
Set against the grim backdrop of World War II, *King Rat (1965)* plunges into the harsh reality of captivity after the fall of Singapore in 1942. Directed by Bryan Forbes, this gripping war drama follows the Allied prisoners of war—mostly British with a handful of Americans—detained in the notorious Changi prison. Among them is Cpl. King, an enterprising American soldier who thrives in the dire conditions by trading, scheming, and building an unlikely empire within the camp walls. His charisma and relentless energy draw the curiosity of a British officer, sparking a tense but fascinating friendship. Together, they navigate survival, morality, and the blurred lines between heroism and opportunism. With its unflinching portrayal of resilience and human instinct, the film explores themes of power, privilege, and the desperate choices people make when stripped of freedom.
Bryan Forbes crafts a vivid atmosphere of claustrophobic tension, where alliances are fragile and every decision could mean life or death. *King Rat* isn't just a war film; it's a psychological drama that peels back the layers of human nature under extreme pressure, offering a raw, unforgettable look at survival in the darkest corners of history.
