Ike: Countdown to D-Day. The Television Movie

IKE: COUNTDOWN TO D-DAY

The recent film Pressure inspired me to watch another production centered around how June 6, 1944, became the longest day. Ike: Countdown to D-Day takes the events surrounding the Allied invasion of Normandy and shapes them into strong viewing.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Tom Selleck) very reluctantly assumes the post of Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force. He does so under the understanding that the entire operation be under his sole command. Fortunately, he has a supporter in British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Ian Mune), who agrees. However, British Field Marshal Bernard "Monty" Montgomery (Bruce Phillips) is less than thrilled at this idea. Nevertheless, Eisenhower and Montgomery begin the plans for the Allied invasion of occupied France.

Ike has to endure many divas in uniform. There is the grandiose Montgomery. Then there is the slap-happy General George S. Patton (Gerald McRainey). He has been making dubious comments to the press on how the post-war world will be run by the Anglo-American alliance. This irks Ike due to these potentially racial overtones. Patton appears almost weepy at not being part of the final assault. Ike knows he's being played but goes along. He knows Patton is a proud man. He also knows that he will be needed post-invasion.

The plans for Operation Overlord continue. Eisenhower has to make some difficult personnel decisions. One general, Henry Miller (Paul Gittins) has been too loose with his talk while liquored up. French General Charles de Gaulle (George Chevstov) has the gall to say the plans are terrible. Fortunately, Churchill and Their Majesties George VI (Mick Rose) and Queen Elizabeth (Carol Seay) see that the Allies have good leadership for this great crusade.

As time for the invasion grows closer, Ike must make still more hard choices. Will the invasion have to be postponed? Will the invasion ultimately work? The troops about to be sent off to Normandy have been told not to talk to Eisenhower about personal matters. Despite this, Ike mingles with the troops and asks them about themselves. Ike's loyal aide Walter Bedell "Beetle" Smith (Timothy Bottoms) is astonished at this. With that, D-Day finally arrives, and whether or not Dwight D. Eisenhower will have to bear the blame or share the glory is up to those men storming the beaches.

Ike: Countdown to D-Day is interesting in that Tom Selleck neither looks nor sounds like General Eisenhower, yet he is believable in the role. I think Selleck's success comes not from an attempted impersonation or mimicry. Instead, Selleck concentrated on the man himself. Selleck makes Eisenhower into a calm, measured man. He is not unaware of the terrible cost that the invasion will carry. He is patient when dealing with men who think themselves greater. However, Selleck's Eisenhower manages to keep sight of the mission as a whole.

There is a remarkable level of maturity in Countdown to D-Day. All the actors treat the scenario with respect. That is not to say that they are somber. The film's script by Lionel Chetwynd wisely kept some amusing moments. Of particular note is when Montgomery insisted that Eisenhower put out his cigarette before receiving the King and Queen. Once George VI and Elizabeth arrive, His Majesty and Churchill immediately light up their own cigarettes and cigars. One chuckles at how Montgomery, who finds smoking offensive, has to endure this unintended affront by His Majesty and his Prime Minister.

Robert Harmon, who earned an Emmy nomination for Countdown to D-Day, more than merited that recognition. All the performances were first-rate. Tom Selleck blended a mix of commanding with almost humility as Eisenhower. At the presentation to Their Majesties on Operation Overlord, the King expresses concern over the projected high casualties. Eisenhower replies from the stage that he too is concerned. He expresses how the young men from Britain, America and Canada may not return, but that it is the necessary cost, albeit a deeply painful one.

The other actors also do fine work. Timothy Bottoms' Beetle is patient and supportive to the general. He, Selleck and Gerald McRainey share a wonderful scene. McRainey as Patton seems to want to almost break down in tears at the thought of not being in battle. He appears to be almost a softy behind the bravado. As he leaves Eisenhower's office still holding on to his command, Patton appears to think that he has pulled a fast one on Ike. Bettle questions Ike about all this. Eisenhower, perhaps resigned to things, admits that Patton thinks he's pulled a fast one. However, Eisenhower does not rage or gloat. He merely accepts.

Harmon also has great camerawork in Countdown to D-Day. An especially good sequence is when Group Captain James Stagg (Christopher Baker) is giving his weather report to the commanders. The camera flows beautifully, showing a besieged Eisenhower among all the various generals, each with their own concerns and timetables.

As a side note, it is interesting that in Countdown to D-Day, Stagg was important but not a major player. In the recent Pressure, he was made the central figure. In the former, Stagg's information is necessary but part of the overall plan. In the latter, it appears that his word alone metaphorically turned the tide of history. In Countdown to D-Day, it works. In Pressure, it does not. Yet, I digress.

Ike: Countdown to D-Day is a strong production. It treats the men with respect without being reverential. They are not shown as important, lofty figures aware of their importance to the world. Instead, they are shown as surprisingly ordinary men tasked with an extraordinary mission. Those portrayed in Ike: Countdown to D-Day were treated with intelligence and respect. 

1890-1969

8/10