The Wild Geese
A British multinational seeks to overthrow a vicious dictator in central Africa. It hires a band of (largely aged) mercenaries in London and sends them in to save the virtuous but imprisoned opposition leader.
The film underperformed commercially against its small-scale budget of $11.6M, earning $9.9M globally (-15% loss).
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Wild Geese (1978) demonstrates carefully calibrated narrative design, characteristic of Andrew V. McLaglen's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 14 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.6, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Colonel Allen Faulkner, a mercenary soldier, is shown at Christmas with his estranged son, living a civilian life in London but restless and unfulfilled without the adrenaline of combat.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
At 68 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False defeat: The team reaches the airfield but discovers the extraction planes have abandoned them. Matherson has betrayed them for political reasons—the mission was a pawn in a larger game. The mercenaries are stranded in hostile territory with government forces closing in., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 102 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Whiff of death: Multiple mercenaries are killed in brutal combat, including beloved characters. Pieter is mortally wounded. The dream of escape seems impossible as they're pinned down, outnumbered, and running out of ammunition., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 107 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The finale: A desperate last stand at the airfield. Faulkner and remaining mercenaries hold off the army while the wounded and Limbani board the plane. Heroic sacrifices as men cover the retreat. The plane takes off under fire. Some make it; others die protecting their brothers., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Wild Geese's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping The Wild Geese against these established plot points, we can identify how Andrew V. McLaglen utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Wild Geese within the action genre.
Andrew V. McLaglen's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Andrew V. McLaglen films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Wild Geese takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Andrew V. McLaglen filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Andrew V. McLaglen analyses, see Shenandoah, McLintock! and Chisum.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Colonel Allen Faulkner, a mercenary soldier, is shown at Christmas with his estranged son, living a civilian life in London but restless and unfulfilled without the adrenaline of combat.
Theme
Merchant banker Sir Edward Matherson states the mission's moral complexity: "Sometimes one must do business with the devil," foreshadowing the themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the moral ambiguity of mercenary work.
Worldbuilding
Faulkner is recruited by Matherson to lead a mercenary operation to rescue imprisoned African leader Julius Limbani. We meet the key players: Rafer Janders (retired mercenary with a son), Shawn Fynn (pilot and ladies' man), and the world of African geopolitics and private military contractors.
Resistance
Faulkner recruits his team of fifty mercenaries, including medic Witty, RSM Sandy Young, and various specialists. Training montage in South Africa shows preparation, team bonding, and planning. Faulkner debates the risks and grapples with whether his men are ready.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The promise of the premise: a tightly executed military operation. The mercenaries parachute into hostile territory, storm the prison, rescue Limbani, and fight their way to the extraction airfield. Tactical combat, camaraderie, and professional excellence on display.
Midpoint
False defeat: The team reaches the airfield but discovers the extraction planes have abandoned them. Matherson has betrayed them for political reasons—the mission was a pawn in a larger game. The mercenaries are stranded in hostile territory with government forces closing in.
Opposition
The mercenaries must fight their way across country to a secondary airfield while under constant attack. Casualties mount. Trust fractures. The enemy closes in from all sides. They commandeer vehicles and trucks, racing against time and overwhelming military forces.
Collapse
Whiff of death: Multiple mercenaries are killed in brutal combat, including beloved characters. Pieter is mortally wounded. The dream of escape seems impossible as they're pinned down, outnumbered, and running out of ammunition.
Crisis
The survivors process devastating losses. Faulkner faces the cost of his choices. Pieter dies in agony. The dark night: Was it worth it? The men confront their own mortality and the betrayal that led them here.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale: A desperate last stand at the airfield. Faulkner and remaining mercenaries hold off the army while the wounded and Limbani board the plane. Heroic sacrifices as men cover the retreat. The plane takes off under fire. Some make it; others die protecting their brothers.
Transformation
Faulkner confronts Matherson in London, holding him at gunpoint. But instead of revenge, he walks away—transformed from a mercenary who kills for money into a man who understands true honor and loyalty. The bitter victory: Limbani is saved, but at devastating human cost.