Ike: The War Years

After haveing studied General/President Eisenhower for sometime in several venues, all I can say is that Robert DuVall played the part just right. During 4 hours of this film, Robert DuVall was Eisenhower.

I wish this title was available in some video format today, it is a tremendous look at the history of the ERA. The viewer must cut through the love story of Kay Summersby and Ike. Based on all accounts of those who were there, this was a completely one sided love affair. While Ike depended on Kay in many ways, there was no affair on his part.

Once past that, the history is right on point.

Robert Duvall does Stalin, he does Adolf Eichmann, and here he does Dwight D Eisenhower, and does him brilliantly.

This early docudrama chronicles (at 4 hours) Ike's rise from the Pentagon, to Commander of European Operations, and the end of the war. It additionally gives an honest focus on a wartime relationship Ike shared with his female British driver, Kate Summersby (Lee Remick).

The film's inclusion of this aspect of Ike's command not only humanizes what might other wise be quite a hard edged movie, but also is effective counterpoint to war.

Remick is great as Ms. Sommersby, a no-nonsense, level headed English-woman put in the most difficult of wartime circumstances, in love with a man with whom there is no long-term. The ugly contradiction being that, as long as the war continues, so will they.

Duvall gives Ike many dimensions: strength, smart but far from infallible, diligence. I have no doubt that these may well be Ike's own persona, but in Mr. Duvall's portrayal, it is ingratiating, and believable.

Good work guys.

This film more than any other one tells me what a great actor Robert Duvall is! He is totally immersed in his character. With the makeup, he IS Ike. And Lee Remick is perfect in her role as Kay Summersby. I would recommend this movie to anyone.

Rome wasn't built in a day. Likewise, World War II was a lengthy, plodding war. This film (a whopping 270 minutes in length) follows IKE from his Pentagon days early in the war up to his rise to Supreme Allied Commander and ultimate victory. Interestingly enough, the film focuses its attention on IKE's relationship with his female British driver, Kay. Sound performances by Lee Remick and Robert Duvall make this TV mini-series surprisingly good. Numerous real footage appears often in the film in between chronological sequences. Much of this footage, originally black and white has been color tinted (this movie was made before colorization). All in all it provides an interesting effect. Bottom line is this. If you can handle 270 minutes of movie you just might enjoy this finely done film.

Workmanlike recounting of Eisenhowers command of allied forces in North Africa and Europe. Robert Duvall and Lee Remick are excellent as Ike and his close wartime friend, his driver and secretary Kay Summersby.

"The miniseries deftly combines the war drama and the romance. "

Pretty much a must see for history buffs interested in the period.

The combat scenes are sparse , but this miniseries covers all the bases.

As a film its a little too long for the content, but the pull of "being there" at such momentous decisions will be a lure for many viewers.

Was multiple emmy nominated with one win.