When We Were Kings (1996)

  • PG
  • 01/20/1996 (US)
  • Documentary, TV Movie, History, Music
  • 1h 29m

The untold story of the Rumble in the Jungle.

Overview

It's 1974. Muhammad Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Foreman is ten years younger and the heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wants to make a name for himself and offers both fighters five million dollars apiece to fight one another, and when they accept, King has only to come up with the money. He finds a willing backer in Mobutu Sese Suko, the dictator of Zaire, and the "Rumble in the Jungle" is set, including a musical festival featuring some of America's top black performers, like James Brown and B.B. King.

Leon Gast

Director, Writer

Cast

Muhammad Ali's headshot

Muhammad Ali

Self
George Foreman's headshot

George Foreman

Self
Don King's headshot

Don King

Self
James Brown's headshot

James Brown

Self
B.B. King's headshot

B.B. King

Self
Spike Lee's headshot

Spike Lee

Self
Mobutu Sese Seko's headshot

Mobutu Sese Seko

Self
Norman Mailer's headshot

Norman Mailer

Self

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