The Little Drummer Girl

The Little Drummer Girl

Year: 1984

Runtime: 130 min

Language: English

Director: George Roy Hill

Thriller

In this gripping thriller, an Israeli operative leverages the talents of a charismatic American actress with radical ties, tasking her to infiltrate a notorious terrorist organization and bring down their deadly leader. As allegiances blur and loyalties are tested, deception and betrayal lurk around every corner.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Little Drummer Girl (1984)
Trace every key event in The Little Drummer Girl (1984) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Initiation of the Mission

The Israeli Mossad initiates a covert operation aiming to capture Khalil, a highly skilled Palestinian bomber. The mission sets the stage for a suspenseful game with complex layers of deception across Europe and the Middle East.

2

Assassination of Khalil's Brother

In a critical move, the Mossad successfully kidnaps and assassins Khalil's brother, who had been an international advocate for Palestine. This tragic action underscores the severe implications of military occupation and sets off a chain of retaliatory events.

3

Charlie's Arrival in Greece

Charlie, an American actress with anti-Zionist sentiments, is lured to Greece under deceptive circumstances. Unbeknownst to her, she has become entangled in the Mossad's intricate plans, which exploit her political views and personal connections.

Greece
4

Charlie Becomes an Asset

As the plot unfolds, Charlie shows adaptability and is drawn into the Mossad's schemes. She is manipulated by Joseph, who misrepresents himself, ultimately placing her in a position of compromise and danger.

5

Mission to Infiltrate Resistance

Charlie is tasked with a vital mission to infiltrate a Palestinian resistance headquarters. Here, she meets Tayeh, the enigmatic leader, who recognizes her potential for espionage in a war-ravaged environment.

Palestinian resistance headquarters
6

Adopting a New Identity

Tayeh helps Charlie adopt the identity of a deceased man's girlfriend, allowing her to infiltrate deeper into the Palestinian resistance. The objective is to connect with Khalil and execute a deceptive plan cloaked in trust.

7

The Explosive Plan

In the guise of her new identity, Charlie forms a relationship with Khalil, leading to a plan to detonate a hidden explosive in a briefcase. This plan illustrates the dangerous intersection of personal and political motives at play.

8

The Ruse Unfolds

After successfully delivering the disguised briefcase to Professor Minkel, Charlie returns to Khalil as the Mossad preps for intervention. However, what they all believed to be an impending attack turns out to be a strategic ruse.

9

The Explosion of Deception

As chaos ensues, the planned explosion serves as a misdirection for both Khalil and the Mossad, which complicates their strategies. Khalil's suspicion grows as reports of casualties emerge, prompting further conflict.

10

Discovery of Betrayal

Khalil discovers that Charlie possesses a radio with a tracker, indicating betrayal from her side. This revelation sends Joseph and the Mossad into a frenzy, leading to efforts aimed at neutralizing Khalil and other agents.

11

Devastation of Conflict

The conflict escalates dramatically as Palestinian guerrillas face overwhelming airstrikes. The sense of chaos and destruction permeates the region, further complicating loyalty and trust among the characters.

War-torn area
12

Charlie's Emotional Aftermath

As the war leaves significant emotional scars, Charlie finds herself in an Israeli hospital, grappling with feelings of betrayal and disillusionment. She realizes how her intentions to support the Palestinian cause have been manipulated into violence.

Israeli hospital
13

Return to Acting

Seeking solace, Charlie tries to return to her acting career in the UK. However, the deep emotional scars from her experiences prove too burdensome as she struggles to perform without breaking down.

UK
14

Confrontation with Joseph

In a vulnerable moment on stage, Joseph arrives, revealing his true identity and expressing his loss of morality amid the chaos. Their shared experiences juxtapose complex emotions of love and betrayal.

15

Seeking Redemption

Together, Charlie and Joseph step into the night, weighed down by the moral complexities of their pasts. Their attempt to flee the haunting memories signifies an enduring search for peace amid the devastation.

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:52

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