MacArthur (Universal 1979, Gregory Peck, Dan O’Herlihy)

What began as an attempt to repeat the success of Patton (1970) resulted in an admiring Hollywood biopic, greatly enhanced by a spirited and introspective performance by Gregory Peck as the flamboyant, controversial, and brilliant general MacArthur.

Framed by his West Point farewell speech (‘Old soldiers never die,,, they just fade away,,, ‘), flashbacks capture his career, including recreations of the famous landing in the Philippines and the Japanese surrender on the battleship Missouri, as well as the ultimate showdown with Harry Truman (Flanders) that led to his dismissal.

Initially, actor Gregory Peck had little sympathy for the subject of the move. He hated the general so intensely he had difficulty finding the motivation to accept the role. However, while making the film he learned to respect the man.

production details
USA | Universal | 130 minutes | 1979
Director: Joseph Sargent
Script: Hal Barwood, Matthew Robbins,

cast
Gregory Peck as Douglas MacArthur
Ivan Bonar as Lt. Gen. Richard K. Sutherland
Ward Costello as Gen. George C. Marshall
Nicolas Coster as Colonel Sidney Huff
Marj Dusay as Jean MacArthur
Ed Flanders as President Harry S. Truman