Cast a Giant Shadow

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Cast a Giant Shadow

Released Mar 30, 1966

2h 22m

War

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3 Reviews

52%

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1,000+ Ratings

In this fact-based film, distinguished U.S. Army Col. David Marcus (Kirk Douglas) is enlisted by the Israelis to perform the difficult task of preparing their fledgling nation for battle against the Arabs. Before long, he feuds with the local leaders, quits his post and goes back home to his pregnant wife (Angie Dickinson) in the United States. However, Marcus, who is Jewish himself, soon has a crisis of faith and decides to return to duty to help the untrained Israelis form an army.

Steve Crum

Video-Reviewmaster.com

Kirk Douglas is fine as legendary Israeli leader. Nice guest stars (John Wayne, etc.).

Rated: 4/5

Feb 22, 2008

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

The results add up to a superficial biopic that casts anything but a giant shadow.

Rated: C-

Oct 18, 2005

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Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Rated: 2/5

Oct 9, 2005

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Meri D.

Great cast. A bit cheesy sometimes but a good story.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/27/25

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Paul B

Rubbish excellent cast but just rubbish

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/18/25

Full Review

Anastasios G

Can’t recommend a film that glorifies the origins of the genocidal state-sponsored terrorist force that has liquidated, imprisoned, tortured, humiliated and dispossessed tens of thousands of Palestinians since 1948.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

10/29/24

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Franky L

This is a fascinating true story of past WWII Isreal. Held my attention, and had an all star cast. Sometimes humorous, but quite a serious historical account.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/10/24

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Steve D

It's script is weak and it hammers the foreshadowing far too much.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/27/23

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Audience Member

I can't see any low rating for this movie being anything other than political. The cast does a great job telling a story that is impossible to believe yet is 100% true. Five nations attacked Israel hours after the United States recognized it, and beyond all hope and reason Israel survived. John Wayne, Yule Brinner and Frank Sinatra all have minor speaking rolls. Think about that statement in context with 1966. They were all major stars. Kirk Douglas heads up a huge cast that delivers. Historical accuracy for this film is one of its greatest features. Well directed, edited and shot in color, this film is a must for anyone who counts themself a history buff.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

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Melville Shavelson

Director

Kirk Douglas

Col. David "Mickey" Marcus

Senta Berger

Magda Simon

Angie Dickinson

Emma Marcus

John Wayne

Gen. Mike Randolph

Frank Sinatra

Vince Talmadge

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Synopsis

In this fact-based film, distinguished U.S. Army Col. David Marcus (Kirk Douglas) is enlisted by the Israelis to perform the difficult task of preparing their fledgling nation for battle against the Arabs. Before long, he feuds with the local leaders, quits his post and goes back home to his pregnant wife (Angie Dickinson) in the United States. However, Marcus, who is Jewish himself, soon has a crisis of faith and decides to return to duty to help the untrained Israelis form an army.

Director: Melville Shavelson
Producer: Melville Shavelson, Michael Wayne
Screenwriter: Melville Shavelson
Distributor: United Artists
Production Co: Bryna Productions, Mirisch Corporation, Batjac Productions
Genre: War
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 30, 1966, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 28, 2017
Runtime: 2h 22m

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