Drama,Thriller
United States of America
Seven Days in May is a political thriller film released in 1964 and directed by John Frankenheimer. The movie is based on the novel of the same name written by Fletcher Knebel and Charles W. Bailey II. The plot follows the internal power struggle within the US government and a planned military coup against the President.
The story begins when a hawkish Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, General James Mattoon Scott (played by Burt Lancaster), becomes increasingly concerned about what he sees as a weak foreign policy stance by the President, Jordan Lyman (played by Fredric March). He secretly plots with other high-ranking military officials to overthrow the President and install a more aggressive military leader in his place.
However, a loyal and patriotic Marine Colonel named Martin 'Jiggs' Casey (played by Kirk Douglas) stumbles upon the conspiracy while investigating a seemingly unrelated matter. He realizes that a military coup is imminent and alerts the President.
The President initially doubts Colonel Casey's claims, but as more evidence emerges, he becomes convinced of the plot's authenticity. He embarks on a race against time to thwart the coup attempt and maintain the democratic principles of the United States.
The movie features outstanding performances by its cast, including Ava Gardner as a mysterious woman who has a connection to General Scott, and Edmond O'Brien as Senator Ray Clark, a skeptic who initially dismisses Casey's claims but ultimately becomes one of the President's most valuable allies.
Seven Days in May is a gripping and thought-provoking film that explores the themes of power, loyalty, and democracy in the context of the Cold War era. It remains relevant today as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political extremism and the importance of upholding democratic principles.
