Thieves in the Night (1989)
A sweeping historical drama set in British-ruled Palestine, charting the human cost of the Arab-Jewish conflict through life in a kibbutz.
Thieves in the Night - Movie Information
- Original Title: Thieves in the Night
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Wolfgang Storch
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Drama
- Runtime: 3h 46m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: German, English, Hebrew
- Alternative Titles: Diebe in der Nacht (CH), Diebe in der Nacht (AT), Diebe in der Nacht (DE)
- Production Companies: ARD
- Production Countries: Israel, Germany
Thieves in the Night - Plot
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night." Experiences in a kibbutz, it sets up a stage in describing the historical roots of the conflict between Arabs and Jewish settlers in the British ruled Palestine.
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Thieves in the Night - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Wolfgang Storch
Main Cast
- Richard E. Grant
- Marion Bunel
- Arnon Tzadock
- Denise Virieux
- David Menachem
- James Laurenson
- Patricia Hodge
- Douglas Sheldon
- Yosef Shiloach
- Michael Sarne
Writers
- Wolfgang Storch
- Arthur Koestler
Thieves in the Night - FAQs
What is Thieves in the Night about?
Thieves in the Night follows life in a kibbutz in British-ruled Palestine, tracing the deep historical roots of the conflict between Arab communities and Jewish settlers. Inspired by Arthur Koestler's novel, it weaves personal stories into a broader portrait of hope, displacement, and the birth of Zionism.
Is Thieves in the Night based on a true story?
It's based on Arthur Koestler's 1946 novel of the same name, which drew heavily on his own experiences in Palestine. While the characters are fictional, the historical backdrop — British Mandate Palestine, Arab-Jewish tensions, and the kibbutz movement — is grounded in real events of the era.
Where can you watch Thieves in the Night?
Streaming availability for Thieves in the Night varies by region. You can check the latest viewing options — including rental, purchase, and streaming platforms — on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is currently available in your area.
Who are the main actors in Thieves in the Night?
The cast is led by Richard E. Grant as Joseph and Marion Bunel as Ellen. They're joined by Patricia Hodge as Lady Joyce, James Laurenson as Gordon-Smith, Yosef Shiloach as Kamel Effendi, and Arnon Tzadock as Baumann, among others in a rich ensemble.
What role does Richard E. Grant play in the film?
Richard E. Grant plays Joseph, a central figure whose experiences in the kibbutz anchor the film's emotional and historical narrative. The role allowed Grant to explore themes of idealism and identity against the turbulent backdrop of pre-state Palestine — a departure from many of his better-known roles.
How long is Thieves in the Night?
Thieves in the Night runs for 3 hours and 46 minutes — an ambitious runtime that reflects its origins as a television miniseries produced by ARD. The extended length gives the story room to breathe, developing its characters and historical context with considerable depth.
What themes does Thieves in the Night explore?
The film digs into Zionism, hope, and the painful complexities of land and belonging. It examines how idealism collides with political reality, and how ordinary people — Jewish settlers and Arab communities alike — are caught up in forces far larger than themselves in Mandate-era Palestine.
What are some films similar to Thieves in the Night?
If Thieves in the Night resonates with you, consider Munich (2005) for its unflinching look at Israeli-Palestinian conflict, 7 Days in Entebbe (2018) for Middle East political tension, or Golda (2023) for another portrait of Israeli history. Zero Motivation (2014) offers a lighter Israeli perspective.
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