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Miniseries detailing the life of Dwight D. Eisenhower, who commanded American forces during World War II, romanced his driver Kay Summersby and later became President of the United States.
Written by
Marty McKee <mmckee@soltec.net>
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Taglines:
Mightiest Invasion Force in History Fights Its Way to Victory. Led by the Greatest American Hero of the 20th Century. The Man Everyone Called...Ike
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Goofs
Immediately following the scene where Ike (
Robert Duvall), traveling with General George S. Patton (portrayed by
Darren McGavin), in Patton's command car, steps out of the car, and is seen physically taking a step across the German border, after saying "It's been a long, long time since an Eisenhower returned to Germany," an on screen caption states "Ohrdruf, Germany April 13, 1944." Ohrdruf is a small town in south central Germany, the infamous site of the Ohrdruf forced labor and concentration camp, a subcamp of the Buchenwald concentration camp, and famously was the first concentration camp liberated by U.S. troops, specifically the 4th Armored Division of Patton's Third Army, and was visited in person by Eisenhower, Patton, and Omar Bradley April 12-13, 1945. This was ten months and six days after D-Day (June 6, 1944). The on-screen caption is correct as to the location, but incorrect as to the date, since it could not have happened on April 13, 1944, which would have been almost two months before D-Day.
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Connections
Edited into
Ike: The War Years (1980)
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Strong performances by Duvall as Eisenhower and Remick as his love interest. Duvall's Eisenhower demonstrates grit, determination, fallibility, growth, a sharp and quick wit, and the burden of sending thousands of men to their deaths in a desperate battle against a cunning enemy. Ike's interactions with Chruchill, Roosevelt, Montgomery and others are wonderfully acted, as are the touching scenes with Remick as Kay.
Generally very sharp writing nicely contrasts stratified British culture and largely no-nonsense American character epitomized by Ike. Yet they all pull together under Ike's ever improving leadership and command of the large and small elements of war. The story also expresses a lot of humanity under very extraordinary and trying circumstances, but in a very calm and measured way. These are portraits of truly great men and women, portrayed by great actors.