Patton (film)

Patton (film)
Name	Patton
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	Franklin J. Schaffner
Producer	Frank McCarthy
Screenplay	Francis Ford Coppola, Edmund H. North
Starring	George C. Scott, Karl Malden
Music	Jerry Goldsmith
Cinematography	Fred J. Koenekamp
Editing	Hugh S. Fowler
Studio	20th Century Fox
Released	4 February 1970
Runtime	172 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$12 million
Gross	$61.7 million

Patton (film). *Patton* is a 1970 American epic biographical war film about George S. Patton, the flamboyant and controversial general during World War II. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and starring George C. Scott in the title role, the film depicts his command in the North African campaign and the European theater. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Scott, who famously declined the honor.

Plot

The film opens with Patton's famous speech to the Third Army before a giant American flag. It then chronicles his revitalization of the demoralized II Corps after the defeat at the Battle of the Kasserine Pass in Tunisia. Following success in North Africa, Patton leads the Seventh Army during the Allied invasion of Sicily, where his rivalry with British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery and his slapping of two shell-shocked soldiers leads to his temporary removal from command. Reinstated before the Normandy landings, he commands the Third Army during its rapid advance across France, the relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, and the final push into Nazi Germany. The film concludes with Patton's post-war dismissal after controversial remarks and his poignant final walk with his dog.

Cast

* George C. Scott as General George S. Patton * Karl Malden as General Omar Bradley * Stephen Young as Captain Chester B. Hansen * Michael Strong as Brigadier General Hobart R. Gay * Carey Loftin as General Bradley's driver * Albert Dumortier as Moroccan Minister * Frank Latimore as Lieutenant Colonel Henry Davenport * Morgan Paull as Captain Richard N. Jenson * Karl Michael Vogler as Field Marshal Erwin Rommel * Bill Hickman as General Patton's driver * Pat Zurica as Soldier Slapped by Patton

Production

The project was developed for nearly two decades by producer Frank McCarthy, a former brigadier general. The screenplay was written by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North, with North focusing on the military narrative and Coppola developing Patton's complex interior life. Director Franklin J. Schaffner filmed extensively in Spain, Morocco, Greece, and England to stand in for the various battlefields. George C. Scott immersed himself in the role, studying newsreels and adopting Patton's distinctive high-pitched voice. The iconic score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith.

Historical accuracy

While largely faithful to the major events of Patton's wartime service, the film employs dramatic compression and composite characters. The timeline of certain events, like the slapping incidents and the timing of his command assignments, is streamlined for narrative flow. The portrayal of Omar Bradley as a calm, moderating influence is generally accurate, though the film downplays his own significant command authority. The famous opening monologue is a stylized amalgamation of several actual speeches Patton gave. Military historians note the film accurately captures the essence of Patton's aggressive tactics and his profound belief in reincarnation and martial destiny.

Reception

Upon its release, *Patton* was a major critical and commercial success. It was praised for its grand scale, intelligent screenplay, and particularly for George C. Scott's towering, multifaceted performance. The film won seven Academy Awards out of ten nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Schaffner, and Best Actor. Scott's public refusal of the Oscar, criticizing the competitive nature of the awards, became a legendary moment in Academy Awards history. The film also resonated during the Vietnam War era, with some interpreting it as both a celebration of martial vigor and a cautionary tale about militarism.

Legacy

*Patton* is widely regarded as one of the greatest war films and biographical pictures ever made. It cemented George C. Scott's status as a premier actor and influenced countless subsequent military dramas. The film's depiction of leadership, strategy, and the paradoxes of genius in war continues to be studied at institutions like the United States Military Academy at West Point. Its iconic imagery, especially the opening speech, has become deeply embedded in popular culture. The film preserved Patton's larger-than-life persona for new generations, ensuring his legacy as one of America's most famous and controversial military figures.

Category:1970 films Category:American biographical war films Category:Best Picture Academy Award winners