Seven Days in May
Seen it?1964 | 118 min | Drama, Thriller
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved All the President's Men or Clear and Present Danger, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 58 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1964: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A U.S. Marine Corps colonel alerts the president of a planned military coup against him.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 144K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
All the President's Men
Friday Night FlickAlso stars Martin Balsam, in another critically acclaimed political drama.
White House Down
Weeknight WatchAnother political drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Clear and Present Danger Saturday SpecialAnother political drama, and a Saturday Special.
Missing Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed conspiracy drama that fewer people know today.
Three Days of the Condor Saturday SpecialAnother conspiracy thriller, and a Saturday Special.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by John Frankenheimer
- Burt LancasterGen. James Mattoon Scott
- Kirk DouglasCol. Martin "Jiggs" Casey
- Fredric MarchPresident Jordan Lyman
- Ava GardnerEleanor Holbrook
- Edmond O'BrienSen. Raymond Clark
- Martin BalsamPaul Girard
- Andrew DugganCol. William "Mutt" Henderson
- Hugh MarloweHarold McPherson
- Whit BissellSen. Frederick Prentice
- Helen KleebEsther Townsend