"Patton" tells the tale of General George S. Patton, famous tank commander of World War II. The film begins with Patton's career in North Africa and progresses through the invasion of Germany and the fall of the Third Reich. Side plots also speak of Patton's numerous faults such his temper and habit towards insubordination.
Acting
Scott's opening speech to the troops—unbroken six minutes of pure possession.
Cinematography
Fred J. Koenekamp makes North Africa look like an alien planet of sand and steel.
Score
Jerry Goldsmith's haunting tri-tones—military glory with something rotten underneath.
Director
Franklin J. Schaffner
George C. Scott
General George S. Patton Jr.
Karl Malden
General Omar N. Bradley
Stephen Young
Captain Chester B. Hansen
Michael Strong
Brigadier General Hobart Carver
Carey Loftin
General Bradley's Driver
Frank Latimore
Lieutenant Colonel Henry Davenport
Morgan Paull
Captain Richard N. Jenson
Karl Michael Vogler
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel
Bill Hickman
General Patton's Driver
James Edwards
Sergeant William George Meeks
Lawrence Dobkin
Colonel Gaston Bell
David Bauer
Lieutenant General Harry Buford
John Barrie
Air Vice-Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Scott refused his Best Actor Oscar, calling the Oscars 'a meat parade'—the Academy kept it anyway.
The opening flag speech was shot last; Scott finally understood Patton's contradictions enough to nail it in one take.
US
