"Patton"

Title: "Patton"
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
Producer: Frank Caffey, Frank McCarthy
Editing: Hugh S. Fowler
Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
Starring:
- George C. Scott as General George S. Patton
- Carl Malden as General Omar Bradley
- Michael Bates as General Bernard Law Montgomery

Plot and Critical Review: The film documents the story of General George S. Patton during World War II, beginning with his taking charge of demoralized American forces in North Africa after the Battle of the Kasserine Pass, leading them to victory at the Battle of El Guettar. He then participates in the invasion of Sicily and races against the equally egotistical British General Bernard Law Montgomery to capture the Sicilian port of Messina. Patton is shown as believing in reincarnation, while remaining a devout Christian. At one point in the movie, during the North Africa campaign, Patton takes his staff on an unexpected detour to the site of the ancient Battle of Zama. There he reminisces about the battle, insisting to Omar Bradley that he was there.

After he beats Montgomery into Messina, Patton is relieved of command for slapping a shell-shocked soldier in an Army hospital. This incident, along with his tendency to speak his mind to the press, gets the general in trouble and he is sidelined during the invasion of Europe, being placed in command of the fictional First United States Army Group in south-east England. Later, he begs his former subordinate, General Omar Bradley, for a command before the war ends. He is given the U.S. Third Army and distinguishes himself by rapidly sweeping across France and later relieving the vital town of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Later, Patton smashes through the German "West Wall" and drives into Germany itself.

Just prior to victory in Europe, Patton remarks to a British crowd that America and Great Britain would dominate the post-war world, which the press finds insulting to the Russians. After the Germans capitulate, he insults a Russian officer at a celebration; fortunately, the Russian insults Patton right back, leading to mutual respect and defusing the situation. Later, Patton casually compares the defeated Nazis to American Republicans and Democrats, costing him his command. The film closes with Patton walking his dog in a field as a voice over (Patton's voice) offers a most bitter sentiment for a soldier/conqueror like the General, "all glory is fleeting."

My Rating: 9/10 (No doubt one of the finest of all war films.)

The "Reel Revelation": "Cast It Off! - A Poem"

Today I cast it off,
That which has hindered me.
Today I cast if off,
That which has held me back,
For far too long.

Today I cast it off,
The hesitation and the angst.
Today I cast it off
That which love has dissolved,
This fear of fears.

Today I cast it off,
And pray caution will replace.
Today I cast it off,
And pray wisdom be my guide,
My faithful guide.

Today I cast it off,
That I may do what I must.
Today I cast it off,
That I might say the words,
To lead the lost.

Today I cast it off,
Fear, and foolish action,
That keeps me from the life
God has for me.

Lord, we cast off our fears and pray for your abundant joy, mercy, love, compassion, and grace to replace that which has hindered our growth as Christians and Children of God. May we no longer live in bondage, weighed down by the heavy chains we have dragged for so long, for far too long. Lord, in your mercy, release our hearts to fly far from the fear that chokes and suffocates the life you've always desired for us. In your mercy, O Lord. Amen.

See you tomorrow - E.T.