@celeste_writes
A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.
An American Army officer is recruited by the yet to exist Israel to help them form an army. He is disturbed by this sudden appeal to his Jewish heritage. Each of Israel's Arab neighbors has vowed to invade the poorly prepared country as soon as partition is granted. He is made commander of the Israeli forces just before the war begins.
Quick Stats
6.4
TMDB Rating
62
Votes
2h 26m
Runtime
—
Budget
—
Box Office
—
Return
Key Crew
DirectorMelville Shavelson
WriterTed Berkman
CinematographyAldo Tonti
ComposerElmer Bernstein
EditorBert Bates
Production DesignFerdinando Ruffo
Produced by
Bryna ProductionsBatjac ProductionsLlenroc ProductionsThe Mirisch CompanyUnited Artists
Where to Watch
Streaming
Netflix
HBO MaxBuy
Apple iTunesSee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
3 featured@jhalberg
I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.
@priya_a
A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.
Cast
Kirk Douglas
Col. David 'Mickey' Marcus
John Wayne
Gen. Mike Randolph
Senta Berger
Magda Simon
Angie Dickinson
Emma Marcus
James Donald
Maj. Safir
Yul Brynner
Asher Gonen
Frank Sinatra
Vince Talmadge
Stathis Giallelis
Ram Oren
Luther Adler
Jacob Zion
Gordon Jackson
James MacAfee
Chaim Topol
Abou Ibn Kader
Ruth White
Mrs. Chaison
Michael Hordern
British Ambassador
Allan Cuthbertson
Immigration Officer
Jeremy Kemp
Senior British Officer
