Kirk Douglas plays American Army officer David “Mickey” Marcus (1901-1948) who was instrumental in founding the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in 1947. Director-screenwriter Melville Shavelson (“Houseboat” 1958) was focused in the making of this picture, skillfully mixing fact and fiction (as happens in most biopics) in this engrossing dramatization of Marcus’ life.
Kirk Douglas handled the role well with his usual gusto, enthusiasm, and charisma. The supporting cast features Angie Dickinson, Senta Berger, Luther Adler, Topol, Allan Cuthbertson, Senta Berger, Michael Hordern, James Donald, Stathis Giallelis, Ruth White, Gordon Jackson, Jeremy Kemp, Rod Dana, and Michael Douglas in an uncredited cameo role as a jeep driver. This was Michael’s motion picture debut. There were also prominent cameos by Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and Yul Brenner.
“Cast a Giant Shadow” was successful in theatrical release for producer Melville Shavelson, Batjac Productions, The Mirisch Corporation, Lienroc Productions, and United Artists. Elmer Bernstein was in charge of the musical score.
Cast a Giant Shadow (1966)
cinema
My Review
Kirk Douglas plays American Army officer David “Mickey” Marcus (1901-1948) who was instrumental in founding the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in 1947. Director-screenwriter Melville Shavelson (“Houseboat” 1958) was focused in the making of this picture, skillfully mixing fact and fiction (as happens in most biopics) in this engrossing dramatization of Marcus’ life.
Kirk Douglas handled the role well with his usual gusto, enthusiasm, and charisma. The supporting cast features Angie Dickinson, Senta Berger, Luther Adler, Topol, Allan Cuthbertson, Senta Berger, Michael Hordern, James Donald, Stathis Giallelis, Ruth White, Gordon Jackson, Jeremy Kemp, Rod Dana, and Michael Douglas in an uncredited cameo role as a jeep driver. This was Michael’s motion picture debut. There were also prominent cameos by Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and Yul Brenner.
“Cast a Giant Shadow” was successful in theatrical release for producer Melville Shavelson, Batjac Productions, The Mirisch Corporation, Lienroc Productions, and United Artists. Elmer Bernstein was in charge of the musical score.