The Greatest Story Ever Told Poster

The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)

G 04/09/1965 Drama, History 3h 19m
64%
User
Score
6.5/10
42%

Only once in a lifetime... an entertainment so rich... an experience so rewarding...

Overview

From his birth in Bethlehem to his death and eventual resurrection, the life of Jesus Christ is given the all-star treatment in this epic retelling. Major aspects of Christ's life are touched upon, including the execution of all the newborn males in Egypt by King Herod; Christ's baptism by John the Baptist; and the betrayal by Judas after the Last Supper that eventually leads to Christ's crucifixion and miraculous return.

George Stevens

Director

James Lee Barrett

Screenplay

Top Billed Cast

Max von Sydow

Max von Sydow

Jesus

Michael Anderson Jr.

Michael Anderson Jr.

James the Younger

Carroll Baker

Carroll Baker

Veronica

Ina Balin

Ina Balin

Martha of Bethany

Victor Buono

Victor Buono

Sorak

Richard Conte

Richard Conte

Barabbas

Joanna Dunham

Joanna Dunham

Mary Magdalene

José Ferrer

José Ferrer

Herod Antipas

Van Heflin

Van Heflin

Bar Amand

Full Cast & Crew →

Media

Trailer

Trailer

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Poster
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Reviews

A review by John Chard

Written on December 5, 2015

*Repent!*

Sue me, but I like it plenty, all 3 hours plus of ass numbing is not a problem to me. It has been called a cumbersome bore, amongst other things, but some of the technical craft is amazing. The story itself is enthralling, building to the shattering Crucifixion parts of the tale, while for every pointless star cameo shoehorned into the production, there's also a Savalas, a Baker and a Heston. Then of course there's Sydow, giving a beautifully intense turn as Jesus, a magnetic portrayal that holds the attention throughout.

Ironically director George Stevens struggled with his own ills during production, a cross to bear as it were, but just as Jesus had Sidney Poitier to share the burden, so to did Stevens, who had David Lean to help carry the load. Now that's a deity if ever...

Read the full review on TMDb →

A review by CinemaSerf

Written on September 5, 2024

Max von Sydow is Jesus in George Steven's take on the "King of Kings" story and aside from a suitably effective contribution from José Ferrer as Herod Antipas, gives the only decent performance in this epically long, plodding, depiction of the life of Christ. Clearly money was spent - the photography is epic, as is Alfred Newman's score and a first-rate cast of Hollywood A-listers ought to have delivered better. Sadly, it is hampered by a static script - producing some seriously stultifying dialogue; authentic but murky lighting and a paucity of action that makes the film drag. Aside from a good, if brief, performance from Claude Rains as Herod the Great at the start, the acting is at best disjointed - too many people trying to impose themselves at the expense of any considered approach t...

Read the full review on TMDb →
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