6/10
1965-04-09 G The Greatest Story Ever Told

The Greatest Story Ever Told

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

Release Date: 1965-04-09

Rating: 6.3 / 10

Runtime: 199 mins

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.


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Details


Runtime

199 minutes

Release Date

1965-04-09

Budget

$20,000,000

Box Office Earnings

$15,500,000

Cast and Crew Members

Cast

Michael Anderson Jr.
Michael Anderson Jr.
Victor Buono
Victor Buono
Richard Conte
Richard Conte
Joanna Dunham
Joanna Dunham
José Ferrer
José Ferrer
Van Heflin
Van Heflin

Crew Members

George Stevens
George Stevens Director
James Lee Barrett
James Lee Barrett Screenplay

Awards and Nominations

Oscar - ART DIRECTION (COLOR)

Year: 1966
Status: 🎭 Nominated

Oscar - CINEMATOGRAPHY (COLOR)

Year: 1966
Status: 🎭 Nominated

Oscar - COSTUME DESIGN (COLOR)

Year: 1966
Status: 🎭 Nominated

Oscar - MUSIC (MUSIC SCORE—SUBSTANTIALLY ORIGINAL)

Year: 1966
Status: 🎭 Nominated

Oscar - SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS

Year: 1966
Status: 🎭 Nominated

Audience Reviews

Read authentic reviews from real viewers about this movie.

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  • John Doe's avatar

    John Chard

    Rating: 7/10

    "*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 there was one. It's a gorgeous film, grand and epic, sensitive and astute. Flaws? Plenty for sure, yet it harks back to a time of blunderbuss epic film making, when story telling meant something, when a musical score rattled the ears and the heart, and when cinematography soothed the eyes as if cool lemon slices had been placed upon the optical nerves. Yeah, I'm a fan. If you are not then I forgive you, for you know not what you do. 7/10"

  • John Doe's avatar

    CinemaSerf

    Rating: 6/10

    "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 to the narrative. It may well be the greatest story ever written, but this is certainly not the best telling of it..."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the runtime of the The Greatest Story Ever Told ?

The movie is approximately 199 minutes long.

What is the The Greatest Story Ever Told's release date?

1965-04-09 marks the official release date of the movie.

What genre is the The Greatest Story Ever Told?

The movie belongs to the Drama History genres, offering a variety of experiences from adventure to fantasy.

Who are the main actors in the The Greatest Story Ever Told?

The lead actors include Max von Sydow , Michael Anderson Jr. , and Carroll Baker , among others.

Who directed The Greatest Story Ever Told?

The movie was directed by George Stevens

What is the The Greatest Story Ever Told's budget?

The movie had an estimated budget of $20,000,000 .

How much did The Greatest Story Ever Told movie earn at the box office?

A Cinderella Story grossed an estimated $15,500,000 at the box office.

What are some production companies behind the The Greatest Story Ever Told movie?

Major production companies include George Stevens Jr. Productions .

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