MacArthur highlights the time period of US General Douglas MacArthur between 1942 to 1952. In the Philippines, he tries to fight off the advancing Japanese, but has to travel to Australia due to an order from President Roosevelt. The Philippines fall into the hands of the Japanese, but MacArthur announces his return. Through his tactical skill, he manages to liberate the Philippines again. After the surrender of Japan, he had a strong influence on the newly drafted constitution. During the Korean War, he is given command of international troops, but then clashes with President Truman.

Director Joseph Sargent has directed a stirring biopic about the controversial General MacArthur, starring a fabulous Gregory Peck. The film focuses entirely on its main character. Although the film only highlights a part of MacArthur's life, you get the feeling that much is missed out, despite the long runtime. Still, very much worth seeing.

Two versions on the UK Blu-ray

There are two versions of the film on the UK Blu-ray by Powerhouse Films. The main version is the US version, which has been restored and is in HD. Furthermore, the UK video version is on the Blu-ray. This is from the VHS release from the UK and is in 4:3 open matte. In addition to minor differences, this contains a new plot scene in which MacArthur meets with the Japanese Emperor Hirohito. Instead, a scene in which MacArthur watches a campaign appearance by Eisenhower and the end of the speech to the cadets of the military academy are missing at the end.
The UK version has a great many short scene cuts, mostly just a few frames, which are not listed in the report.

Picture Comparison:

UK version:

US version:

Runtimes:

UK version: 128:57 min.
US version: 129:34 min.

Comparison between the UK video version and the US version.

[00:00:15][00:00:16]

In the UK, the introductory text is faded in one by one at the beginning.

In the US, the text scrolls from bottom to top.

UK: 24 sec.
US: 25 sec.


[00:01:08][00:01:10]

Alternate title insert.

No time difference.


[00:03:34][00:03:37]

During MacArthur's speech to the cadets, the US cuts briefly to MacArthur at the parade as he says "the moment the war tocsin sounds." In the UK, MacArthur continues to be seen at the podium.

UK:

US:

No time difference. (2 sec. each)


[00:04:30][00:04:32]

When MacArthur quotes Plato at the end of his speech, the US fades to the war scenes earlier. This makes the shot in the US a little longer. There is no time difference as a result.

UK:

US:

No time difference. (9 sec. each)


[01:28:05][01:28:34]

After General Derevyanko gets out of the car, the UK shows a new scene.

MacArthur is driving to a meeting with Hirohito.

MacArthur welcomes Hirohito and his translator. Hirohito speaks in Japanese. MacArthur says that he met the latter's grandfather Meiji. The translator says that this was a different time. MacArthur offers Hirohito a cigar. The translator tells MacArthur that Hirohito thanks the American troops for their very good behavior. MacArthur says that the Americans do not see themselves as conquerors, but as liberators. Hirohito says that once the people have clothing and food, reforms can begin. MacArthur says that he is surprised that Hirohito had enough power to end the war, but too little to prevent it. Hirohito explains that he was initially unaware of the implications. MacArthur mentions the attack on Pearl Harbor. Hirohito asks that his officers be released and that he be held accountable instead. MacArthur cannot follow up on this request because the men who committed war crimes will be tried and punished. He says that the main task is not to punish but to rebuild. For this he needs Hirohito's help. Hirohito assures him that he will. MacArthur calls a photographer who takes a picture. When asked if MacArthur will come to the palace, he answers that he will wait until the peace treaty is signed, because only then will equality prevail.

UK: 3:50 min.


[02:07:10][02:03:58]

After MacArthur's speech to Congress, the UK fades to the soldiers from the Academy. They march across the courtyard. As they do so, the credits roll.

The US shows President Truman turning off the TV and saying that MacArthur wants to be president. Afterwards, MacArthur is seen watching a campaign appearance by Eisenhower on television. His wife asks him what kind of president Eisenhower will be. MacArthur says that he will be a good president because he was one of his best recruits. There is a fade to the scene where MacArthur is giving a speech to the cadets. His wife is listening to him. MacArthur again emphasizes the importance of the words "Duty, Honor, Country." He emphasizes that this was his last performance and that he will think only of the troops at the end of his life. The cadets stand and clap. As they do so, the credits can be seen. At the end, also like in the UK, the soldiers can be seen marching across the yard.

UK: 1:47 min.
US: 5:36 min.