Civilian vs. military control of the country

As a retired army officer and an adjunct history professor I thought it was important to review what I consider the best war movies depicting the challenges of leadership and the command of men.
 
"Seven Days In May" is one of the best movies at showing the tensions between the civilian authority over our military.  A concept that I wholeheartedly support as part of our constitution.  Unfortunately, it has been tested to a smaller degree recently with the General McChrystal flap.  At the height of the cold war, an unpopular U.S. President (Fredric March), manages to get a nuclear disarmament treaty through the Senate, but finds that the nation is turning against him.  Jiggs Casey (Kirk Douglas), a Marine Colonel, finds evidence that General James Mattoon Scott (Burt Lancaster), the wildly popular head of the Joint Chiefs and certain Presidential Candidate in 2 years is not planning to wait. Casey goes to the president with the information and this very famous line from the movie. "I'm suggesting Mr. President, there's a military plot to take over the Government of these United States, next Sunday..."   Working with a small circle of reliable and loyal officials, (a great cast of actors in this movie) President Lyman tries to get the evidence of Scott's treachery and stop him.

Another reason why this movie is so high on my list is the sharp dialogue written by the brilliant Rod Serling!!!  For instance, one of my fave lines in the movie spoken by Ava Gardner to Kirk Douglas.  "I'll make you two promises: a very good steak, medium rare, and the truth, which is very rare."

I wish modern movies were written this well!