Our world is in a precarious position. It feels like we are on the brink of WWIII. Every day, the news and the headlines reflect this gloom and doom. It is affecting my choices for what old movie to watch and review each week. I can’t always be an ostrich with my head in the sand.
I feel continually reminded of the lack of strong, morally grounded leaders who need to turn the clock back to when treaties, the Constitution, and peace talks held more power. I am overwhelmed and angry to learn that our three separate branches of government are colliding and not listening. It is scary, realizing that after all, history has shown us time and again, nothing is sinking in. There is no transparency. Secrets are being kept right in front of our eyes. We are just not looking or being vigilant enough. Our society has become complacent. We are too accepting, and not enough are protesting or sounding the alarm.
I remember when I protested back in the 60’s and 70’s against the Vietnam War, Kent State, nuclear weapons, and racial inequality. The streets were filled with the young and old. People were actively aware of what the government did not want us to know. Those were the days, our survival needed to speak up and be heard. There were many times when I would ditch class in college to attend a rally or sit-in. We were a loud, know-it-all bunch. Once, my mom even caught me protesting on the local evening news. We believed in the rule of law and in making a difference. I guess you could say we were naïve, because nothing really changes that quickly. It takes patience and tenacious diligence to keep the liberty light shining.
Films reflect the times. Whether it is 1964 or 2026, there are cinematic triumphs that keep us moving in the right direction. SEVEN DAYS IN MAY was one of these celluloid giants that feature a spectacular cast held together by fast-paced bantering that would make THE WEST WING television series seem sloth-like and tedious.
The entire plot of SEVEN DAYS IN MAY takes place within that small window of time. The coup to overthrow our government was put down due to the strength of the President who trusted his gut while combined with intelligent intel. He believed such an evil and foreboding plan could actually be true. It only took the genius of one man to put two and two together, and then let the White House follow through. SDIM was also a shout-out to our Founding Fathers, who created a Constitution that would withstand the test of time and protect our country. Rod Serling (THE TWILIGHT ZONE) was the only screenwriter and based the entire story on the novel co-authored by Charles W. Bailey II and Fletcher Knebel. Serling was always a master at creating intense, imaginative tales. Kudos.
Director John Frankenheimer (THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE) loved creating films of political intrigue. He gathered a phenomenal ensemble and crew around him to make sure it was done right. Frankenheimer had served in the Air Force and was very familiar with the Pentagon. He wanted to use this facility for one of his locations. He could not get the permits, so instead, Frankenheimer filmed one of his leading men walking into the facility and exiting in full military dress uniform. It worked fabulously, and those on duty even saluted the well-known actor at the entrance.
Kirk Douglas (SPARTACUS), who played Col. Martin “Jiggs” Casey, was the first to be cast. He and Frankenheimer were Executive Producers as well. They both wanted to make this film for quite some time. It was Douglas who suggested hiring Burt Lancaster (ELMER GANTRY, FROM HERE TO ETERNITY) in the leading role as General Scott. (This was Douglas and Lancaster’s fifth time working together.) They weren’t particularly good friends, but they knew they could rely on and trust each other, and that made all the difference. The illustrious Frederic March (THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, INHERIT THE WIND) played President Lyman, and the rest is movie, magic history at its best.
With tight, sharp directing, this trio brought SEVEN DAYS IN MAY to an explosive, verbal barrage. It was exciting and entertaining even over 50 years later. These actors could hold a staring contest that would make most of us melt in our tracks . Their acting skills pushed and compelled audiences to take it all in. Surrounded by Ava Gardner, Martin Balsam, and Edmond O’Brien was the added icing on the cake.
SEVEN DAYS IN MAY was nominated for two Oscars. (Best Supporting Actor-Edmond O’Brien, Best Black and White Art Direction) The director had full access to the White House so that they could recreate special areas not usually available to the public. President Kennedy wanted this movie made. Sadly, he did not live long enough to see the premier. The studio delayed the opening out of respect for Kennedy’s legacy. Jerry Goldsmith’s staccato, jazzy music score added immensely to keeping viewers on the edge of their seats at all times. The sound of ticking clocks was prevalent everywhere, counting down each day. At first, I thought this was annoying, but then I grasped the brilliance of highlighting this subtle, simple concept. It all worked beautifully together.
SEVEN DAYS IN MAY was a politically thrilling classic. It showcased the Golden Age of government paranoia during the 70’s. The dialogue was outstanding, as well as the timing and suspenseful tone. It is a timeless film, especially in today’s grim climate of nuclear war. It raised the question of whether a piece of paper could maintain peace rather than missiles and bombs. It reiterated how the “buck stops here” at the White House. This was a familiar phrase President Truman used to say to his cabinet members. After watching the news every evening, I say… ominous and frickin’ frightening.
SEVEN DAYS IN MAY is available on TCM.
