The Little Traitor (2007)

Based on the novel "Panther in the Basement" by the world-renowned author, Amos Oz, the movie takes place in Palestine in 1947, just a few months before Israel becomes a state. Proffy ... See full summary »

Director:

Lynn Roth

Writers:

Lynn Roth (screenplay), Amos Oz (novel)

Stars:

Ido Port, Alfred Molina, Arieh Adler

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Ido Port	...	Proffy
Alfred Molina	...	Dunlop
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Arieh Adler	...	Radio announcer (voice)
Jacob Barker	...	Chaim Zosoma
Theodore Bikel	...	Interrogator
Vivian Brunstein	...	British Solider
Levana Finkelstein	...	Grandmother Tykocinski
Rami Heuberger	...	Proffy's father
David Milton John	...	British officer
Anat Klausner	...	Yardena
Tarik Kopty	...	Arab merchant #2 (as Tarek Kupty)
Guy Krasner	...	Chita
Yonatan Lahat	...	Ben Hur
Dafna Melzer	...	Rachel
Zachi Noy	...	Mr. Gihon

Storyline

Based on the novel "Panther in the Basement" by the world-renowned author, Amos Oz, the movie takes place in Palestine in 1947, just a few months before Israel becomes a state. Proffy Liebowitz, a militant yet sensitive eleven year old wants nothing more than for the occupying British to get the hell out of his land. Proffy and his two friends spend most of their time plotting ways to terrorize and/or blow up the British until one evening, while he's out after curfew, Proffy is seized by Sergeant Dunlop, a British officer. Instead of arresting him, he deposits him back home,but what ensues in the weeks to come is a friendship between these two foes. Proffy looks to Dunlop as a father figure as his own father is cold and remote. Dunlop, lonely and poetic, loves the spirited boy and they find lots to talk about in their meetings which Proffy must keep a secret from his friends and family. When Proffy's friends follow him one day and see that he has been visiting the detested enemy, they...

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Plot Keywords:

three word title | based on novel

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site [United States]

Country:

Israel USA

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

2 April 2009 (Israel)

Also Known As:

O Pequeno Traidor

Filming Locations:

Israel

Box Office

Budget:

$1,700,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$3,227 (USA) (6 November 2009)

Gross:

$401,538 (USA) (26 August 2011)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Evanstone Films Ltd., Panther Productions (III)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

Sergeant Dunlop is seen drinking bottled Taybeh Beer a number of times in the film. The Taybeh Brewery was only begun in 1994. A great beer, nevertheless.

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Quotes

Proffy: Shalom, sergeant Dunlop.

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Soundtracks

"Heartaches"
Written by Al Hoffman and John Klenner (as John Clenner)
Performed by Enoch Light and the Light Brigade

User Reviews

A treat for all ages

This movie is a little gem. Definitely not a historic film, this semi-autobiography of author Amos Oz is an exploration of human interactions during the time of the British occupation in Mandatory Palestine. I would have given the film another star, but was slightly rattled when I missed a musical "fill" when it was necessary, and looked for more "goofs" when what appeared to be a plastic bag drifted across a shot early on in the movie, set in the 1940s. In addition, I awaited (and received) the obligatory Oz political stance on the situation in Israel. That is something I believe the film could have done without, since it is an otherwise charming piece. After the showing, the producer gave a little background into the making of the movie (incredibly small budget, all-Israeli crew, Molina phoning and asking for a role in the film). That was an extra treat. I will definitely buy the DVD when it comes out, and will recommend it to my kids. It's a story of emotions overcoming the clash of stereotypical enemies.