Israeli Film Classic Hill 24 Doesnt Answer is released on DVD in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of Israel



Ergo Media Inc., the world's largest distributor of Jewish videos and DVDs, is delighted to announce the DVD release of the Israeli film classic "Hill 24 Doesn't Answer." Released in 1955, less than a decade after the creation of the State of Israel, the film relates the story of Israel's birth. The film has an international cast and its DVD release coincides with the 60th anniversary of Israel this year.

The film was the first major motion picture in English produced in Israel, heralded by French film historian Georges Sadoul as "superbly directed" by Thorold Dickinson. Dickinson, who was highly regarded as one of the most inventive of British directors and who would later chair the British Film Academy, came to Israel to direct the film ; it would be his last feature film.

The cast includes Ireland's Edward Mulhare (TV's "The Ghost & Mrs. Muir" and "Knight Rider"); Michael Wager, who came from the Broadway stage and would later be the voice of PBS's "Great Performances;" Margalit Oved, from Yemen, who became a world renowned choreographer and directed Israel's celebrated dance company, Inbal; German-born Arik Lavie who would become one of Israel's favorite balladeers; and Israel's Haya Hararit who would win the Hommage Award at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance and would go on to star in "Ben Hur," opposite Charlton Heston. Also appearing in the movie, in a cameo role, is Israel's most beloved female vocalist, Shoshana Damari. British cinematographer Gerald Gibbs filmed the picture and Paul Ben Haim, winner of the Israel Prize, wrote the music. The screenplay was written by Canadian-born Peter Frye and Lithuanian-born Zvi Kolitz.

The story relates the story of four young Zionists, three men and a woman, who are assigned to defend strategic Hill 24 outside of Jerusalem, in order to maintain access to the besieged city during Israel's War of Independence. The defenders, each with their own story, come from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This is one of the early great films on the birth of Israel.

The DVD, released in celebration of Israel's 60th birthday, features many extras, including interviews with the producer of the film Jack Padwa, star of the film Michael Wager and production manager Paul Tyras. Also featured is an audio address recorded over 30 years ago by the film 's director, Thorold Dickinson. The DVD includes biographical information on the major members of the cast and crew as well as an introduction by film historian Dr. Eric Goldman.

The film is in English, runs 101 minutes long, is in black and white, and retails for $39.95





Israeli Film Classic Hill 24 Doesnt Answer is released on DVD in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of Israel