United States 1966Language:GermanDirector:Melville ShavelsonWriter:Melville Shavelson based on the novel by Ted BerkamCinematographer:Aldo TontiEditor:Bert Bates, Gene RuggieroMusic:Elmer BernsteinWith:Kirk Douglas, Senta Berger, Frank Sinatra, Yul Brynner, John WayneProducer:Melville ShavelsonProduction Company:Batjac ProductionsDistributor:Park Circus Group138 min, Colour

In 1947, a few years after the end of the Second World War, the partition plan for Palestine is adopted by the United Nations. The independent state of Israel is proclaimed in the mandate territory, which had previously been under British administration. The geopolitical upheaval is not supported by the neighbouring feudal Arab states, which carry out military attacks. An experienced US officer with Jewish roots is given the task of travelling to Israel and transforming Israeli fighting groups operating loosely underground into a professional armed force. The newly-founded state of Israel is to be protected and defended. Lavish Hollywood production with star cast.

Age rating: from 12 years

Director's Biography:Melville Shavelson, born in 1917, first worked as a writer for entertainment programmes. In 1950 he switched to directing and made star-studded classics such as HAUSBOOT or ES BEGANN IN PARIS. He made his last film in 1989 and died in 2007.

Director's Filmography:
1976 DIE GROSSEN HOUDINIS
1967 DEINE, MEINE, UNSERE
1963 EINE NEUE ART VON LIEBE
1962 ES BEGANN IN ROM

Copyright: © 1966 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved