(1970)

Submitted by Mark

Academy Award – BEST PICTURE – 1970
POOPER:
Gen. George Patton (George C. Scott) gets stripped of command for slapping a soldier in Sicily.
After a time in the political doghouse, he’s given a command in Europe, where his brilliant tactics save the Americans in the battle of the Bulge. Patton wants to keep attacking hard, but more political generals keep him from taking Berlin and/or Prague.
Weird “accidents” start to happen, but the movie ends before Patton’s death in 1946.


LONG VERSION: (Submitted by Dan)
The movie chronicles the life of General George S. Patton Jr. (George C. Scott) during World War II. The film begins with Patton’s entry into the North African campaign where he takes command of the U.S. forces following a devastating defeat at Kasserine Pass. His strict discipline and strategic brilliance lead to significant victories against the German forces led by Field Marshal Rommel (Karl Michael Vogler). Patton then moves to Sicily, where he competes with British General Montgomery (Michael Bates) to capture Messina, showcasing his aggressive tactics. However, his career is marred by controversies, including the infamous incident where he slaps a shell-shocked soldier, leading to public outcry and his temporary sidelining.

As the war progresses, Patton commands the Third Army in the Normandy campaign and the Battle of the Bulge, but his outspoken criticism of post-war military strategy and his comments about the Soviets lead to his eventual removal from command.
The film ends with Patton reflecting on his life and military career, contemplating his destiny while in Germany, just before his fatal car accident in 1945, which is not depicted but implied as the narrative concludes.

Academy Awards Won:
Best Picture
Best Director (Franklin J. Schaffner)
Best Actor (George C. Scott, who declined the award)
Best Writing, Original Screenplay (Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North)
Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
Best Film Editing
Best Sound

Academy Awards Nominated For:
Best Cinematography
Best Music, Original Score (Jerry Goldsmith