July 1945. The war in Europe is over and General George S Patton, 3rd Army commander and a man who made a large contribution to the Allies' victory over Germany, is now military governor of Bavaria. True to form he doesn't always see eye-to-eye with his superiors and is prone to making comments that they don't approve of.
A sequel to the excellent 1970 film Patton, of sorts. The 1970 film covered Patton's death so chronologically not a sequel but this, the 1986 film, concentrates 100% on Patton's post-war life while the 1970 film devoted about 1% to it. The fact that George C Scott reprises his role as Patton in this film having won an Oscar for his portrayal of the General in the 1970 film certainly makes this look like a sequel.
The outcome is quite interesting, showing Patton's governorship of Bavaria and how his methods don't accord with General Eisenhower's policies, his reassignment and final days. Quite educational in many respects and quite accurately told. While I'm not an expert on these things, the medical procedures and prognoses towards the end seem very authentic: no dumbing down of that aspect, which is a relief. The last portion of the film is also quite emotional.
Good performance by George C Scott (again) with a solid supporting cast that includes Eva Marie Saint as Patton's wife, Beatrice, and Richard Dysart as Eisenhower. I found Murray Hamilton a bit hammy and irritating as General Gay though.
This film is not in the same league as the first Patton though. Admittedly, that film did win the 1971 Best Picture Oscar so it was always going to be a tough act to follow. While the first film was a compelling, enthralling depiction of the life of one of WW2's greatest generals, this film is much more subdued and conventional.
A sequel to the excellent 1970 film Patton, of sorts. The 1970 film covered Patton's death so chronologically not a sequel but this, the 1986 film, concentrates 100% on Patton's post-war life while the 1970 film devoted about 1% to it. The fact that George C Scott reprises his role as Patton in this film having won an Oscar for his portrayal of the General in the 1970 film certainly makes this look like a sequel.
The outcome is quite interesting, showing Patton's governorship of Bavaria and how his methods don't accord with General Eisenhower's policies, his reassignment and final days. Quite educational in many respects and quite accurately told. While I'm not an expert on these things, the medical procedures and prognoses towards the end seem very authentic: no dumbing down of that aspect, which is a relief. The last portion of the film is also quite emotional.
Good performance by George C Scott (again) with a solid supporting cast that includes Eva Marie Saint as Patton's wife, Beatrice, and Richard Dysart as Eisenhower. I found Murray Hamilton a bit hammy and irritating as General Gay though.
This film is not in the same league as the first Patton though. Admittedly, that film did win the 1971 Best Picture Oscar so it was always going to be a tough act to follow. While the first film was a compelling, enthralling depiction of the life of one of WW2's greatest generals, this film is much more subdued and conventional.