One Battle After Another won a whopping six Academy Awards this year — but back in 1971, the dominant film at the time did one better.
Starring George C. Scott in the titular role, Patton was the big winner at the Oscars 55 years ago with seven victories. It was in 1970 — exactly 56 years ago today (Thursday, April 2) — when the acclaimed biopic was released in theaters, going on to become not only a critically acclaimed movie, but a commercially successful one as well.
For those who haven't seen it, the 1970 film is based on controversial World War II hero General George S. Patton and his wartime activities and accomplishments, beginning with his entry into the North African campaign and ending with his removal from command after his outspoken criticism of U.S. post-war military strategy.
The 43rd Academy Awards were certainly for all the trophies that went to Patton, but particularly for one that went to the film's screenwriters. The biopic was co-written was Hollywood legend Francis Ford Coppola, which means 1971 was the year he won his first-ever Oscar.
Other actors were reportedly considered for the role of Patton — for which Scott won an Oscar — including Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster, John Wayne, Robert Mitchum and Rod Steiger.
Interestingly, Scott refused the 1971 Academy Award for Best Actor, which caused quite a stir at the time. Scott was a hard-drinking, opinionated man who wasn't particularly well-liked in movie circles, Turner Classic Movies reports, so it wasn't surprising that many of his colleagues felt that his public dismay over simply being nominated was, in fact, a crafty way of campaigning to win the award.
And before all that, Hollywood had reportedly been wanting to make a movie about the WWII general since he passed away in 1945, but his widow Beatrice — and Patton's family after her death — wouldn't allow it. But then, in 1959, the Army began to help with the project.
Hence then, the article about 56 years ago today this impactful biopic hit theaters before winning 7 oscars was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( 56 Years Ago Today, This Impactful Biopic Hit Theaters — Before Winning 7 Oscars )
Also on site :
- French court denies extradition of ex-Tunisian President Ben Ali’s daughter
- Ford and Toyota issue major South African car recall
- ‘It all depends on the crop’: Gulf crisis hits South Asia farmers