Seven Days in May (1963)

 One of the first Liberal paranoia films about the US Military. A military aide (Douglas) to four-Star General Scott (Lancaster) uncovers a plot by the JCS to overthrow the President (March). Ava Gardner, Edmund O'Brien, and George Macready lend excellent support. Filmed in a subdued, realistic manner, the film tries hard to make an absurd story believable but fails. The idea that the JSC (all appointed or approved by March) would disregard the will of the American people and 2/3 of Senate and overthrow a President is ridiculous. The story itself is primitive - the action and suspense almost non-existent. The narrative loses steam halfway through after Douglas uncovers the plot (the FBI/CIA don't seem to exist). After this, Douglas almost disappears and focus shifts to March and his political maneuvers. The last half is full of stilted speeches, talking heads, and civic discussions.

Pluses: The acting is first rate with Lancaster shining as the cool, arrogant General Scott while March is totally in command as the wise liberal President. John Houseman is the only clinker - he's simply too fat, too English, and too un-military to play a US Admiral.

Summary: Some good acting can't save this gabby talk-fest that's short on suspense and action. Starts out strong but ends up as a long two hours. The movie's serious political points are dated and undermined by the absurd story. Rating **1/2