The fact that this movie is based on real life events makes it that much more interesting and riveting. I read the book by Isser Harel and the movie does it justice. Some things were changed to speed things up, but the spirit is there. The book is a methodical retelling of the events with a lot of emphasis on the day to day details. I find the movie captured that aspect well. Topol is very intense in his role, but I especially liked Nick Mancuso as an agent who is having a hard time justifying this operation when things are more pressing back in Israel. A great scene takes place when they finally spot Eichmann's house from a distance and both men overcome with emotion, embrace. The long search has finally paid off. The really underrated Martin Balsam plays Harel as a man who appears rather ordinary, but is very much on top of the situation and is determined to succeed in bringing Eichmann back to Israel to stand trial. On the whole a good viewing experience and far superior to the 1996 film THE MAN WHO CAPTURED EICHMANN, which was much too slow and drawn out, and light years ahead of the 1962 OPERATION EICHMANN, which was just plain insulting.
Review of The House on Garibaldi Street
The House on Garibaldi Street
(1979 TV Movie)
Straightforward, realistic espionage film
20 October 2000