The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)

[ethanedwards]

THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD

PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY GEORGE STEVENS
GEORGE STEVENS PRODUCTIONS
UNITED ARTISTS

....

INFORMATION FROM IMDb

Plot Summary
The life of Jesus Christ.

Full Cast
Max von Sydow .... Jesus
Michael Anderson Jr. .... James the Younger
Carroll Baker .... Veronica
Ina Balin .... Martha of Bethany
Pat Boone .... The figure in the tomb
Victor Buono .... Sorak
Richard Conte .... Barabbas
Joanna Dunham .... Mary Magdalene
José Ferrer .... Herod Antipas
Van Heflin .... Bar Amand
Charlton Heston .... John the Baptist
Martin Landau .... Caiaphas
Angela Lansbury .... Claudia
Janet Margolin .... Mary of Bethany
David McCallum .... Judas Iscariot
Roddy McDowall .... Matthew
Dorothy McGuire .... The Virgin Mary
Sal Mineo .... Uriah
Nehemiah Persoff .... Shemiah
Donald Pleasence .... The Dark Hermit - Satan
Sidney Poitier .... Simon of Cyrene
Claude Rains .... King Herod
Gary Raymond .... Peter
Telly Savalas .... Pontius Pilate
Joseph Schildkraut .... Nicodemus
Paul Stewart .... Questor
John Wayne .... Centurion at crucifixion
Shelley Winters .... Woman who is healed
Ed Wynn .... Old Aram
John Abbott .... Aben
Rodolfo Acosta .... Captain of lancers
Michael Ansara .... Herod's commander
Robert Blake .... Simon the Zealot
Burt Brinckerhoff .... Andrew
Robert Busch .... Emissary
John Considine .... John
Philip Coolidge .... Chuza
John Crawford .... Alexander
Frank DeKova .... The tormentor (as Frank de Kova)
Cyril Delevanti .... Melchior
Jamie Farr .... Thaddaeus
David Hedison .... Philip
Russell Johnson .... Scribe
Mark Lenard .... Balthazar
Robert Loggia .... Joseph
John Lupton .... Speaker of Capernaum
Peter Mann .... Nathanael
Tom Reese .... Thomas
Marian Seldes .... Herodias
David Sheiner .... James the Elder
Frank Silvera .... Caspar
Joseph Sirola .... Dumah
Abraham Sofaer .... Joseph of Arimathaea
Harold Stone .... Gen. Varus (as Harold J. Stone)
Chet Stratton .... Theophilus
Michael Tolan .... Lazarus
Ron Whelan .... Annas
Gene Roth
Richard Bakalyan .... Good thief on cross (uncredited)
Nesdon Booth .... (uncredited)
Marc Cavell .... Bad thief on cross (uncredited)
Jay C. Flippen .... Drunken soldier (Herod Antipas' court) (uncredited)
Kay Hammond .... (uncredited)
Dal Jenkins .... Philip (uncredited)
Celia Lovsky .... Woman behind railings (uncredited)
Victor Lundin .... Centurion guard (uncredited)
Dorothy Neumann .... (uncredited)
Gil Perkins .... Jacob of Bethlehem (uncredited)
Joseph V. Perry .... Archelaus (uncredited)
John Pickard .... Peter's accuser #2 (uncredited)
Frank Richards .... (uncredited)
Johnny Seven .... Pilate's aide (uncredited)
Mickey Simpson .... Rabble rouser (uncredited)
Norm Taylor .... Roman Soldier at Crucifixion (uncredited)
Randall Taylor .... Male Baby Extra (uncredited)
Renata Vanni .... Weeping woman (uncredited)
Ronald Walkshorse .... Male Child Extra (uncredited)
Harry Wilson .... (uncredited)
Jimmy Yates .... Herodian Guard (uncredited)

Directed
George Stevens
David Lean (uncredited)
Jean Negulesco (uncredited)

Produced
Frank I. Davis .... executive producer
George Stevens Jr. .... associate producer
George Stevens .... producer
Antonio Vellani .... associate producer

Writing Credits
Fulton Oursler (book)
Henry Denker (source writings)
James Lee Barrett (screenplay) andGeorge Stevens (screenplay)
Carl Sandburg uncredited

Original Music
Alfred Newman
Hugo Friedhofer (uncredited)
Fred Steiner (uncredited)

Cinematography
Loyal Griggs
William C. Mellor

Stunts
Henry Wills .... stunt coordinator
Carol Daniels .... stunts (uncredited)
Johnny Hagner .... stunts (uncredited)
Loren Janes .... stunts (uncredited)
Neil Summers .... stunts (uncredited)
Norm Taylor .... stunts (uncredited)
Bob Terhune .... stunt double: John Wayne (uncredited)
Henry Wills .... stunts (uncredited)

Trivia
Cinematographer William C. Mellor suffered a heart attack, collapsed and died on the set.

Telly Savalas shaved his head bald for his role as Pontius Pilate. He kept his head shaved for the rest of his life.

During filming, the first snowstorm to strike Arizona in decades buried the whole Jerusalem set. Several hundred cast and crew members, including director George Stevens, went out with snow shovels, wheelbarrows, bulldozers, and butane flame throwers to clear the snow from the set. Just as they were done, it snowed again, even harder than before - forcing the production to close and move to Desilu Studios in Hollywood.

Joanna Dunham, who played Mary Magdalene, became pregnant during filming. The director worked around this by shooting her from the chest up as much as possible, making her later scenes markedly unlike the earlier ones.

Director George Stevens originally hired 550 Navajos from a local reservation to be Roman legionnaires, but they couldn't stay on the set for very long and eventually went back home to participate in a tribal election. Stevens replaced them with ROTC cadets.

George Stevens originally wanted Richard Burton to play Jesus.

While between his films Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Doctor Zhivago (1965), David Lean directed some interior scenes with Claude Rains and José Ferrer as a favor for George Stevens, who was bogged down with the production in Nevada. Jean Negulesco, meanwhile, directed the Nativity scene.

Filming began using 3-strip Cinerama process. After three days of filming with the 3-strip camera, the production switched to 70mm Ultra Panavision 70.

This film was slightly over 30 days in production using the original 3-panel Cinerama process when orders were given to abandon the Cinerama camera in favor of Ultra-Panavision 70; thus ending forever the cumbersome 3-panel Cinerama process in Hollywood. Numerous scenes had to be re-shot in the new single-lens Ultra-Panavision 70 process.

Alec Guinness was sought for a cameo.

Being a perfectionist, George Stevens did many takes of John Wayne's single line, "Truly, this man was the son of God." A rumor has long persisted that at one stage Stevens pleaded with Wayne to show more emotion, an overwhelming sense of awe. During the next take, Wayne changed the line to, "Aw, truly this man was the son of God."

Martin Landau has said in interviews that half of his part was deleted in the editing stage.

During an interview on "The Mike Douglas Show" (1961), Jamie Farr related the story of how he was so desperate for work when he auditioned for the picture that he prayed to St. Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes, that he would get the job. He was ironically cast as the apostle Thaddeus, an alternate name for St. Jude (possibly used to avoid confusion with Judas Iscariot).

Final film of Claude Rains.

Filming began in 1962 and was completed in 1963, but the movie went unreleased for another two years.

Max von Sydow said that the hardest part about playing Christ was the expectations people had of him to remain in character at all times. He couldn't smoke between takes, have a drink after work, or be affectionate with his wife on the set.

Goofs
* Incorrectly regarded as goofs: As always, differences between the film and its source material are not considered goofs. Nor are historical inaccuracies, especially when connected to heavily debated religious traditions.

* Incorrectly regarded as goofs: SPOILER: In the film Judas Iscariot kills himself by jumping into a fire, but the Gospel accounts of this story say he hung himself. Also, after the Gospels, at the beginning of the Book of Acts, it is reported that Judas also died when he fell and his body split open, perhaps in the act of hanging himself. No where is his death associated with a fire. However, the director certainly was aware of these reports. As in other scenes in the movie, he may have decided to use a theatrical device to suggest something to the audience. Because Hell is popularly linked with fire, the implication may be that Judas sent himself to Hell, as if he literally jumped into it.

Memorable Quotes

Filming Locations
Arches National Park, Moab, Utah, USA
Arizona, USA
California, USA
Canyonlands National Park, Moab, Utah, USA
Crazy Canyon, Page, Arizona, USA
Culver City, California, USA
(studio)
Dead Horse Point State Park - State Highway 313, Moab, Utah, USA
Death Valley National Park, California, USA
Desilu Studios - 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA
(studio)
Glen Canyon, Utah, USA
Green River Overlook, Canyonlands National Park, Moab, Utah, USA
(Sermon on the Mount scene)
Illinois, USA
(Holy Land)
Kanab, Utah, USA
Lake Moab, Utah, USA
Lake Powell, Utah, USA
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA
(studio) (crucifixion)
Moab, Utah, USA
(Bethlehem)
Nevada, USA
Page, Arizona, USA
Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Nevada, USA
(Sea of Galilee - Capernaum)
Pyramid Lake, Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Nevada, USA
Utah, USA
(southern border: Holy Land)

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Here is a link to previous discussion:-

The Greatest Story Ever Told

[ethanedwards]

The Greatest Story Ever Told is a 1965 American epic film
produced and directed by George Stevens and distributed by United Artists.
It is a retelling of the story of Jesus Christ, from the Nativity through the Resurrection.
This film is notable for its large ensemble cast and for being the last film
appearance of Claude Rains.

The Greatest Story Ever Told originated as a U.S. radio series in 1947,
half-hour episodes inspired by the Gospels.
The series was adapted into a 1949 novel by Fulton Oursler, a senior editor at Reader's Digest.
Darryl F. Zanuck, the head of 20th Century Fox, acquired the film rights
to the Oursler novel shortly after publication,but never brought it to pre-production.

In 1958, when George Stevens was producing and directing
The Diary of Anne Frank at 20th Century Fox, he became aware
that the studio owned the rights to the Oursler property.
Stevens created a company, "The Greatest Story Productions", to film the novel.

It took two years to write the screenplay.
Stevens collaborated with Ivan Moffet and then with James Lee Barrett.
It was the only time Stevens received screenplay credit for a film he directed.
Ray Bradbury and Reginald Rose were considered but neither participated.
The poet Carl Sandburg was solicited though it is not certain if any of his contributions were included.
Sandburg, however, did receive screen credit for "creative association."

Financial excesses began to grow during pre-production.
Stevens commissioned French artist André Girard to prepare
352 oil paintings of Biblical scenes to use as storyboards.
Stevens also traveled to the Vatican to see Pope John XXIII for advice.

In August 1961, 20th Century Fox withdrew from the project,
noting that $2.3 million had been spent without any footage being shot.
Stevens was given two years to find another studio or 20th Century Fox would reclaim its rights.
Stevens moved the film to United Artists.

Stevens cast Swedish actor Max von Sydow as Jesus.
Von Sydow had never appeared in an English-language film
and was best known for his performances in Ingmar Bergman's dramatic films.
Stevens wanted an unknown actor free of secular
and unseemly associations in the mind of the public.

The Greatest Story Ever Told featured an ensemble of well-known actors,
many of them in brief, even cameo, appearances.
Some critics would later complain that the large cast distracted from the solemnity,
notably in the appearance of John Wayne as the Roman centurion
who comments on the Crucifixion, in his well-known voice, by stating:
"Truly this man was the son of God."

Well, here it is, apart from The Conqueror which must be the worst movie Duke made,
this must be the worst acting he ever did.

In just 8 words, he nearly proved his critics right!!!
He uttered those words, just so bad, they were laughable.
Why, oh why, did, he put himself into this situation,
a Roman Centurion, was bad enough, but to deliver Roman diagogue!!!!!

Truly this man was the son of God

The film was boring enough, and to wait all this long for the MAN,
and to listen to this, was the biggest let, down, in my film watching days!!

Charlton Heston, said of Duke,

There are actors, who can do period roles, and actors, who can't......
God knows, Duke Wayne, couldn't play a first-century Roman!

User Review

Author: artemis_5 from Northern California
The story of Jesus Christ may be the greatest story ever told,

but George Stevens movie does not provide the most convincing telling of that story.
In spite of beautiful cinematography and music, there is something missing of the power of other tellings.
With the exception of a couple of scenes, Max von Sydow does not seem to quite up to the role, despite clearly being a good actor.
This is not necessarily von Sydow's fault, as it takes more than great acting to convince the audience that you are the character.
Imagine Ingrid Bergman as Scarlett O'Hara instead of Vivian Leigh or Gregory Peck as Rhett Butler. Max von Sydow
has moments of passion and succeeds in occasionally moving you, but somehow seems too much like the actors who play his apostles
to distinguish himself from them, a necessary feat for an actor who hopefully is surrounded by twelve other good actors at all times.

Max von Sydow's highlights are the raising of Lazarus from the dead and the sequence of his entry into Jerusalem
and speech at the temple. In fact, I would say that for those two scenes,
he outdoes many of his fellow actors that have donned the robe of Jesus.
But two scenes are not enough to carry the movie.
In fact, with all my respect to the impressive cast which participated in this movie,
Stephens seems to have completely missed the mark when it came to casting a few of the roles: Ed Wynn of "Mary Poppins" fame as the blind man,
John Wayne as a Roman centurion, and Shelley Winters as "Woman of no name."
On the other hand, few actors can portray the almost fanatic mania of John the Baptist, "a voice crying in the wilderness," like Charlton Heston.
Jose Ferrer also puts in a good performance as Herod Antipas, and Roddy McDowall convincing plays both a smart aleck and a reverent follower.
His exchange with Jesus over collecting taxes offers one of the few somewhat humorous moments.

It is not a surprise to learn that George Stevens put so much effort into his movie.
Like Mel Gibson with "The Passion of the Christ," "Greatest Story" is like a painting, with each stroke carefully put onto the canvas.
However, unlike Gibson, whose characters seem right out of 1st Century Judah, there is modern quality to Stephens film.
There are, however, more positive aspects to this film than negative. Besides the cinematography and the wise choice of Hendel's beautiful "Messiah",
other positives are showing Mary Madgelene as traveling with the apostles
(there is even a wonderful little scene where Mary annoints Jesus with oil which shows a kind of intimacy between them lacking from other versions of the story).

While some commentators have criticized the screenplay, I think it is one of the best. As much as it pains me to say this,
I think casting alone made this movie less powerful. Still I recommend that everyone see it at least once.

Duke only worked on the film for 3 days, for which he was well compensated.
However appearing in a biblical epic, was misguided!!

Chuck, you just about sum it up!!

[chester7777]

Obviously, we can't realistically call this a John Wayne movie, only that he made a VERY brief appearance it it. However, for the die-hard collector, that one line makes this movie one to have. While not one of the best, it is a story that is important to many people.

Deep Discount DVD has it for under $10.

Amazon has it on DVD, VHS, the book of the same title, audio CD of the score.

Chester

[Popol Vuh]

Originally posted by ethanedwards@Feb 8 2006, 11:52 AM
Hi,
Well, here it is, apart from THE CONQUEROR which must be the worst movie Duke made,
this must be the worst acting he ever did.
In just 8 words, he nearly proved his critics right!!!
He uttered those words, just so bad, they were laughable.
Why, oh why, did, he put himself into this situation,
a Roman Centurion, was bad enough, but to deliver Roman diagogue!!!!!
The film was boring enough, and to wait all this long for the MAN,
and to listen to this, was the biggest let, down, in my* film watching days!!
Chuck, you just about sum it up!!
Rating 0/10

[snapback]26775[/snapback]

I guess the 0/10 rating is based on John Wayne's effort (event though he wasn't in it long enough to get a rating at all). I think this movie is OK. More like 6/10. Mind you with my lack of knowledge of the bible I guess a lot more of this story was new to me than to most people. :)

Regards
Popol Vuh

[chester7777]

Though we wouldn't expect to see John Wayne's name prominently displayed on these posters, they are from a movie he appeared in.

[etsija]

I haven't been able to force myself to watch the whole movie, it's incredibly dull and long. Max van Sydow is very good in Ingmar Bergman films and many later ones too, but in this, horrible. Duke's part I've watched many times over, I find it hilarious

[arthurarnell]

Hi

A colleague at work who liked John Wayne told me the following story that one Easter TGSET was on and that John Wayne was appearing in it. He sat in his favourite chair and settled down to watch the movie Three quarters through he got bored and briefly dozed off just as the crucifixtion scene was about to take place and missed Duke's appearance.
I think the movie isn't that bad and Dukes appearance prpbably paid a bill or two.

As for the quote David Niven in his book The Moons A Balloon was one of the first to tell the story but quickly rubbished it as just a myth. A very good one but a myth nevertheless.

Regards

Arthur

[kilo 6]

I thought the big guy looked sincere while speaking his line.

[BILL OF PA]

Seeing this film as a young teen on the big screen I eagerly waited for Dukes sceen. As I walked out at the end shaking my head thinking this is one film Duke should have passed up. Even his centurion costume looked to small.
He looked more like Goliath from the bible.

[chester7777]

As for the quote David Niven in his book The Moons A Balloon was one of the first to tell the story but quickly rubbished it as just a myth. A very good one but a myth nevertheless.

Aw-w-w-w, Arthur! That was one of my favorite stories about this movie and John Wayne.
It showed he had a quick wit and a good sense of humor .
Chester

[Gorch]

Etsija and I are on the same page about this one. The film has some very decent actors in substantial roles, but when the celebrities start popping up like some demented whack-a-mole game, it ruins any sense of reverence.
The whole movie looks like a moving (barely) Hallmark card.



We deal in lead, friend.

[JohnWayneFan4Life]

King of Kings was better.

[chester7777]

Well . . . despite the mostly dismal reviews of this film, I did pick up a copy at a rummage sale today, for a whopping $2! It is on DVD, "Special Edition" Vintage Classics, with one whole disc devoted to special features (and I am a special features 'junkie' so that disc will probably get more air time than the movie itself. For the price, I don't mind adding it to the collection of John Wayne films.

Mrs. C

[Gorch]

I love the extras on films and often will replace a DVD with a Blu Ray just for them (although a bonus is that the film images are much clearer). However, I think you still paid too much for this one. I'll be more impressed if you guys sit through it and enjoy the experience.
I really wanted to like this film, but it misfired - to me anyway - on so many levels that it's first on my list of movies that replace ambien.



We deal in lead, friend.

[wtrayah]

Well, atleast we can say he made a movie with Charlton Heston!