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This superb biographical film won the 1970 Academy Award for Best Picture, with George C. Scott earning (but refusing) the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the flamboyant American general. Director Franklin J. Schaffner's epic conjures a larger-than-life Patton against a big-budget, wide-screen WWII backdrop, following him from his arrival in North Africa in 1943 to the days immediately following the German surrender in 1945. That the film examines a mere two years in Patton's life seems suitable for a man who declares at one point, "Compared to war, all other forms of human endeavor shrink to insignificance." So Gen. George S. Patton's background, private life, and postwar career (which was cut short by an automobile accident) are of no interest. Instead, Patton portrays the man as a magnificent anachronism, an eternal warrior who lives only to fight. Scott's gravely voiced portrayal is the stuff of legend: Kicking off with the famous monologue delivered in front of a wall-sized American flag, Scott struts and bullies his way through the film with absolute conviction. Although Patton's vainglorious bloodlust is effectively contrasted with the down-to-earth decency of his friend and rival General Omar Bradley (Karl Malden), Patton does not try to conceal its deep affection and admiration for the eponymous hero. Indeed, the film seems at times a romantic celebration of war -- its gore-free battle scenes set against magnificent scenery to Jerry Goldsmith's rousing score. Yet the defense of the film rests in the observation that, for good or ill, this Patton is a true archetype, and his love of war is not merely an aberration but an expression of something deep within the human psyche. Ultimately, whether you admire or revile him, attention must be paid to a man like this, and Patton stands as one of Hollywood's most powerful depictions of the seemingly unquenchable thirst for the glory of battle. Gregory Baird

All Movie Guide

In 1943 North Africa, George Patton (George C. Scott) assumes command of (and instills some much-needed discipline in) the American forces. Engaged in battle against Germany's Field Marshal Rommel (Karl Michael Vogler), Patton drives back "The Desert Fox" by using the German's own tactics. Promoted to Lieutenant General, Patton is sent to Sicily, where he engages in a personal war of egos with British Field Marshal Montgomery (Michael Bates). Performing brilliantly in Italy, Patton seriously jeopardizes his future with a single slap. While touring an Army hospital, the General comes across a GI (Tim Considine) suffering from nervous fatigue. Incensed by what he considers a slacker, Patton smacks the poor soldier and orders him to get well in a hurry. This incident results in his losing his command-and, by extension, missing out on D-Day. In his final campaign, Patton leads the US 3rd Army through Europe. Unabashedly flamboyant, Patton remains a valuable resource, but ultimately proves too much of a "loose cannon" in comparison to the more level-headed tactics of his old friend Omar Bradley (Karl Malden). Patton won 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Scott, an award that he refused. Hal Erickson

Product Details

• UPC: 024543026358
• Source: 20TH CENTURY FOX
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sales Rank: 13,506

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Wwii Collection
• The Great Fox War Movies
• Best Actor Collection
• War Hero Collection
• Anthology of War on Film Collection
• War Hero Collection

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