The Man Who Would be King Trivia Quiz

Answer: Rudyard Kipling

Peachy discovers that the the watch fob bears a Masonic medallion depicting a square and compass and the all seeing eye of God. Peachy realizes that Kipling is a fellow Freemason, a secret brotherhood sworn to offering mutual assistance to fellow Masons and men of the craft. Peachy cannot steal from a fellow Mason and has to contrive a way to return Kipling's watch.

He boards a train bound for Jodhpur and joins Kipling in his carriage. While Kipling is dozing Peachy creates uproar and throws another passenger off the train; claiming that he caught the passenger stealing Kipling's watch which is duly returned. Peachy was not aware that Kipling had already noticed that his watch was missing before he boarded the train to Jodhpur.

Answer: To become Kings of Kafiristan

This is a lovely scene where Michael Caine (Peachy) and Sean Connery (Danny) show an extravagant trick in lighting their cigars while an indulgent Kipling (Christopher Plummer) looks on in amazement. He warns the pair that they will be venturing to untamed lands and will more than likely die in the mountains of the Hindu Kush before reaching Kafiristan. Undeterred, Danny and Peachy settle down in Kipling's office to look at Kipling's maps and reference books.

They begin to plan their adventure together!

Answer: He was dressed in the uniform of a Gurkha regiment.

The Gurkha's nickname was Billy Fish (Saeed Jaffrey) and he played a key role in the adventures yet to come. Billy had escorted a geographical survey party headed by Colonel Robertson. It seems that Billy Fish was the only survivor of whatever fate befell that ill-fated party.

The Brigade of Gurkhas are Nepalese soldiers who have served within the British Army since the early 19th century. They are famously brave and tenacious soldiers and I am privileged to have served with them.

With Billy's help, Danny and Peachy enter into a string of local battles with warring tribes, subverting their rulers and helping themselves to the spoils of war. "A bauble here and a bangle there".

Answer: They had seen him shot with an arrow in the chest and he was still alive.

Danny had indeed been shot but, lucky for him, the arrow stuck in his bandolier leaving him unharmed. Without thinking, Danny kept the arrow which he sported like an officer's cane or "Swagger Stick" much to Peachey's annoyance. The people, including Billy Fish, saw that Danny had been struck and had not suffered from any injury. They believed him to be a God and were in awe of him.

Later in the movie, Peachy is at pains to explain to Billy that Danny is mortal. "He's a man like us and can break wind at both ends simultaneous".

Answer: Shakira Caine

Peachy had every right to be jealous of Danny as Shakira Caine is Michael Caine's wife in real life.

Tessa Dahl (daughter of Roald Dahl) was originally cast in the role but Director John Huston wanted somebody in keeping with the Kafiri theme. Apparently, Michael Caine and John Huston persuaded Shakira to take the part over dinner.

Answer: He sees Danny's medallion.

If Danny had not gone to Sikandergul his status as a god on Earth would have been in question. When the High Priest aimed at Danny there was a scuffle and Danny's tunic was ripped open revealing the medallion showing the masonic symbol which had been given to Danny before his departure by Kipling.

The Priest puts down his bow and gets his monks to roll away a heavy stone under which is an exact image of Danny's medallion. The Priest then takes Danny to see immense treasures that have been kept safe for centuries in anticipation of the return of Holy Sikander. Danny is crowned King and the treasure is his to use as he likes.

Answer: A human head

Yes the people of Er-Heb used the decapitated heads of their enemies to play their form of polo; a game which became popular with the British and British Cavalrymen but which originated in Persia dating back to the 6th Century BC.

Answer: She bites him on the cheek.

The people believe that if a god makes love to a mortal woman then she will catch fire and go up in smoke. Roxanne is afraid and her bite draws blood. The people quickly realise that Danny is not a god and Danny, Billy and Peachy are pursued by an angry mob, intent on mob justice and murder. They muster their rifle section but run out of ammunition. Danny realizing his foolishness apologizes to Peachy:

Danny: I'm heartily ashamed for getting you killed instead of going home rich on account of me being so bleeding high and bloody mighty. Can you forgive me?

Peachy: That I can and that I do, Danny.

Answer: Kukri

The kukri is a standard issue machete/knife for every Gurkha soldier. It is prominent in Nepalese culture as a domestic tool and evident in decorations and symbolic designs. It has a curved blade with a sharp cutting edge on the inner curve and there are many stories and incidents surrounding the Gurkhas and their use of their iconic and most cherished weapon.

Answer: Danny's skull topped with a gold crown

Danny is captured and placed on a rope-bridge which crosses a deep ravine. His foes cut the ropes and Danny falls down to his death "like a penny whirly-gig". Peachy is captured and he is crucified between two pine trees. He doesn't die and the next day he is freed.

"And Peachy came home in about a year.
And the mountains, they tried to fall on old Peachy.
But he was quite safe because Daniel walked before him.
And Daniel never let go of old Peachy's hand.
And Peachy never let go of Daniel's head."