Patton (1970)
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97% of critics liked it
(36 reviews) -
92% of users liked it
(39,272 ratings)
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… More 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, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- PG, 2 hr. 51 min.
- Directed By
- Franklin J. Schaffner
- Written By
- Ladislas Farago, Omar N. Bradley, Francis Ford Coppola, Edmund H. North
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1970 Wide
- On DVD
- Nov 2, 1999
- Studio
- Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Variety Staff, Variety
War is hell, and Patton is one hell of a war picture, perhaps one of the most remarkable of its type ever made.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Nixon's favorite movie, which proves he was blind to ambiguity as well as a few other things.
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Vincent Canby, New York Times
It's both fascinating and appalling the sort of extravagant technically superior spectacle that only a big Hollywood movie company could afford to make, and the story of a man about whom only the Establishment could become genuinely sentimental.
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Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
Scott strikes an unforgettable figure.
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Scott's theatricality is electrifying.
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James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Remains to this day one of Hollywood's most compelling biographical war pictures.
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Paul Brenner, Filmcritic.com
intense, brazen, passionate
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Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
A bio-epic on the order of Lawrence of Arabia, Patton is a smart, even-handed, fully realized historical film. [Blu-Ray]
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James Plath, Movie Metropolis
Here's another catalog title that looks surprisingly good in Hi-Def, and a film that's so wonderful it will probably end up in quite a few home video collections.
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Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Superb telling of WWII General George Patton, brilliantly played by George C. Scott.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's Scott's virtuoso performance that carries the film.
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Leigh Singer, Film4
An absorbing, polished character study powered by an epic performance.
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, Empire Magazine
Scott is simply awesome as the one-of-a-kind General George Patton.
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Felix Gonzalez Jr., DVD Review
Viewers will come away from this set with more information than they probably expected to learn from a DVD, and they will be richer for it.
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Felix Gonzalez Jr., DVD Review
Scott appears not to act, but to fully inhabit his role, from his profanity spewing down to the swagger of his walk.
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Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
George C. Scott is terrific as General George S. Patton in this blend of intersting biopic and bland war film.
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
As written by Coppola and directed by Shaffner, Patton bears an ambiguous message, attempting to please right-wing and left-wing viewers, though George C. Scott's powerful performance rises above the film's politics.
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Derek Adams, Time Out
The film lays bare the roots of Patton's lust for power in his willingess to sacrifice everything to his vaunting ego, a trait which is mirrored in George C Scott's superb performance.
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Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
George Patton was born (at least once) for these big-screen dimensions. By the end of the movie you may hate the half-crazed son of a b!tch, but you can't not admire him.
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Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
Fox's two-disc Cinema Classics Collection edition (2006) improves upon Patton's earlier DVD editions in both style and content. It's a new transfer (2.20:1, anamorphic) from a 70mm print that's considerably cleaner than the 2001 edition....
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Mike S
Grandiose war epic, centered around the life and achievements of famous American general George S. Patton. Some interesting trivia about the film, as told to us in the introduction, is that Francis Ford Coppola - who wrote the original screenplay - actually got fired from his writing… More
Grandiose war epic, centered around the life and achievements of famous American general George S. Patton. Some interesting trivia about the film, as told to us in the introduction, is that Francis Ford Coppola - who wrote the original screenplay - actually got fired from his writing assignment, as they thought the opening scene was too "out there". A scene which later became one of the most iconic moments in classic cinema. Besides George C. Scott's fantastic performance, I also found Patton to be a very fascinating historic figure. He might not have the most likeable of personas, and in some ways you'll even detest him. But as a leader and human being, he's one of the few real warrior poets to have ever walked on this earth. His own obsession of ancient history and belief in past lives, is something that really struck a chord with me. Especially as I too share a very similar spiritual conviction. It's this nuanced portrayal of him that drives the movie forward, and makes the battles themselves secondary in relevance. A little too long for my taste, but yet a sweeping biopic, majestically directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. I also had the great benefit of watching this on Blu-ray, which made the experience all the more fulfilling. With a clean, crisp and amazingly detailed picture quality, the restoration job is so incredibly well done, it looks like the film could have been made today. So if you get the chance, I can really recommend you to see it in this format. It's truly worthy of such a beautifully crafted film. -
Daniel P
Lots to like about the 1970 Best Picture winner, but not quite a perfect film. It's longer than it needs to be, and as it goes on, Scott gets stagier and stagier in the lead role, begging for that last kick at the can. However, though its title suggests a biopic, it's really… More
Lots to like about the 1970 Best Picture winner, but not quite a perfect film. It's longer than it needs to be, and as it goes on, Scott gets stagier and stagier in the lead role, begging for that last kick at the can. However, though its title suggests a biopic, it's really kind of just a straight-ahead war movie, and a very good one at that. It takes apart just what it meant to fight this war, for this man, and puts it back together in a way that recognizes the polarizing figure that Patton (according to Coppola, who wrote the script) was. Also: maybe Bastogne and other places in northern France look generally the same, but the final missions of Call of Duty 2 seem to be visually inspired (is "copied" too strong?) from parts of this movie. A well-written, well-shot, entertaining film, one of few modern ones that carry that grandeur of Golden Age Hollywood. Also of note: the 2006 double DVD contains two very interesting documentaries that compare the real Patton to the one in the film. This first -"Patton: A Rebel Revisited" appears to be part of a series called "History through the Lens," and it's narrated by Burt Reynolds. It's 90 mins long and well worth it as well, very thorough and provides a great perspective on the challenges that come with fictionalizing reality for a big screen epic. What's most interesting to learn is that the prologue scene (Patton in front of the big flag) was shot last, because Scott refused to do it first. He said it was "too high" and that the film would never come back to that level. The director and producer feigned agreement, then put it first anyway... and the rest is history. -
Jeff "
Right from the opening scene where George S. Patton delivers his iconic speech, you know that Patton will be a monumental film. Patton is one of the greatest war films ever made, and also examines the life of a very complex man. George S. Patton was one of America's greatest… More
Right from the opening scene where George S. Patton delivers his iconic speech, you know that Patton will be a monumental film. Patton is one of the greatest war films ever made, and also examines the life of a very complex man. George S. Patton was one of America's greatest generals, but he also a very controversial figure. Brilliantly portrayed by George C. Scott, the role of General Patton fits Scott like a glove, and he is definitely THE actor to play the part. No other actor could have delivered such a unique performance as George C. Scott did. Patton is one of the best war films in the history of cinema. A thorough portrait as well as a war film, Patton examines the career of one of America's greatest commanders. Patton has a fair amount of action, drama and conflict that gives you a glimpse of the man behind the myth. Fact is, General George S. Patton was a larger than life hero who was one of the generals that the Germans feared the most. What the film does so well is go behind the man, it goes behind the myth and the legend, and shows Patton's successes as well as his lapses, most notably shown in the film when he slaps a shell shocked private. Which in turn cost him the command of Allied forces invading Normandy. Patton is a masterwork of cinema that remains a classic of the war genre. The film is worth watching for the opening speech alone. A truly remarkable war film and a real cinematic classic. -
moon r
A vivid personality profile of a soul who knows his own destiny and struggles to achieve just that: to be the greatest general of his time. Not every one agrees with his assessment, neither among his enemies or his "friends". Ultimately a film then about one personal fight… More
A vivid personality profile of a soul who knows his own destiny and struggles to achieve just that: to be the greatest general of his time. Not every one agrees with his assessment, neither among his enemies or his "friends". Ultimately a film then about one personal fight to be human. Scott lives and breathes the great man with an intensity that terrifies. -
Chris W
Before anything else: is this film anti-war or pro-war? Well, surprisingly enough, it simultaneously manages to be both, but also neither. It is instead en epic, fascinating, and brilliantly made character study focusing on part of the lifie and career of General George S. Patton- one… More
Before anything else: is this film anti-war or pro-war? Well, surprisingly enough, it simultaneously manages to be both, but also neither. It is instead en epic, fascinating, and brilliantly made character study focusing on part of the lifie and career of General George S. Patton- one of the greatest and most interesting figures in U.S. History. The film focuses on the last two years of Patton's life (1943-45) covering his campaigns in Africa, Italy, and the Battle of the Bulge (among a few other things). George C. Scott absolutely owns in the title role. For his efforts, he won numerous awards and acclaim, including an Oscar for Best Actor (which he famously refused to accept). The role also became the one that defined his career. He is absolutely perfect, truly capturing the essence and complex character of this most stunning and multi-faceted military genius. The film does take liberties, but is mostly true to history and the spirit of things. There are battle scenes, and they are well done, but this isn't about the fighting, but instead about how it impacted Patton and vice versa. This film is all him, with other roles receiving some (but not very much) fleshing out. That's totally okay though, as this is a biography of one man, not a bunch. The films really doesn't do a whole lot wrong, and was totally deserving of all the many Oscars it got (including Best Picture). Curiously though, it didn't win for cinematography or music, both of which are just completely top notch. This is a memorable film, mostly because the story and the lead performance are so memorable. The film does a great job in showing Patton's complexitiy, but unfortunately could have done a bit more to present an overall balanced portrait that is a bit more critical of the man than what is on screen. Overlooking his flaws, the film does a lot of celebrating. It's okay though, but is nevertheless a small blot on an otherwise flawless canvas. By all means I recomend seeing this film. It is a tremendous experience, and a great illustration of how to be a great leader, despite the fact that the man in question may have been a bit too drivem, too obsessed, too much of a loose cannon. Even then, he's a guy you definitely want on your side. -
Randy T
George C. Scott's signature performance in the role he was born to play. Few actors ever become so strongly identified with one character. It's a safe guess that, in America's collective memory, Scott is more Patton than Patton himself. Completely iconic. -
Stella D
i don't know why i'd always assumed this was some gung ho john wayne propaganda bs...maybe the cover lol. it's actually a really good film; 3 hours long and never boring. george c scott in a tour de force for which he famously turned down oscar -
Pierluigi P
George C. Scott was born to play the irascible and implacable american general George S. Patton in this eye-catching war film that depicts with grandiosity the allied assaults in europe and north africa, and the general's courageousness, straightforwardness, his somewhat… More
George C. Scott was born to play the irascible and implacable american general George S. Patton in this eye-catching war film that depicts with grandiosity the allied assaults in europe and north africa, and the general's courageousness, straightforwardness, his somewhat questionable treatment over his troops, and his peculiar but firm beliefs about the reincarnation of his soul. This eccentric character is one of the best representatives of the madness and nonsensicality of war. -
Michael G
There is nothing that is bad about this movie. George C. Scott's performance alone is worth it. Lots of great dialogue, a great score--you can't go wrong. I'm guessing that the story built Patton up to be greater than he actually may have been (dramatic license and… More
There is nothing that is bad about this movie. George C. Scott's performance alone is worth it. Lots of great dialogue, a great score--you can't go wrong. I'm guessing that the story built Patton up to be greater than he actually may have been (dramatic license and all), but if these events are entirely factual, I'd love to see what have happened if The Allies let Patton off the leash. I never knew much about Patton, but I liked how the movie portrayed his character, his razor-sharp wit and his humanity. -
Mister C
Classic! -
Curtis L
Awesome movie. -
Christopher M
A solid movie that gives us the great George C. Scott's best performance ever. Also some of the best battle scenes ever filmed, really liked it. -
Dillon L
A decent character study biopic with an iconic performance by George C. Scott. It kind of gives the impression that America has always been the hero when it comes to war, but it doesn't quite cross that line. -
Cameron J
George C. Scott as George S. Patton? That name similarity is a bit too coincidental. I'm on to you guys. ...I don't get it either. But seriously though, the film suffers from overdrawn points, expendable scenes, unengaging points and worst of all, slowness. Still, the film… More
George C. Scott as George S. Patton? That name similarity is a bit too coincidental. I'm on to you guys. ...I don't get it either. But seriously though, the film suffers from overdrawn points, expendable scenes, unengaging points and worst of all, slowness. Still, the film is supported by an effective hook, great production designs, fine cinematography, a good score, some good dialogue, grand action sequences, some emotional resonanse at points and a progressive increase in compellingness. As for Scott's legendary performance, it sure is a heck of one. The late, great George C. Scott as the late, great George S. Patton (again, I'm on to you) is one of the first and one of finest examples of how the '70s ushered in a new standard of acting. He almost fully embodies the role and carries the film with a compelling atmosphere that's unlike most during his time. Now, his performance holds up and he still carries the film with his being deeply immersed in the role. I'm not fully on board when people call it one of cinema's greatest performances, but it's certainly one to remember. In the end, though its long length is palpable, "Patton" and leading man George C. Scott's performance were once milestones in cinematic abilities and now, they're still quite the sight to behold in this classic epic war biopic that's worth experiencing. -
Danny R
Winner of seven 1970 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for George C. Scott 's monumental performance as one of the Twentieth century's greatest military geniuses General George S. Patton is one the finest in the history of the cinema. A milestone in… More
Winner of seven 1970 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for George C. Scott 's monumental performance as one of the Twentieth century's greatest military geniuses General George S. Patton is one the finest in the history of the cinema. A milestone in screen biographies: Scott totally captures the essence of Patton who was tough, cultured, fearless, resilient, patriotic, bull-headed, charming and uncompromising. It's a gutsy, honest and fascinating portrait of 'a pure warrior, and a magnificent anachronism, who loved war. Patton was the greatest field General of World War II, he was also the most feared by the the Nazis, more than any other Allied General. The film boasts a series of brilliantly staged battle sequences, tracing Patton's career in the North African, Sicilian, and European campaigns. Stunningly directed by Franklin J. Schaffner with a tremendous supporting performance by Karl Malden as General Omar Bradley one of Patton's closest friends. An exquisite Oscar winning screenplay by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North, this was a real breakthrough for Coppola, who went on to write and direct "The Godfather". Jerry Goldsmith wrote one of his finest scores for this film. Extraordinary cinematography by Fred J. Koenekamp, who shot the film in beautiful 70mm widescreen. A stirring and spectacular epic. Highly Recommended. -
Mike T
George C. Scott delivers a fantastic performance in this sprawling epic of a biopic. It is a tad too long, but it is well-written and directed and acted with a sure hand. -
Brian R
Surprised to notice this picture came out during America's involvement in the Vietnam War, clearly a patriotic picture although I prefer the movie "MASH" "Patton" is a great epic picture, George C. Scott as the military strategist George S Patton, famous for… More
Surprised to notice this picture came out during America's involvement in the Vietnam War, clearly a patriotic picture although I prefer the movie "MASH" "Patton" is a great epic picture, George C. Scott as the military strategist George S Patton, famous for the opening speech with a huge American flag behind him preaches war confidence. For all you know Patton could have been made President. -
Simeon D
In 1967, Francis Ford Coppola was fired from writing the script for the biopic of a well known WWII General. Three years later, Patton was made and won the Oscar for Best Picture, as well as Coppola's first Oscar for Best Screenplay. Patton really set the base for all… More
In 1967, Francis Ford Coppola was fired from writing the script for the biopic of a well known WWII General. Three years later, Patton was made and won the Oscar for Best Picture, as well as Coppola's first Oscar for Best Screenplay. Patton really set the base for all subsequent war films. It also redefined the term "Oscar Bait". What I mean is that all Oscar Bait movies pretty much try to copy this and fail by not having George C. Scott's larger than life performance, the excellently handled epic scope and cinematography, and deft dramatic depth. It truly is a marvelous film that stands unparalleled to other biopics, war films, and cinematic spectacles because of its visual poetry and resonate story of a modern day giant. 96/100 -
Lauren D
I think the main reason I didn't like it was because I didn't understand the context. I don't even know anything about the history of my own country (Australia) and so know even less about US history. The only thing I know about World War II was that Hitler pwned the… More
I think the main reason I didn't like it was because I didn't understand the context. I don't even know anything about the history of my own country (Australia) and so know even less about US history. The only thing I know about World War II was that Hitler pwned the Jews. So, if a WWII movie isn't about Jews or Hitler, I don't get it. I get that I sound ignorant, but I honestly don't care about history at all, which probably accounts for my love of science fiction and things set in the future. Anyway, the movie... I thought it was boring, obviously. I don't have a clue who the hell Patton was and I don't get what made him so important. I also didn't like George C. Scott or anyone else for that matter, all the dialogue sounded forced and they seemed very amateur-ish. I also hated the character of Patton because he has got to be the most boring person who ever existed, so I really didn't care about anything he was doing. The whole movie just seemed pointless, but eh, that's just my opinion. -
Lord N
"Now I want you to remember, that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. he won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" and with that line, the first in a long line of great 70's Best Picture winners begins. what to say about George C.… More
"Now I want you to remember, that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. he won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" and with that line, the first in a long line of great 70's Best Picture winners begins. what to say about George C. Scott's performance that hasn't been said a million times before. it is one of the greatest performances I have ever seen. He did such a great job making the character so fun to watch "ROMMEL YOU MISERABLE BASTARD I READ YOUR BOOK!" I could watch this movie over and over again. the character of Patton is one of the best. "God have mercy on my enemies, I wont." pure genius. Final Verdict: Right on. George C. Scott's powerhouse performance combined with everything about this movie being amazing makes this an excellent Best Picture winner.
Cast
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George C. Scottas George S. Patton Jr. -
Karl Maldenas Gen. Omar N. Bradley -
Michael Batesas Field Marshal Sir Bernard Law Montgomery
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Karl Michael Vogleras Field Marshal Erwin Rommel -
Edward Binnsas Major Gen. Walter Bedell Smith -
Lawrence Dobkinas Col. Gaston Bell
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John Doucetteas Major Gen. Lucian K. Truscott -
Siegfried Rauchas Capt. Oskar Steiger -
Tim Considineas Soldier Who Gets Slapped
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Peter Barkworthas Col. John Welkin -
John Barrieas Air Vice-Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham -
David Baueras Lt. Gen. Harry Buford
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James Edwardsas Sgt. William George Meeks -
David Healyas Clergyman -
Bill Hickmanas Gen. Patton's Driver
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Sandy Kevinas Correspondent -
Frank Latimoreas Lt. Col. Henry Davenport -
Alan MacNaughtonas British Briefing Officer
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Richard Münchas Col. Gen. Alfred Jodl -
Lionel Murtonas 3rd Army Chaplain -
Newsreels
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Morgan Paullas Capt. Richard N. Jenson -
Clint Ritchieas Tank Captain -
Paul Stevensas Lt. Col. Charles R. Codman
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Michael Strongas Brig. Gen. Hobart Carver -
Lowell Thomasas Narrator of Fox Movietone -
Douglas Wilmeras Maj. Gen. Francis de Guingand
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Stephen Youngas Capt. Chester B. Hansen -
Carey Loftinas Gen. Bradley's Driver -
Gerald Floodas Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder
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Jack Gwyllimas Harold Alexander -
Harry Morganas Uncredited -
George C.Scott
