Seven Days in May

Seven Days in May

Year: 1964

Runtime: 118 min

Language: English

Director: John Frankenheimer

DramaThriller

With nuclear disarmament on the table, President Jordan Lyman's policies face opposition from General James Scott, who leads the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A dedicated presidential aide discovers a plot to overthrow the government, triggering a tense race against time. Loyalties are tested as those involved must navigate a dangerous situation to prevent a military coup and protect the country from devastating repercussions.

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Timeline & Setting – Seven Days in May (1964)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Seven Days in May (1964). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

May 1964

The events occur in May 1964, during a tumultuous period marked by significant political strife over nuclear disarmament and military policy. This era saw intense public debates regarding peace and the responsibilities of government, reflective of the Cold War tensions.

Location

United States, El Paso, Texas

The film is set against the political landscape of the United States, specifically focusing on the actions taking place near the White House in Washington, D.C. El Paso, Texas, is highlighted as a location for the secretive operations of a military unit, emphasizing the tension between civilian government and military power.

🇺🇸 Country 🏛️ Government

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:38

Main Characters – Seven Days in May (1964)

Meet the key characters of Seven Days in May (1964), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

President Jordan Lyman (Fredric March)

President Lyman is a steadfast leader grappling with immense external pressures from both political adversaries and public opinion. His commitment to peace through diplomacy reflects his resilience and belief in the power of democratic processes.

💼 Leadership 🔄 Diplomacy

General James Mattoon Scott (Burt Lancaster)

General Scott is depicted as a powerful military figure poised to challenge President Lyman’s authority. His ambitions for a potential coup signify a threat not only to the President but to the democratic ideals of the nation.

⚔️ Militarism 🏆 Power

Colonel Martin 'Jiggs' Casey (Kirk Douglas)

As Lyman's ally, Colonel Casey is critical in uncovering Scott’s covert activities. His determination and investigative skills reflect a commitment to democracy and highlight the personal risks involved in standing against a military takeover.

🔎 Investigation 💪 Courage

Senator Raymond Clark (Edmond O'Brien)

Senator Clark is portrayed as a conflicted politician dealing with personal issues like alcoholism, which affect his political judgment. His interactions with Lyman reveal the complexities of governance and personal accountability.

💧 Struggle 💼 Politics

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:38

Major Themes – Seven Days in May (1964)

Explore the central themes of Seven Days in May (1964), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Peace

The central theme of the movie revolves around the pursuit of peace, particularly through dialogue and negotiation. President Lyman's efforts to achieve a nuclear disarmament treaty highlight the challenges of maintaining peace amidst rising military tensions and the potential for conflict.

⚖️ Democracy

The film explores democracy's fragility, particularly in the face of a military coup. Lyman's struggle against General Scott's ambitions represents the tension between civilian authority and military power, emphasizing the importance of constitutional governance.

💣 Conflict

Conflict is a pervasive theme, manifested in both physical confrontations and ideological battles over military policy and nuclear disarmament. The movie captures the societal divisions on these issues, exacerbated by the challenges of modern warfare.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:38

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Don't stop at just watching — explore Seven Days in May in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Seven Days in May is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Seven Days in May Summary

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Seven Days in May Summary

Seven Days in May Timeline

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Seven Days in May Timeline

Seven Days in May Spoiler-Free Summary

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Seven Days in May Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Seven Days in May

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Seven Days in May: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Seven Days in May

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