General Patton, George Smith (
1885-1945). ‘Larger than life’ is a sobriquet applied to several military figures, but in this case the title is just. Few generals in history have been the subject of a flattering film, but the hagiographic Patton (1970) revived interest in this charismatic officer 25 years after he died. Inevitably it dwelled on his flamboyance—the polished riding boots, whip, and ...