MacArthur (1977)

MacArthur Poster

The film portrays MacArthur's (Gregory Peck) life from 1942, before the Battle of Bataan, to 1952, the time after he had been removed from his Korean War command by President Truman (Ed Flanders) for insubordination, and is recounted in flashback as he visits West Point.

Introduction
The 1977 movie "MacArthur" is an American biographic war production directed by Joseph Sargent. It presents the life and military career of General Douglas MacArthur, a critical figure in the South East Asia military history throughout World War II and the Korean War. Gregory Peck played the function of MacArthur, together with co-stars like Ed Flanders, Dan O'Herlihy, and Marj Dusay.

Plot Synopsis
The film starts in 1942 at the onset of World War II, with MacArthur commanding forces in the Philippines. Nevertheless, due to crippling scenarios, he and his family are ordered by President Roosevelt to get away to Australia. Prior to leaving, he assures the Filipino people to return and liberate them from Japanese profession, a pledge famously encapsulated in his words: "I Shall Return".

Throughout the movie, the story shows numerous conflicts MacArthur had with other high-ranking authorities due to his strong and frequently controversial methods. Deviating from the preliminary plan of liberating Burma, MacArthur persuades the high command to very first liberate the Philippines.

This results in him leading the successful Leyte Island landings and, ultimately, the Battle of Manila. The remediation of the Philippines' independence from Japanese occupation occurs under MacArthur's watch, stressing his return pledge to the Philippines.

Post World War II occasions and Korean War
After completion of World War II, MacArthur is appointed as Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers to manage Japan's restoration. Through this position, he reorganizes Japan's economy and constitution, transforming the country into a democratic nation.

The film then shifts to MacArthur's role in the Korean War. Once again, he disagrees with the officials. Notably, his strategy to attack China sows seeds of discord in between him and President Harry Truman. Despite initial successes like the landing at Inchon, MacArthur's desire to push even more into North Korea and engage China causes tension within the United States Government.

Climax and Conclusion
MacArthur's firm beliefs in the necessity of a major war with China leads President Truman to eliminate him of his command, citing insubordination. This results in an enormous public protest in favor of MacArthur, commemorated for his World War II victories.

The movie concludes with MacArthur providing a farewell speech to the Congress in 1951, and his popular phrase, "Old soldiers never die; they simply fade away", creates a mentally charged ending. After the speech, MacArthur leaves public life for retirement.

Cinematic Reception
The "MacArthur" movie gathered an usually favorable response for the star Gregory Peck's performance, though some critics believed the movie excessively lionized the controversial figure. Likewise, the movie battled with historic accuracy, as it stopped working to completely catch MacArthur's complex personality and his often troubled command style. Despite these criticisms, "MacArthur" is a significant cinematic work, offering an insight into the expert life of a prominent military figure.

In conclusion, the movie "MacArthur" beautifully captures the patriotic spirit and tactical military prowess of MacArthur, making it a must-watch for history and war movie enthusiasts.

Top Cast

  • Gregory Peck (small)
    Gregory Peck
    Douglas MacArthur
  • Ivan Bonar
    Lt. Gen. Richard K. Sutherland
  • Ward Costello (small)
    Ward Costello
    Gen. George C. Marshall
  • Nicolas Coster (small)
    Nicolas Coster
    Colonel Sidney Huff
  • Marj Dusay (small)
    Marj Dusay
    Jean MacArthur
  • Ed Flanders (small)
    Ed Flanders
    President Harry S. Truman
  • Warde Donovan (small)
    Warde Donovan
    General Shepherd
  • Branscombe Richmond (small)
    Branscombe Richmond
    Korean Soldier
  • Jerry Holland
    Aide
  • Robert V. Barron (small)
    Robert V. Barron
    POW (uncredited)
  • Art Fleming
    The Secretary