Plot & Details
James Clavell incorporated a few of his own experiences as a British POW in his novel King Rat. Bryan Forbes' film version stars George Segal as the mastermind of all black market operations in a Japanese prison camp. He is called "King Rat" because of his breeding of rodents to serve as food for his emaciated fellow prisoners; the nickname also alludes to Segal's shifty personality. British officer James Fox helps Segal expand his operation to include trading with the Japanese officers. Though on surface level a thoroughly selfish sort, Segal saves the ailing Fox's life by wangling precious antibiotics from the guards.
- MPAA Rating: Not Rated
- Genre(s): Drama,War
- Run Time: 134min.
- Theatrical Release Date: 04/21/2008
- DVD Release Date: 05/06/2003
- Distributor(s): Columbia Pictures
- Director(s): Bryan Forbes
- Starring: George Segal , Tom Courtenay , James Fox , Patrick O'Neal , Denholm Elliott
- Themes: Behind Enemy Lines
- Tone: Claustrophobic,Gritty,Harsh,Somber
- Keywords: American [nationality],POW (Prisoner of War),black-market,rackets [corruption],rat [animal],war
- Language: English
Awards
Academy Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Cast & Crew | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Black and White Art Direction | Frank Tuttle | Nominated |
| 1965 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Black and White Cinematography | Burnett Guffey | Nominated |
| 1965 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Black and White Art Direction | Robert Emmet Smith | Nominated |
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