The 1970 movie Patton written by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. Schaffner stars legendary actor George C. Scott portraying General George S. Patton Jr., America's most flamboyant military commander who was both loved and hated by his own men as well as his superiors. The movie only follows Patton's leadership of the 2nd Corps and the 7th and 3rd Army during World War II and while the viewer is not privy to Patton's entire military career there is more than enough content to get a feel for the multi-faceted man. In watching the film I was particularly struck by the question "Do motion pictures about American history depict what really happened?" After a brief film summary I shall endeavor to answer this question.
The movie opens with Patton in full dress uniform standing in front of a huge American flag addressing his troops. After that we see Patton arriving at Kasserine to take command of the American 2nd Corps, demoralized after a defeat by the Germans. Patton proceeds to whip the 2nd Corps into shape and win battle after battle. Then Patton was sent to Sicily to command the 7th Army where his rivalry with British General and fellow prima donna Sir Bernard Law Montgomery was further inflamed. After a slapping incident during the Sicily campaign and a stay in "the dog house" Patton was sent to Europe and given command of the American 3rd Army. At the end of the war in Europe Patton looses command of the 3rd Army because of his attitude towards the Russian allies and we see our hero sullenly walking his dog into the sunset.
Do films about American history depict what actually happened or are they distorted versions of the truth? In relation to the movie Patton I would have to say that all things considered, yes. While certain things in the movie were slightly distorted or fictionalized, such as dialog and some mundane every day occurrences, the entire movie was really quite accurate in its portrayal of what really took place.
General George Patton was born in San Gabriel, California; 1885. Patton graduated from West Point in the year of 1909. ... Patton told the U.S. about the tanks and how they are the weapons of the future. ... By January 1942, Patton was commanding general of I Armored Corps. ... Patton was the most admired and controversial generals of his time. ...
To fully understand the meaning you must know a little bit about General Patton. ... General Patton is said to completely believe in reincarnation. ... The windmill tower is a direct symbol of General Patton. ... General Patton can directly relate to Don Quixote. ... Both Don Quixote and General Patton are relentless in regards to battle. ...
General Patton, Jr. is deserving of the title "Leader". ... While most chose the .22 revolvers, Patton chose the .38. ... General Patton was not also a leader but also a student. ... Patton was named Commanding General on April 11, 1941, and a few weeks later, General Patton appeared on the cover of People magazine. ... Personality wise, General Patton was self-confident, and humble. ...
Patton I chose General George S. ... Patton General Patton won many battles because he taught his men to be tough, and he would not ask his men to do anything that he would not do himself. ... General Patton had to apologize and was released from his post and missed D-Day, D-Day was an important mission The Germans feared General Patton the most because he was so fearless. ... Patton General George S. ... Patton museum in Fort Knox, Kentucky....
Patton, Jr. was born november11th 1885 in San Gabriel,California to George Smith and Ruth Patton. ... Unlike many war heroes who had no intention of ever becoming famous, George Patton decided during childhood that his goal in life was to be a hero. ... John often visited the Patton house and would entertain Georgie for hours with tales of his Civil War adventures. ... Although he was a great man through his eventful leadership, however, " All Good Things Must Come To An End." as they say and they did when Patton died In December 1945 when a truck hit his car and he was severely injured. ... ...
" This is the main idea that author Susan Patton tries to convey throughout her book, Marry Smart. Susan Patton is a middle-aged divorced mother of two sons and went to Princeton University. ... Susan Patton thinks that while you are in college this is the best time to be looking for a husband. ... Susan Patton makes it seem like while you're young you should make yourself pretty and get men to notice you and then once you've gotten married you can let go and have them see what you really look like. Marry Smart is a book that I would recommend to someone who either agreed with...
George Patton was a great example of this because he was a military genius! In a Weird and odd sort of way Patton saved many, many lives by killing a lot of soldiers. ... Patton took a risk and he messed up a lot of things that he had earned for himself. ... (Moss 61) Patton achieved many things for the French in WWII, like VICTORY. ... Patton was a legend and a hero regardless if you do not think so. ...
General Patton was one of these great leaders in the army who involved in World War II. General Patton was widely known for his tactics and was called a Legend in his own time. ... No one loved war or being able to command his/her soldiers as Patton did. ... Ability to communicate: General Patton was an effective speaker and a good communicator. ... Personal Integrity: Patton's showed his leadership skills everywhere in the movie. ...
Without a doubt the actor George C Scott is best known for his role in Patton. In this movie, Patton was part historic warrior, part cowboy, and part hero. ... To Patton "War is not about dying for your country. ... Patton says "We are going to kill these Huns by the bushel." ... Being a coward was unacceptable to Patton. ...
