During the Cold War, the Joint Chiefs Of Staff plot to overthrow the government.
Seven Days In May was based on a novel inspired by real-life antagonistic figures in the military during President John F. Kennedy's time in the White House. Actor Kirk Douglas took charge of the production alongside director John Frankenheimer (whose last film was another political thriller The Manchurian Candidate).
The cast includes Douglas alongside Academy Award-winners Burt Lancaster, Fredric March, Edmond O'Brien, and Martin Balsam. Ava Gardner makes up for the shortage of female characters with her strong presence. The script was written by Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling.
Kenny himself was a fan of the source material, and lent encouragement as well as assistance to the production, securing filming access for various locations in Washington. Because of Kennedy's uneasy relationship with the Pentagon and the military, other scenes were filmed "guerrilla" style without permission. Shooting was also done in Paris, San Diego, and Arizona.
While the story is set in an alternate present, Frankenheimer included new, forward-looking technology to enhance the modern paranoia of the story. His directing style favoring wide-angle lenses, deep-focus photography, and low-angle shots are reminiscent of Orson Welles.
The film received a positive critical response and was a moderate success at the box office. It received Academy Award nominations for O'Brien and for the Art Direction. Golden Globe nominations went to Frankenheimer, composer Jerry Goldsmith, March, and O'Brien (who won).
Running time is approx. 2 hours.
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