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George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Michael Bates, Karl Michael Vogler, Edward Binns ... see more see more... , Lawrence Dobkin , John Doucette , Siegfried Rauch , Tim Considine , Peter Barkworth , John Barrie , David Bauer , James Edwards , David Healy , Bill Hickman , Sandy Kevin , Frank Latimore , Alan MacNaughton , Richard Münch , Lionel Murton , Newsreels , Morgan Paull , Clint Ritchie , Paul Stevens , Michael Strong , Lowell Thomas , Douglas Wilmer , Stephen Young , Carey Loftin , Gerald Flood , Jack Gwyllim , Harry Morgan , George C.Scott , Don J. Bassman , Douglas O. Williams

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 (Ka... read more read more...rl 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

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92% liked it

40,899 ratings

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98% liked it

40 critics

PG, 2 hr. 50 min.

Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner

Release Date: January 1, 1970

Keywords: war

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DVD Release Date: November 2, 1999

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Stats: 2,607 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (2,607)

  • fb100001048934982
    February 12, 2013
    fb100001048934982
    'Patton' is the successful film that it is because of George C. Scott's amazing performance as the violent and vulnerable general. The action pieces are well done, the script is witty and well paced, and the film is well shot. What makes 'Patton' stand out from other war movies t... read morehough is Scott's command of both the screen and the role. From first shot to last, 'Patton' is one of the greatest war films you can experience.
  • CloudStrife84
    December 7, 2011
    CloudStrife84
    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 wri... read moreting 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.
  • danperry17
    October 29, 2011
    danperry17
    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... read more 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.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    June 21, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    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 gene... read morerals, 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.
  • UniversalDreamer
    May 30, 2011
    UniversalDreamer
    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 b... read moree human. Scott lives and breathes the great man with an intensity that terrifies.
  • cosmo313
    May 27, 2011
    cosmo313
    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... read more- 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.
  • flixsterman
    March 23, 2010
    flixsterman
    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.
  • rubystevens
    September 3, 2009
    rubystevens
    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
  • pier007
    May 10, 2008
    pier007
    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 question... read moreable 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.
  • mjgildea
    November 1, 2007
    mjgildea
    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 t... read morehese 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.

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Critic Reviews

Andrew Sarris
February 6, 2013
Andrew Sarris, Village Voice

George C. Scott's performance cannot be praised highly enough for capturing both the violence and the vulnerability of the Patton personality without degenerating either into vulgar caricature or card... Full Review

Variety Staff
February 19, 2008
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. Full Review

Dave Kehr
December 13, 2006
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Nixon's favorite movie, which proves he was blind to ambiguity as well as a few other things. Full Review

Derek Adams
June 24, 2006
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. Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
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 Esta...

Michael Wilmington
July 2, 2002
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune

Scott strikes an unforgettable figure. Full Review

Roger Ebert
March 24, 2002
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Scott's theatricality is electrifying. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Remains to this day one of Hollywood's most compelling biographical war pictures. Full Review

Scott Nash
February 15, 2013
Scott Nash, Three Movie Buffs

Although I have sometimes complained about the length of movies, I wouldn't begrudge a single minute from Patton's nearly three hour running time. Full Review

February 15, 2013
Total Film

It's certainly a great performance from Scott, a seamless, pity-free portrayal. Full Review

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Facts

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    • George S. Patton Jr.: Come on Willy let's go for a walk.
    • George S. Patton Jr.: When you put your hand, into a bunch of goo, that a moment before was your best friend's face... you'll know what to do.
    • George S. Patton Jr.: The above quotes are all erroneous, and grievously so, except for the very first!
    • George S. Patton Jr.: I know I'm a prima donna. I admit it. What I can't stand about Monty is, he won't admit it.
    • Uncredited: There he goes, old blood and guts.... his glory... our guts.
    • Gen. Omar N. Bradley: [speaking to Patton] I've done this job because I've been trained to do it... you do it because... you love it.
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Patton Trivia

  • He won best actor for the movie Patton  Answer »
  • what is the title of the new movie starring denzel washington, val kilmer and paula patton?  Answer »
  • Lee Marvin was offered the lead role in Patton?  Answer »
  • For which film did Francis Ford Coppolla win his first of five oscars (it was for writing the best screenplay in 1970)?   Answer »
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