I saw this film when it was released in 1961, I was about thirteen and ancient historical epics were just about my favourite kind of movie. However "King of Kings" fell somewhere between a spectacular epic and a Sunday School lesson.
There have been quite a few films about the life of Jesus since this one was made including a couple of biggies: George Steven's "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and Zeffirelli's "Jesus of Nazareth". Unlike the other two, "King of Kings" didn't go for a multitude of well-known stars doing one-minute, pop-up appearances. Producer Samuel Bronston spent the money in other areas, and every dollar showed on the screen.
Although there is no accepted physical description of Jesus, Jeffery Hunter would have to be about the best looking movie Jesus of them all. He was an actor who always looked like he should be in movies. He was almost too good looking, but in this, those piercing blue eyes added to the sense of a man who had the charisma to draw thousands of followers to him even at the risk of their lives.
Robert Ryan likewise made a powerful John the Baptist; it's hard to imagine him any other way after seeing this movie.
Hurd Hatfield delivers an autocratic and urbane Pilate, but Frank Thring as Herod Antipas rose to the challenge, and then some. Over-the-top and scenery devouring maybe, but he's mesmerising - he even makes Charles Laughton look positively restrained in the same role in 1953's "Salome".
Nearly all the major films about Jesus base their scripts around the gospels. "King of Kings" features many of the well-known episodes, but whenever the film looks like slowing down with too many sermons, either the Zealots attack the Romans or we cut straight to the palace as Herod attacks the Ten Commandments including lusting after Salomé, his teenage step-daughter. There are no slow spots in Samuel Bronston's "King of Kings".
The film has its own style, which is set with the ominous opening narration by Orson Welles; it's an absorbing three hours with more than one inspirational scene.
Whether it's the best movie about the life of Jesus is definitely down to the way you like your bible told.
There have been quite a few films about the life of Jesus since this one was made including a couple of biggies: George Steven's "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and Zeffirelli's "Jesus of Nazareth". Unlike the other two, "King of Kings" didn't go for a multitude of well-known stars doing one-minute, pop-up appearances. Producer Samuel Bronston spent the money in other areas, and every dollar showed on the screen.
Although there is no accepted physical description of Jesus, Jeffery Hunter would have to be about the best looking movie Jesus of them all. He was an actor who always looked like he should be in movies. He was almost too good looking, but in this, those piercing blue eyes added to the sense of a man who had the charisma to draw thousands of followers to him even at the risk of their lives.
Robert Ryan likewise made a powerful John the Baptist; it's hard to imagine him any other way after seeing this movie.
Hurd Hatfield delivers an autocratic and urbane Pilate, but Frank Thring as Herod Antipas rose to the challenge, and then some. Over-the-top and scenery devouring maybe, but he's mesmerising - he even makes Charles Laughton look positively restrained in the same role in 1953's "Salome".
Nearly all the major films about Jesus base their scripts around the gospels. "King of Kings" features many of the well-known episodes, but whenever the film looks like slowing down with too many sermons, either the Zealots attack the Romans or we cut straight to the palace as Herod attacks the Ten Commandments including lusting after Salomé, his teenage step-daughter. There are no slow spots in Samuel Bronston's "King of Kings".
The film has its own style, which is set with the ominous opening narration by Orson Welles; it's an absorbing three hours with more than one inspirational scene.
Whether it's the best movie about the life of Jesus is definitely down to the way you like your bible told.