Thursday, May 15, 2014

Seven Days in May 1964


Seven Days in May


     This film is adapted by Rod Serling from a best-selling novel written by Fletcher Knebel and Charles Waldo Bailey II.  The story was allegedly inspired by the activities of General Edwin Walker.  Jordan Lyman is the President of the United States.  The country is divided over a plan to push a nuclear disarmament treaty with Russia through the Senate.  General James Mattoon Scott believes he is speaking for the people when he states this treaty is a mistake.  He feels Russia will not give up their weapons while the US destroys their supply.  Scott would like to replace the President and he doesn’t want to wait two years for the opportunity.  Marine Colonel Jiggs Casey has found evidence of Scott’s plans and he goes to the president to tell him the information he has gathered.  Each side of this plan is not sure whom they can trust.
     There are a lot of good actors in this film and the story could take place today.  Even though the subject is timely and interesting, it seems very dry.  I had a hard time keeping interested.  Maybe it was all the politics and military?  Ava Gardner is forty-two in this film but she looks harsh and older.  3* (This movie is OK)

118 min, Drama directed by John Frankenheimer with Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Fredric March, Ava Gardner, Edmond O’Brien, Martin Balsam, Andrew Duggan, Hugh Marlowe, Whit Bissell, Helen Kleeb, George Macready.

Note:  Imdb 7.9 out of 10, 100% critic 88% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 4.7 out of 5 with 170 reviews.





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