Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Patton




Against a backdrop of the Stars and Stripes, General George S. Patton (George C. Scott) addresses his troops on the eve of battle. His uniform is impeccable, his medals uncountable, and his ramrod demeanor unassailable. As he speaks to the men about to embark on their first great adventure, his manor runs the gamut from stern, to jovial, amused, profane and reverent. To Patton, it is obvious that war is the greatest expression of the human condition.

North Africa, 1942: In their first encounter with Rommel's Africa Corps, the Americans are badly beaten. In the post-battle assessment, Gen. Omar Bradley (Karl Malden) decides what's needed is the best tank commander they have: Patton. He answers the call and arrives amid wailing sirens and a cloud of dust. He's also early and catches most of the soldiers off guard, a mistake they learn not to make again. Believing the casual attitude diplayed by the troops to be the primary source of their defeat, he quickly begins to set things to rights. Patton's belief in himself is unshakable, and there's only one way to get things done-his way. Quickly re-estblishing discipline and routine, he commands his men with an iron fist. He also has great respect for the Germans he's up against, and has studied the tactics of Rommel in the field.

4 comments:

His Excellency said...

One of my boyhood favorites! Even
though the panzer VIs where M48s...)

Bill said...

His Excellency said...

One of my boyhood favorites! Even
though the panzer VIs where M48s...)

Yup that one and "Battle Of The Bulge" where the German Tigers
where M47s!

His Excellency said...

Bill said...
Yup that one and "Battle Of The Bulge" where the German Tigers
where M47s!

Oh yeah, and the Sherman stand
ins were M24 light tanks, to
make the M47s look more
imposing...)

Joe said...

Seen this one over a dozen times at least!