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Cast A Giant Shadow [1966]
![Cast A Giant Shadow [1966]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512YT9NKXPL._SL160_.jpg)
This is not cinema verité but Hollywood. Marcus’ dilemma--to settle into peacetime in America or follow his more natural, combative instincts abroad--is symbolised by a love triangle, involving wife Angie Dickinson and Santa Berger as Magda, the soldier whom he falls for in Palestine. Although lavish and spectacular, especially in the war scenes--filmed in the actual Middle Eastern locations in which they occurred--Cast a Giant Shadow is not entirely authentic (for a start, they’re driving 1950s vehicles in the 40s). Moreover, in the light of later troubles in the region, not everyone will be heart warmed by this depiction of plucky little Israel coping against Arab foes who are barely depicted as human throughout the film, merely as tanks and gunfire. Still, it’s an impressive enough relic of epic 1960s cinema, with cameos from Yul Brynner, John Wayne as Marcus’ wartime general, and Frank Sinatra as a pilot scattering the enemy by dropping soda dispensers on them. On the DVD: Cast a Giant Shadow‘s restoration here is visually immaculate. The mono sound, however, is often indistinct, with a good deal of sibilant hiss. Disappointingly, the only extra is the original trailer.--David Stubbs
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
1966’s Cast a Giant Shadow is based on Ted Berkman’s biography of Colonel "Mickey" Marcus, the American soldier who served as an adviser in the fight to establish the state of Israel in 1948. It stars Kirk Douglas as the likeable "stiffneck" and WWII veteran persuaded to take up the cause. Israel back then was depicted as a negligible military force under threat of extinction at the hands of its Arab neighbours, hamstrung by a UN embargo on arms supplies. It takes Douglas at his most square-jawed to see off the Egyptian military and defy a blockade to beat a path through to Jerusalem.
Editorial
Special Features
English
Region 2
Editorial
Synopsis
In this story of Israel's difficult struggle for statehood, Kirk Douglas plays the role of colonel David Marcus, an American military officer who defied orders and led a faction of the Israeli Army in defense of its newly formed borders.
An American story...
Review date: 2004-02-23 Rating: 6 out of 10
In 1965 no studio wanted to finance this film, it was only when Director Melville Shavelson guaranted John Wayne's participation that he did get financed.
And why should John Wayne be interested in making a film about the formation of the State of Israel? Acording to some Wayne biographers the 'Duke' thougth it was a good story to remind americans what their country was all about, since the films recounts the crucial role of a jewish american coronel in the formation of the Israeli army, and the role of the USA in helping the figth for indepence of the small and opressed jewish nation. Wayne helped finance the picture as a response to the liberals who acused the USA of Imperialism, but he only apperead in the supporting role of an american general, leaving the main role to the true american jewish star Kirk Douglas.
"Cast a Giant Shadow" his an agreable, almost epic film, witch main interest his a great cast that presents, Kirk Douglas and Angie Dickison with John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Yull Brynner in supporting roles.
Since this is a 60's Hollywood picture, political readings, especially in the face of recent events are totally inadequate, keep in mind that this film is pure entertainment, only based on true events.
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Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
James Donald
Stathis Giallelis
Senta Berger
Kirk Douglas
Angie Dickinson
Creators:
Kirk Douglas (Primary Contributor)
Senta Berger (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: MGM Entertainment
Manufacturer: MGM Entertainment
EAN: 5050070008791
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2002-05-20
Number of discs: 1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 133 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1966-03-30
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: Hebrew (Original Language)