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Timeline

The Next Man (1976) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
1976 · 108 min · English
Directed by
Richard C. Sarafian
Starring
Sean Connery, Adolfo Celi, Jaime Sanchez, Charles Cioffi, Albert Paulsen, Cornelia Sharpe

A resourceful Saudi diplomat attempts to broker peace with Israel, initiating a dangerous and intense pursuit. When a formidable assassin is sent to eliminate him, the diplomat steadfastly pursues his goal of establishing a landmark alliance, even amidst rising threats and escalating violence. The film explores themes of diplomacy, betrayal, and the high stakes involved in international relations.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like The Next Man
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Next Man (1976)

Where can you watch The Next Man? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video, Artiflix and Tubi TV: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

The Next Man Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of The Next Man (1976) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Arab Oil Embargo's Aftermath

    In November 1976, the geopolitical landscape is unsettled following the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973-1974. This tense atmosphere sets the stage for radical movements within the Arab nations regarding oil pricing.

    When
    November 1976
  2. Radical Political Agenda

    A group of influential politicians from the Arab world endorse a radical agenda that aims to impose ceilings on international oil prices. This shocking initiative suddenly elevates tensions between major world powers, particularly the United States and Russia.

  3. Assassinations Begin

    Within 48 hours of the radical agenda's announcement, chaos ensues with the brutal assassinations of the three key figures involved. The Kuwaiti is thrown from a window, the Saudi is shot, and the Tunisian is eliminated through a cunning plot involving seduction and drugging.

  4. Elimination of Assassins

    The assassins responsible for the murders swiftly meet their own fates. One assassin is killed by a hitman named Gregory Zolnikov, while the bodyguard Hamid handles the other assassin, showcasing a continuous cycle of violence within the power struggle.

  5. Khalil Abdul-Muhsen's Rise

    In the midst of the turmoil, Khalil Abdul-Muhsen is appointed as the new Saudi Arabian minister of state, marking a significant shift in power dynamics. He passionately advocates for reform and a 'new global socio-political order' at the United Nations.

    Where
    United Nations
  6. Daring UN Speech

    Abdul-Muhsen delivers a pivotal speech at the UN, promoting key issues such as a cap on oil prices, alternative energy, and a call for the international recognition of Israel. Quoting Yasser Arafat, he positions himself as a progressive leader, increasing his assassination risk.

    Where
    United Nations
  7. Nicole Scott's Arrival in New York

    Nicole Scott, an Irish aristocrat with a secretive background in assassination, arrives in New York. She organizes a meeting with Abdul-Muhsen, indicating the confluence of personal and political agendas amidst the chaos.

    Where
    New York
  8. Escalating Romance

    The chemistry between Abdul-Muhsen and Scott intensifies during their time together at an auction and over drinks. Their spontaneous decision to go to the Bahamas marks a significant development in their relationship, highlighting the stark contrast between personal connections and looming danger.

    Where
    Bahamas
  9. Assassination Attempt in the Bahamas

    While in the Bahamas, Abdul-Muhsen's life is threatened by commandos disguised as Palestinian terrorists. With quick thinking from both Scott and Hamid, they successfully thwart the attempt on his life, further intertwining their fates.

    Where
    Bahamas
  10. Return to the UN

    Abdul-Muhsen makes a triumphant return to the UN, announcing Saudi Arabia's willingness to include Israel in OPEC. This bold move not only escalates international interest but also signals the potential for considerable backlash.

    Where
    United Nations
  11. Urgent Message for Nicole

    As the situation heats up, Scott receives an urgent message from her handler for immediate action. Conflicted by her feelings and her mission, she grapples with the decision that could change everything, showcasing her internal struggle.

  12. Final Assassination Order

    As Abdul-Muhsen's entourage prepares to leave the embassy, adversaries set suitcase bombs among the protesters outside. The tension mounts as Hamid orders Scott to eliminate Abdul-Muhsen, leading to a climax of conflicting loyalties.

    Where
    Saudi Embassy
  13. A Shocking Betrayal

    In a thrilling twist, Scott unexpectedly shoots Hamid instead of Abdul-Muhsen. This act seals Abdul-Muhsen's fate as she turns her weapon on him, making a pivotal choice that reflects her internal conflict and the high stakes involved.

  14. Scott's Escape to London

    The film concludes with Scott evading capture and navigating customs in London. The snuffbox she conceals symbolizes her connection to the turmoil she has left behind, hinting at unresolved threads in her story.

    Where
    London
  15. Zolnikov's Ominous Presence

    As Scott exits the airport in London, Zolnikov's shadow looms behind her, suggesting that her journey is far from over. The ending leaves a sense of foreboding and unanswered questions about the implications of her choices.

    Where
    London

Last updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:44

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Timeline questions answered

The Next Man Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of The Next Man (1976): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why are the three Arab politicians killed at the beginning of the film

The three politicians, Kuwaiti, Saudi, and Tunisian, are killed within 48 hours of endorsing a radical agenda that would impose a ceiling on international oil prices. Both the Americans and Russians oppose this initiative, and the assassinations are carried out to silence the key figures behind the proposal. The killings demonstrate the brutal efficiency of the forces working against any change to the oil status quo.

  • oil prices
  • arab politicians
  • assassination
  • oil embargo
  • geopolitical
Q2

Why does Nicole Scott hesitate to complete her assassination mission

Nicole Scott falls in love with Abdul-Muhsen during their encounters in New York and the Bahamas. Their chemistry develops quickly through flirtation at an auction, drinks, and backgammon, creating a genuine emotional connection that conflicts with her professional assignment. This internal struggle between duty and personal feeling ultimately defines her tragic choice at the climax.

  • nicole scott
  • abdul-muhsen
  • love
  • assassin
  • hesitation
  • romance
Q3

What does Abdul-Muhsen propose at the United Nations

At the UN, Abdul-Muhsen proposes a comprehensive peace initiative called the 'new global socio-political order.' His plan includes capping international oil prices, developing alternative energy sources, granting international recognition to Israel, establishing a Palestinian state, and providing Saudi support for disadvantaged third-world nations. This ambitious proposal positions Saudi Arabia as a moderate broker between conflicting parties.

  • united nations
  • oil prices
  • peace proposal
  • israel
  • palestine
  • saudi arabia
Q4

Why does Nicole Scott shoot Hamid and then Abdul-Muhsen

When Hamid suddenly reveals a gun and orders Scott to kill Abdul-Muhsen, she instinctively shoots Hamid in the temple to protect the man she loves. However, she then turns her weapon on Abdul-Muhsen and kills him. This shocking twist reveals that Scott was ultimately loyal to her handler's order, she used the chaos of Hamid's betrayal as cover to complete her original mission, eliminating both witnesses to the assassination.

  • nicole scott
  • hamid
  • betrayal
  • assassination
  • climax
  • twist ending
Q5

Who is Zolnikov and what is his role in the story

Gregory Zolnikov is a professional hitman played by director Richard C. Sarafian. He appears early in the film, killing one of the assassins responsible for the initial political murders. At the film's conclusion, Zolnikov is shown shadowing Scott as she exits the airport in London, suggesting he has been hired to eliminate her as loose ends are tied up, creating a ominous sense that her story is far from over.

  • zolnikov
  • hitman
  • assassin
  • london
  • ending
  • sequel hook
Q6

Why is Abdul-Muhsen marked for assassination

Abdul-Muhsen becomes a prime assassination target because his moderate peace initiative threatens the interests of multiple powerful forces. His proposal to recognize Israel, cap oil prices, and support Palestinian statehood makes him enemies among hardliners. After his daring UN speech, his assassination risk rating jumps from 'C-minus' to 'A,' reflecting the intense threat level. Both Western and Eastern powers have reasons to prevent his diplomatic breakthrough.

  • assassination threat
  • political enemies
  • peace initiative
  • risk level
  • un speech
Q7

What is the significance of the snuffbox in the film

The snuffbox becomes a symbolic object connecting Abdul-Muhsen and Nicole Scott. At a New York auction, Abdul-Muhsen is outbid but still wins the snuffbox and gifts it to Scott, demonstrating his affection. At the film's end, Scott conceals the snuffbox in her luggage as she passes through London customs, declaring it 'a gift.' The object serves as a tangible reminder of their brief romance and the tragedy of their relationship.

  • snuffbox
  • symbol
  • gift
  • london
  • romantic connection
  • object meaning
Q8

Why do the assassins in the Bahamas disguise themselves as Palestinian terrorists

The commandos who attack Abdul-Muhsen in the Bahamas masquerade as Palestinian terrorists, likely to deflect suspicion and create political confusion. By making it appear that radical Palestinians are responsible for the assassination, the real sponsors, presumably those opposed to peace, can avoid accountability while achieving their goal. This false flag operation demonstrates the geopolitical manipulation underlying the violence.

  • bahamas
  • false flag
  • palestinian terrorists
  • commando attack
  • disguise
Q9

Why does bodyguard Hamid turn against Abdul-Muhsen

Hamid, who has protected Abdul-Muhsen throughout the film and even helped save his life in the Bahamas, reveals his betrayal at the climax by pulling a gun on him. Hamid's orders likely came from higher-level powers who wanted Abdul-Muhsen dead regardless of the political outcome. His betrayal represents the pervasive corruption and cynicism that undermines Abdul-Muhsen's idealistic peace mission.

  • hamid
  • bodyguard
  • betrayal
  • corruption
  • final attack
  • inside threat
Q10

What happens with the suitcase bombs outside the Saudi embassy

As Abdul-Muhsen's convoy prepares to leave the Saudi embassy for the airport, adversaries plant four suitcase bombs among the protesters gathered outside. When the bombs detonate around Abdul-Muhsen's limousine, he survives because a wise police escort moved him to a different vehicle at the last moment. However, their car gets trapped in traffic, setting up the final confrontation where Hamid and Scott make their moves.

  • suitcase bombs
  • saudi embassy
  • explosion
  • escape
  • traffic
  • final scene setup
Q11

Who hired Nicole Scott to assassinate Abdul-Muhsen

Nicole Scott is an Irish aristocrat who works as a part-time assassin. She receives instructions from a handler who ultimately sends her the single word 'Now!' demanding she complete the mission. While the film doesn't explicitly name her employers, her assignment aligns with the interests of the same forces behind the earlier political assassinations, those who oppose any settlement that threatens the oil pricing status quo or normalization with Israel.

  • nicole scott
  • handler
  • hired killer
  • mission
  • employer
  • covert operation
Q12

What does Abdul-Muhsen mean by inviting Israel to join OPEC

In his second UN speech, Abdul-Muhsen announces Saudi Arabia is prepared to invite Israel to join OPEC, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. This shocking proposal represents the ultimate gesture of regional integration and peace, literally bringing Israel into the same economic bloc as Arab nations. It represents the culmination of his moderate vision and is likely the action that most directly triggers the final assassination attempt.

  • israel
  • opec
  • peace proposal
  • second un speech
  • integration
  • diplomatic breakthrough

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Next Man, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Next Man tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Relentless Paranoia Thrillers like The Next Man

Thrillers where the hunter is always close, and trust is a fatal mistake. If you enjoyed the high-tension pursuit and pervasive sense of betrayal in The Next Man, this selection features movies with a similar vibe. These are fast-paced, high-intensity political thrillers and spy stories where the protagonist is a marked individual, creating a world of constant danger and suspense.

  • tense
  • suspenseful
  • paranoid
  • bleak
  • deadly
  • politically charged
  • Tone: tense, bleak, paranoid
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a protagonist—often a diplomat, spy, or official—who becomes the target of a sophisticated assassination plot. The narrative is propelled by a series of escalating attacks and narrow escapes, underscored by the growing realization that the threat comes from within their own circle. The journey is one of isolation and grim determination against overwhelming odds.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their shared high-intensity pacing and tense, paranoid tone. They create a cohesive experience of being hunted, focusing on the psychological toll of betrayal and the deadly mechanics of political power plays. The emotional weight is consistently heavy, often culminating in bleak or tragic conclusions.

Fatalistic Political Tragedies like The Next Man

Stories where noble goals are crushed by cynical realities and personal betrayal. For viewers who appreciated the heavy emotional weight and tragic ending of The Next Man, this list features similar movies about doomed idealism. These stories explore the high costs of diplomacy and peacemaking in a world governed by violence and betrayal, often culminating in a profoundly sad conclusion.

  • bleak
  • tragic
  • politically charged
  • heavy
  • sad
  • betrayal
  • Tone: bleak, tragic, heavy
  • Pacing: steady, building to climax
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a protagonist dedicated to a cause like peace or justice, whose efforts are systematically undermined by more powerful, cynical forces. A key element is often a romantic or trusted relationship that turns out to be instrumental in their downfall. The story arc is a downward spiral, ending with the failure of their mission and their personal destruction, reinforcing a fatalistic worldview.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their heavy emotional weight, sad endings, and exploration of themes like failed diplomacy and betrayal. They share a bleak tone and a focus on the futility of idealism in the face of entrenched power, creating a coherent experience of tragic inevitability.

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Every angle

The Next Man (1976) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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