MacArthur

Daring, Defiant, Brilliant, Stubborn, Gallant, Glory-Hungry, Cold, Compassionate, Despised,sed, War-Lover, War-Hater, Supreme Commander, Supreme Egotist, Husband, Father. MacArthur.

General Douglas MacArthur, one of the most controversial public figures of our time, is the subject of this superb biographical drama. Produced by Frank McCarthy, who previously brought us Patton, and with a screenplay by Hal Barwood and Matthew Robbins (the team who wrote The Sugarland Express) MacArthur has been painstakingly prepared with meticulous attention to historical accuracy. The film follows his career from 1942 when, as General, his position in the Philippines was made hopeless by Japan's destruction of more than half the planes in his Far East Command. This remarkable story traces the General's victories in the Pacific, his deft handling of the democratisation of Japan during the post was occupation, his presidential ambitions, and return to war in Korea where his subordination led to his dismissal in 1951. The filmmakers have consciously strived for a balanced, objective treatment of the man's triumphs and defeats, with Gregory Peck's brilliant performance as MacArthur illuminating the many complex and contradictory facets of the man's character; his colossal egotism; his compassion; his lust for publicity and flair for dramatics.