Seven Days in May 1964

The film takes place on Monday, May 12, against the backdrop of impending chaos in the United States, where strikes are on the verge of crippling the coal industry. Tensions escalate on Pennsylvania Avenue, outside the White House, as two opposing groups of demonstrators gather. One side expresses gratitude towards President Jordan Lyman for his recent nuclear disarmament treaty with the Soviet Union, holding placards that declare, > “Peace On Earth Or No Earth At All.” The opposing group, however, belligerently condemns both Lyman and the treaty, promoting a potential presidential bid for four-star Air Force General James Mattoon Scott, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The situation erupts into chaos when a supporter of Scott disrupts the peaceful demonstration by cutting the banner, prompting a swift response from the Capitol Police.

Inside the White House, Lyman’s physician points out the toll that stress is taking on the President, noting a rise in his blood pressure correlating to the criticisms he faces. Paul Girard, Lyman’s aide, reluctantly reveals a dismal Gallup Poll indicating only 29 percent approval for the treaty. Despite being urged to take a break, Lyman opts for a swim in the White House’s pool.

During his time with Senator Raymond Clark, Lyman explains his rationale for the treaty: without it, the precarious balance could lead to an uncontrollable nuclear war initiated by a deranged officer. He also offers a piece of advice to Clark, an evident alcoholic: to stay sober.

Later, Clark heads to a Senate Committee on Armed Services meeting, where General Scott presents his counterarguments against the treaty, claiming it represents either naivety or negligence. Senator Frederick Prentice appears sympathetic, throwing soft questions to Scott, while Clark mocks the proceedings. It becomes clear that Scott’s support base is limited to those who already share his views.

Scott is closely aided by Colonel Martin “Jiggs” Casey, who, as they leave the Capitol, is instructed to keep a planned alert under wraps. Within the Joint Chiefs’ office, Casey hears rumors about Scott’s questionable behavior, including a request for bets on the upcoming Preakness race. Casey later meets Colonel William “Mud” Henderson, who unveils the existence of a secret unit named EComCon, located in El Paso, Texas, which has been training for offensive operations rather than defense.

Tension mounts when Casey’s inquiries into Scott’s operations are met with hostility from Scott’s aide, Colonel Murdock, who warns him against prying. After a particularly tense social event, Casey meets Eleanor Holbrook, Scott’s former lover, and attempts to comfort her amidst her struggles with alcohol.

Days pass, and Casey’s observations lead him to suspect Scott is organizing a military coup against Lyman. His fears intensify when he discovers evidence pointing to Scott’s plans, culminating in an emergency meeting with the President on Tuesday, May 13. Despite resistance from Girard and Secretary Chris Todd, who doubt the existence of such a plot, Lyman assembles a task force to investigate further.

As tensions rise through mid-week, Casey digs deeper into Scott’s operations, ultimately acquiring incriminating letters from Ellie. Kamikaze-like, Lyman orders his team to hunt down evidence while keeping tabs on Scott. The need for evidence is underscored when Casey discovers Scott’s manipulative ties with Senator Prentice, prompting the President to consider his next moves carefully.

By Friday, May 16, Casey believes he has sufficient evidence to confront Scott. As the plot unfolds, Lyman grapples with civilian and military balances of power, culminated by an emergency press conference planned for Sunday, May 18. Events spiral toward a climax as Lyman weighs his options for a public reveal, knowing the nation’s peace hangs in the balance.

In a suspenseful conclusion, Lyman’s resilience against Scott’s attempt at a military takeover reflects the film’s core message: the enduring belief in democratic processes and the promotion of peace through dialogue rather than force. The story culminates as Lyman expresses that it’s “slander” to suggest the nation’s strength lies not in peaceful negotiation, further solidifying its stance on constitutional authority as the film draws to a close.