I watched two of the 1960s epics on the life of Jesus Christ recently – King of Kings and The Greatest Story Ever Told. Those two films, along with Martin Scorsese’s Last Temptation of Christ and Franco Zeffirelli’s Jesus of Nazareth provide some of the most thought-provoking material Hollywood has ever churned out. Each of these films gives an excellent account of the life of Christ but their respective merits are attained by differing methods. Those interested in the life of Jesus would be well advised to seek out and see all four movies to compare and contrast the differing perspectives that each brings to the viewer.

This review concerns Director George Stevens’ The Greatest Story Ever Told which I viewed in the deluxe DVD edition from MGM. According to one of the documentaries, “He Walks in Beauty,” included on the bonus disk, Stevens (Shane, Gunga Din, A Place in the Sun) brought a high-art concept to the story of Christ, choosing relatively unknown (in USA) foreign actor Max von Sydow to play the part of Jesus.

Stevens took a long term view of the value of his motion picture and brushed off criticisms that he was making a big budget blockbuster with cameos of almost every name actor Hollywood had to offer, including John Wayne. Yep, pilgrim, you read right: the Duke hisself gets to utter a single key line near the end of the film. Stevens rightly knew that 50 years after making the film the viewers would not know most of the 1965 actors and would appreciate the performances on their own merits.

The 2001 bonus documentary features many of the stars who acted in the film and people behind the scenes. Much lore about filmmaking is revealed. It is like attending a film school lecture in itself.

The film is a masterpiece. The viewer will recognize many of Stevens’ visual compositions as living representations of Renaissance art. Stevens’ directorial style moves the film at a stately pace but does not plod. Max von Sydow makes for a serene and deep Jesus. Charlton Heston makes a vigorous and animated John the Baptist. Claude Raines delivers an evil, corrupt Herod the Great. Jose Ferrer makes a weak-willed and depraved Herod Antipas. Dorothy McGuire proves an inspiring Mary, mother of Jesus. There are literally dozens of name actors playing minor roles. Van Heflin, Sal Mineo, Sidney Poitier, Shelly Winters. The list goes on.

The Greatest Story Ever Told was shot near Page, Arizona, the present site of Lake Powell. Charlton Heston (Ben Hur, Ten Commandments) reminisces that shooting his baptism scenes stretched over five days standing in the 40 degree Colorado (Jordan) River, dunking pilgrims. With a chuckle he said that the look of shock and wonder on the pilgrims’ faces was real as the chill of the ice-cold water hit them as he pushed them under. The sites where principal filming took place are now 400 feet below the surface of Lake Powell…

Max von Sydow’s first close-up scene as he meets John the Baptist waist deep in the Jordan is riveting; his depth of caring is evident in his beautifully sad blue eyes. And nowhere is Stevens’ painterly eye for visual composition more evident than in his editing of Jesus' appearance to the disciples after the resurrection. Awe inspiring, and one of only dozens of times that the viewer is dumbstruck during this wonderful film. The camera takes in a panoramic view of the wildly beautiful Arizona/Nevada landscape that stands in for the Holy Land.

For music, Stevens obtained the services of Alfred Newman, the best in the business and a man who scored hundreds of films. Newman composed majestic themes and incorporated native music and snatches of Handel into his memorable score.

The MGM DVD is released in Ultra Panavision (2.75: 1 ratio). All the vision of George Stevens is intact in the widescreen image that is remarkably well preserved after 38 years. The film is also available in standard 4 X 3 format in videocassette from MGM. Viewers who wish an inspiring experience should consider watching or re-watching The Greatest Story Ever Told.

Happy viewing!

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups