General George S. Patton presents the life and wartime career of one of the most forceful and controversial commanders of the Second World War. Introduced by Walter Matthau and narrated by Ronald Reagan, the documentary follows Patton’s rise through the United States Army and the campaigns that established his reputation as a master of fast-moving armored warfare.
The program concentrates on Patton’s service in North Africa and Europe, where his aggressive methods helped restore the confidence of American forces and carry Allied armies deep into enemy territory. Archival footage records the advance of his troops across Sicily, France, and Germany, including the Third Army’s rapid response during the Battle of the Bulge.
Patton emerges as a soldier driven by ambition, discipline, and an unshakable belief in offensive action. The documentary also considers the outspoken manner and controversial conduct that repeatedly brought him into conflict with his superiors, presenting both the military achievements and the personal qualities that made him such a commanding public figure.
Combining contemporary wartime film with an authoritative narration, General George S. Patton offers a concise account of the general known as “Old Blood and Guts.” It is a compelling portrait of the man, the campaigns he led, and the battlefield leadership that secured his lasting place in American military history.
DVD, B&W, 56 minutes.
