Patton is a 1970 American epic biographical war film about U.S. General George S. Patton during World War II. It stars George C. Scott as Patton and Karl Malden as General Omar Bradley, and was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner from a script by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North, who based their screenplay on "Patton: Ordeal and Triumph" by Ladislas Farago and Bradley's memoir, "A Soldier's Story".
The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. George C. Scott also won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of General Patton. The film covers Patton's wartime activities and accomplishments, beginning with his entry into the North African campaign and ending with his removal from command after his outspoken criticism of US post-war military strategy. The film is known for George C. Scott's outstanding performance as Patton, and it has been praised for its portrayal of the historically significant character.
Plot
- The film begins with Patton's career in North Africa, where he is sent to spearhead the U.S. sector of the North African campaign after German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel's Afrika Korps severely defeated American tank units in the Kasserine Pass, Tunisia.
- Patton's dramatic flair for leadership revitalizes the tank corps, and his belief in reincarnation and the succession of great warriors and battles that have preceded him is evident.
- With the help of his deputy commander, General Omar N. Bradley, Patton scored a decisive victory over Rommel at El Guettar, which eventually led to the German expulsion from North Africa.
- Patton's next assignment is to lead the 7th Army into Sicily by taking Palermo, but he is ordered to protect the flank of his chief rival, British Field Marshal Montgomery, while Montgomery leads the invasion of Sicily.
- As the Italian campaign continued, Patton became more controversial. He is enraged by what he perceives as a display of cowardice by a shell-shocked soldier who orders him sent back to the front, which results in his first serious setback.
- The war grinds on, and Patton is called to England prior to D-Day. He believes he will be commanding the invasion but finds that his big mouth and bigger ego have gotten him into too much trouble, making him a liability to the fragile alliance trying to fight the Germans.
- Patton is ordered to shut up and stay out of trouble, but he chafes at what may be his last chance to be in a great battle.
- Arriving in France days after the invasion, he meets with General Bradley again, who puts Patton on probation and gives him a chance to redeem himself.
- The film portrays Patton's leadership style, his belief in himself, and his controversial methods, which nearly prevent the fulfillment of his destiny.
Trailer
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Cast
- George C. Scott as General George S. Patton Jr.
- Karl Malden as General Omar N. Bradley
- Michael Bates as Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery
- Edward Binns as Major General Walter Bedell Smith
- Stephen Young as Captain Chester B. Hansen
- Frank Latimore as Lieutenant Colonel Henry Davenport
- Morgan Paull as Captain Richard N. Jenson
- Karl Michael Vogler as Field Marshal Erwin Rommel
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
Writer: Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North
Box Office Gross: $27,000,000
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Release Dates:
United States: February 4, 1970
United Kingdom: April 2, 1970
Themes & reception
The themes of "Patton" (1970) include leadership, war, and the personality of General George S. Patton Jr. The film portrays Patton as a complex and controversial figure, highlighting his strengths as a leader and his flaws as a human being. The movie also explores the relationship between Patton and other military leaders, such as General Omar N. Bradley and Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery.
The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and it won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. George C. Scott's performance as Patton was particularly praised, and he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film's box office gross was $27,000,000 in North America. The movie's soundtrack, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, is also highly regarded and features a memorable march and battle theme.
Challenges Faced
The challenges faced during the production of "Patton" (1970) included logistical and historical accuracy issues. The filmmakers had to recreate the World War II era with authenticity, which involved obtaining accurate military equipment, costumes, and locations. Additionally, the film's budget constraints and the need to coordinate large-scale battle scenes presented significant challenges during production.
Visual Styles & techniques
The visual style and techniques in Patton (1970) were notable for their attention to historical accuracy and the portrayal of World War II. The film's photography, executed with consummate skill at the 20th Century-Fox California studios by L.B. ("Bill”) Abbott, ASC, and Art Cruikshank, ASC, included special photographic effects that were particularly noteworthy, especially in the battle scenes. The cinematography aimed to capture the authenticity of the era and the intensity of the war, contributing to the film's immersive portrayal of General George S. Patton's wartime experiences.
Settings
The settings of "Patton" (1970) include various locations that were used to recreate the World War II era. Many scenes were filmed in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Morocco, and Greece. The film aimed to authentically depict the battlefields and military operations during the North African and European campaigns of World War II, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of General George S. Patton Jr. amidst the historical backdrop of the war. The attention to detail in the settings and the use of various locations contributed to the film's immersive portrayal of this significant period in history.
Fun Fact
Here's an interesting fun fact about Patton (1970): George C. Scott, who played General George S. Patton Jr. in the film, was not the first choice for the role. The original choice for the part was Richard Burton, but he had to drop out due to health problems, leading to Scott's replacement. This change in casting resulted in a memorable performance by Scott, which helped solidify the film's success and his Academy Award-winning portrayal of Patton.
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