Seven Days in May

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Seven Days in May

Released Feb 12, 1964

1h 58m

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

92%

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25 Reviews

89%

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2,500+ Ratings

U.S. President Jordan Lyman (Fredric March) hopes to bring an end to the Cold War by signing a nuclear disarmament treaty with the Soviets, much to the displeasure of the hawkish General James Scott (Burt Lancaster), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. When Scott's aide, Martin "Jiggs" Casey (Kirk Douglas) stumbles on shattering evidence that the General is plotting a coup to overthrow Lyman in seven days, "Jiggs" alerts the President, setting off a dangerous race to thwart the takeover.

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Critics Consensus

John Frankenheimer's striking direction and a first-rate cast conspire to make Seven Days in May a stark, riveting tale of political intrigue.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

Of the seven motion pictures Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas starred in together during their careers, 1964’s Seven Days in May is unquestionably my favorite.

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 22, 2024

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Variety Staff

Variety

A strikingly dramatic, realistic and provocatively topical film.

Aug 13, 2007

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

John Frankenheimer directed, too much in love with technique, though he ably taps the neuroticism of Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, and Fredric March.

Aug 13, 2007

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

Underrated political thriller. Great script. Great performances

Jun 1, 2024

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

The film remains as topical as ever.

Rated: 3.5/4

Nov 22, 2021

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David Walsh

World Socialist Web Site

Seven Days in May stands up ... the issue of the threat represented by the American military to the democratic rights of the people has hardly receded into the background. On the contrary, it is ten times more pressing than it was in 1964.

Feb 10, 2021

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Steven M

This is one first rate film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/23/25

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Johnathon W

First rate political thriller thanks to a superb cast and smart direction by John Frankenheimer. The actors are superb, with Burt Lancaster's Gen. Scott powerful yet sympathetic as a general looking to perform a military coup on the U.S. government while Kirk Douglas is equally excellent as Col. Jiggs, a Marine loyal to the U.S. even if he understands the reasons behind the coup. Behind the camera, Frankenheimer superbly crafts the story, avoiding action scenes and car chases over powerful acting and dialogue. You truly understand both sides and leaves you at a razor's edge till the end. Great work all around.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/24/24

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Bill B

Quite engaging from beginning to end. Admirably acted and directed, the highlight for me is Rod Serling's biting screenplay.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/08/24

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Nik75 J

Very well directed with some very good cinematography. The script is excellent and still has some bite and relevance in today's political atmosphere. The all star cast comes through and delivers fine performances all around. A bit slow to get going, but once it does, you will want to watch until the end.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/05/23

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Victor T

Ava Gardner steals the show in a supporting role.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/09/23

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CodyZamboni Z

Wild premise of military coup of US by Joint Chiefs, generates decent level of intrigue. Movie benefits from smart , incisive dialogue about democracy, First rate performances by all, Written by Rod Serling,

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/04/24

Full Review

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John Frankenheimer

Director

Burt Lancaster

Gen. James Mattoon Scott

Kirk Douglas

Col. Martin 'Jiggs' Casey

Fredric March

President Jordan Lyman

Ava Gardner

Eleanor 'Ellie' Holbrook

Edmond O'Brien

Sen. Raymond Clark

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Synopsis

U.S. President Jordan Lyman (Fredric March) hopes to bring an end to the Cold War by signing a nuclear disarmament treaty with the Soviets, much to the displeasure of the hawkish General James Scott (Burt Lancaster), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. When Scott's aide, Martin "Jiggs" Casey (Kirk Douglas) stumbles on shattering evidence that the General is plotting a coup to overthrow Lyman in seven days, "Jiggs" alerts the President, setting off a dangerous race to thwart the takeover.

Director: John Frankenheimer
Producer: Edward Lewis
Screenwriter: Fletcher Knebel, Charles W. Bailey II, Rod Serling
Distributor: Paramount Pictures, Warner Home Vídeo, Warner Bros.
Production Co: Joel Productions, Seven Arts Pictures
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 12, 1964, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 24, 2014
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: Mono

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