Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

One of the best books I have ever read.. and the movie parallels the book exactly. Buried deep in the archives of history is an actual event in the US that never came to fruition. A brilliant film and Frederic March at his best.

Legendary political thriller is one of the many momentous teamings of iconic actors Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas, as well as a typically solid union of Burt and filmmaker John Frankenheimer. Kirk plays a Marine colonel named "Jiggs" Casey, working under James Mattoon Scott (Lancaster), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He discovers that there seems to be a military plot underway to overthrow the government. You see, both the military and public are furious with the pacifistic President (Fredric March), who wants to arrange a nuclear disarmament deal with the Soviets.The great Rod Serling of 'The Twilight Zone' fame scripted from the book by Fletcher Knebel & Charles W. Bailey II. While this film is very intelligent and believable, and more than a little unnerving, it might not appeal to everybody, since it is much more dependent on dialogue and performance rather than action. Still, it's fascinating at times, with a premise that's not exactly that hard to buy into. Frankenheimer directs with a cut-to-the-chase, no frills style; the film may have a lot of talk, but it's got no filler, and derives a fair amount of tension (the title is taken from the amount of time planned for staging this coup) from the clock ticking away while our protagonists try to foil the plot. A romantic angle is played up slightly as Jiggs realizes that he can possibly use the Generals' former relationship with Eleanor (Ava Gardner) against him.The mostly male cast is uniformly excellent. Whether or not you condone the Generals' actions, you do understand him, and you do respect him for having the courage of his convictions. March is the standout as the President, and he and Lancaster have a marvelous showdown towards the end. Edmond O'Brien, Martin Balsam, Andrew Duggan, Hugh Marlowe, Whit Bissell, George Macready, Richard Anderson, and Bart Burns comprise a wonderful bunch of actors. Keep an eye out for an unbilled John Houseman, making his big screen acting debut in a small but important role.First rate filmmaking in every way, punctuated by a tense Jerry Goldsmith score.10 out of 10.

I will never comprehend the so called 'charity' of Douglas to defer the JCS Director role to Lancaster. Jigg's character was quintessential to saving the day for the USA! He had a much meatier script, showed stronger character and sensitivity and overall the much better man. How could this be seen as anything but a BRILLIANT choice! I have followed March's career since his earliest days and appreciated his tenure in many demanding scenes, a deep talent. The interplay of such strong roles mimics the existing tete-a-tete with the MIC vs Congress. I find it eternally entertaining when I hear a presidential platform stating their goals for military presence or withdrawal.High recommend for many seasoned five star players and exciting script.

With a terse script written by Rod Serling, "Seven Days in May" is a political drama well worth seeing. The cast (Frederic March, Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Edmund O'Brien, Martin Balsam, et al.) has enough gravitas to sink a battleship. Filmed in B&W, it portrays an attempted military coup of the U.S. government.Because the history of the United States is free of such actions, the possibility of a coup seems foreign to Americans. But the film reminds the viewer that only years before a senator from Wisconsin captured the American imagination--with help from dramatic television images--and subverted the democratic process.During the Cold War, the fear of Communism (always portrayed as a godless force) was ever-present. The American military, American politicians, and many private "patriotic" organizations constantly beat the drum of vigilance. This film was released in 1964--in the midst of the paranoia. The hypothesis that a strident military--with its burgeoning budget and the constant attention of the media--might see itself as the solution to self-created global problems is within the realm of possibility.Tapping into that vein, "Seven Days in May" frames the question--literally--as a constitutional one, reminding the viewer that power is derived from the electorate through free discourse and orderly elections. In this sense, it is an important film.The drama of the film is finely crafted and presented as a battle of egos (as well as a question of propriety). Its wonderful cast is up to the challenge.