The Band (film)
| The Band File:The Band aka the troupe album cover.jpg | |
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| Directed by | Avi Nesher |
| Edited by | Izthk Tzhayek |
| Music by | Yair Rozenblum |
Release date |
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Running time | 112 minutes |
| Country | Israel |
| Language | Hebrew |
The Band, הלהקה, (also known as The Troupe) is an Israeli comedic musical, first shown in April 1978, about an army singing group in 1968. Three new members are hazed at first, one of them falls in love, and the choir's leader, in preparation for a television appearance, rehearses the troupe so much they revolt. The movie was initially unsuccessful but has gained in popularity. The choir's leader is based on real-life composer, arranger, and music director of the Nahal troupe, Yair Rosenblum. . The film was directed by Avi Nesher.
Plot
The film takes place 1968. An army entertainment troupe, based on the Nahal troupe, perform comedy and singing acts to the troops in combat zones to boost morale. At the beginning of the film, three departing members of the troupe perform an old Broadway-style song. Auditions are then held for the three openings. The veteran members give the new recruits the silent treatment and then pull pranks on them. The assistant musical director randomly gives Noa, a new member, a solo that the troupe's prima donna, Yaffa, wants to sing. While Noa is singing, Yaffa storms out of the rehearsal hall. Datner and Bazooka decide to get revenge by playing practical jokes on the veteran troupe members. So during a skit, Yaffa and Doron receive electric shocks when touching wet microphones, and the audience in the film thinks it's part of the act. So, Doron with Moni then puts dog poop on Datner's bus seat. When Datner sees the feces, he faints. After the seat is cleaned, he suddenly winks at Micki, Moni’s girlfriend. She begins to have a liking for him. The bus brings the troupe from show to show, making stops in cafes between shows . Two girls like Noa, and become rivals for his attention. The timid Bazooka gets a crush on Dani's girlfriend, Orli, and Datner gives Bazooka lessons on how to develop relationships. Datner and Bazooka then perform another practical joke on vetran members of the choir. They make it look like they hung themselves. When they shout "Boo," those they tricked laugh hysterically. Datner continues to help shy Bazooka with his relationship lessons by helping him meet two girls, who become drunk and start hugging and kissing him. He jumps out of a window to escape them and knocks over a table full of food. Datner breaks up with Moni and starts seeing Micki. The next day on the bus, Moti makes an announcement that the troupe will be performing on national television. The Troupe bursts into excitement. However, during the next performance, because Noa is given another solo, Yaffa Moti and Shuk knocks downs the scenery. So, Alron puts the Troupe under a 24 boot camp rehearsal to prepare for the Television performance, and rebelluous singing occurs. Micki gets extremely tired and so angry when told to keep dancing she dumps a cup of yogurt over Aviv, screams at him, and storms out of the rehearsal hall. then put on probation. So, Micki gets transfer orders. Becaue of this , Datner and the entire troupe go on strike against Aviv. Alron then not only cancels the television appearance, but decides to break up the troupe, and send the members to new army bases. So, Zami dumps two cupsof yogert on himself and exclaims to Aviv, "It's only Yogurt!" Aviv tells Micki to get to rehersal, and the end of the film is the live televised performance, with the troupe singing a song of peace and dancing.
Cast of characters
- Giora Datner (played by Gidi Gov) - New Troupe member. He's naive, dorky, but then at the end becomes a rebel.
- Michal (Mikey) Ben tov (Liron Nir gad) - Troupe member and Datner's love interest.
- Moshe Albez (Meir Swisa) - New Troupe members of the Troupe. He's naive, dorky,
- Dani Stav (Sasi Keshet) - Band member.
- Mordehay (Moti) Helperon (played by Dovale Glikman) - Commander of the band.
- Yafa Harish (Smadar Brenner) - Band member
- Noa Baron (Dafna Armoni) - New member of the band.
- Malka Levy (Gali Atari) - Female soloist of the band.
- Paul Aviv (Tuvia Tzafir) - The Director of the band.