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Poster for Patton

Patton

Seen it?

1970 | 172 min | War, Drama, History

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won 7 Oscars, it made about 7 times its budget and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved The Longest Day or Sergeant York, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 52 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG: peril. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • It's long: 2 hr 52 min.
  • Made in 1970: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

"Patton" tells the tale of General George S. Patton, famous tank commander of World War II. The film begins with Patton's career in North Africa and progresses through the invasion of Germany and the fall of the Third Reich. Side plots also speak of Patton's numerous faults such his temper and habit towards insubordination.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 86 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.4 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 7 Oscars: Academy Awards: Best Picture, Academy Awards: Best Director, Academy Awards: Best Actor, Academy Awards: Best Story and Screenplay – Based on Factual Material or Material Not Previously Published or Produced and 3 more. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. Won 1 DGA Award: Directors Guild of America Awards: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures. Won 1 WGA Award: Writers Guild of America Awards: Best Drama – Written Directly for the Screen. Also nominated for 3 more Oscars, 2 more Golden Globes and 2 BAFTAs. Plus 12 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $90 million worldwide on a $12 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 277K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner

  • George C. ScottGeneral George S. Patton Jr.
  • Karl MaldenGeneral Omar N. Bradley
  • Stephen YoungCaptain Chester B. Hansen
  • Michael StrongBrigadier General Hobart Carver
  • Carey LoftinGeneral Bradley's Driver
  • Albert DumortierMoroccan Minister
  • Frank LatimoreLieutenant Colonel Henry Davenport
  • Morgan PaullCaptain Richard N. Jenson
  • Karl Michael VoglerField Marshal Erwin Rommel
  • Bill HickmanGeneral Patton's Driver