Guide Note

The biographical film Patton tells the story of decorated but controversial World World II general George S. Patton. Despite the Vietnam War's unpopularity and public disinterest in war movies in general at the time of the film's release, Patton won widespread critical acclaim and won seven Academy Awards in all, including Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.

Fast Facts

1. Released: 1970
2. Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
3. Co[written by Francis Ford Coppola
4. 2003: Library of Congress designated the film "culturally significant"
5. UK title: Patton: Lust for Glory
6. Scott was the first actor to decline an Oscar
7. Scott reprised the role of Patton in a made-for-television sequel in 1986

General Patton was known as "Old Blood 'n' Guts" because of his perceived love of war, and in the film George C. Scott's character does indeed concede: "I love it, God help me, I do love it. I love it more than my life."