Watch Seven Days in May

Seven Days in May is a gripping political thriller from 1964, directed by John Frankenheimer and based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Fletcher Knebel and Charles W. Bailey II. The movie is set in the early 1960s during the Cold War and tells the story of an attempted military coup against the US government. The plot revolves around a charismatic and hawkish General, James Mattoon Scott (played by Burt Lancaster), who becomes increasingly disillusioned with the US President, Jordan Lyman (played by Fredric March), and his efforts to negotiate a disarmament treaty with the Soviet Union. Scott believes that Lyman is weak and that the treaty will only leave the US vulnerable to attack. He becomes convinced that the only way to protect the country is to stage a coup and take over the government, with the support of like-minded military leaders.

Kirk Douglas plays the role of Colonel Martin "Jiggs" Casey, a military aide to the President who becomes aware of the plot and tries to stop it. He has a personal history with Scott, having served under him in Korea and admires him to an extent. He also likes the President and believes that he has good intentions. Casey is initially skeptical of the evidence he sees of the plot but becomes increasingly convinced as he uncovers more information.

The tension in the movie comes from the cat and mouse game between Casey and Scott as the Colonel tries to gather information and proof of the plot while trying to stay one step ahead of Scott and his supporters. The tension is heightened by the fact that Casey's reputation and career are on the line, as his involvement in the plot would implicate him as a traitor to the President.

Seven Days in May is notable for its sophisticated portrayal of the complex political and military issues at play during the Cold War. The movie explores themes of loyalty and patriotism, the limits of executive power, and the clash between idealism and realism in politics.

The performances of the three leads are excellent. Lancaster's portrayal of Scott is chillingly charismatic, and March's portrayal of the President as a thoughtful and pragmatic leader is also noteworthy. But it is Douglas who steals the show with his portrayal of the determined but conflicted Colonel Casey, who finds himself caught between loyalty to his superiors and loyalty to his country.

The movie's production values are first-rate. The script is well-written, with crisp dialogue and a fast-paced plot that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The music, by the legendary composer Jerry Goldsmith, is also a standout feature.

Overall, Seven Days in May is a must-see movie for anyone who enjoys a good political thriller. Its themes and issues are still relevant today, and its combination of sophisticated political analysis and edge-of-your-seat suspense makes it a timeless classic.

Seven Days in May is a 1964 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 73.