- Film Review
- Reviewed By Tony Sloman
-
3 out of 5
This retelling of the life of Christ from director George Stevens is a monumental achievement, given tremendous power by Max von Sydow's masterful portrayal of Jesus. Unfortunately, the film is fatally compromised by its cumbersome length and the casting of key players in every role. While the likes of Carroll Baker and Sidney Poitier work well, the inclusion of Pat Boone and, especially, John Wayne actually damages the fabric. It's a remarkable movie nonetheless, considering the fact that Stevens fell ill and the great David Lean took over the direction, reuniting with his Lawrence of Arabia actors José Ferrer and Claude Rains.
Plot Summary
Biblical drama starring Max von Sydow and Dorothy McGuire. Destined to become the Messiah, Jesus is born to Mary and Joseph at Bethlehem, and is hailed as "the King of the Jews". Escaping the wrath of King Herod they flee to Egypt, only returning to Nazareth after his death. It is here that the adult Jesus begins to preach his gospel.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Jesus
- Max von Sydow
- Mary
- Dorothy McGuire
- Herod Antipas
- José Ferrer
- John the Baptist
- Charlton Heston
- Simon of Cyrene
- Sidney Poitier
- Pontius Pilate
- Telly Savalas
- Centurion
- John Wayne
- Woman of no name
- Shelley Winters
- Caiaphas
- Martin Landau
- Herod the Great
- Claude Rains
- Veronica
- Carroll Baker
- Judas Iscariot
- David McCallum
- Joseph
- Robert Loggia
- Matthew
- Roddy McDowall
- Claudia
- Angela Lansbury
- Dark hermit
- Donald Pleasence
- Barabbas
- Richard Conte
- Herodias
- Marian Seldes
- Uriah
- Sal Mineo
- Young man at the tomb
- Pat Boone
- Aben
- John Abbott
- Captain of Lancers
- Rodolfo Acosta
- Chuza
- Philip Coolidge
- Herod's Commander
- Michael Ansara
Crew
- Director
- George Stevens
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