The Greatest Story Ever Told

The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)

Runtime: I saw the 199 minute version that is commonplace now

Directed by: George Stevens

Starring: This has an all-star cast; the lead is the late Max von Sydow

From: MGM

I had enough free time on Easter to view a film over 3 hours long, and as this was on TCM and had a plot entirely appropriate for the day, this is why an all-star retelling of Jesus Christ was watched; about time, as this is one of those many pictures I've known of for literally decades now yet haven't seen despite having at least a mild interest in doing so.

I don't need to recount the plot as I'll operate under the assumption everyone is familiar with the story. Perhaps the term “portentous” shouldn't be used to describe a movie about the Son of God... be that as it may, it does seem appropriate to describe it as such. After all, some will think that of a movie with such a bold title. It was well-directed, with many long shots of lovely scenery in the American Southwest. This was done deliberately as director George Stevens chose to shot in that region rather than in the Middle East-for the aesthetic. While I noted how serious this was, at least there was gravitas and except for one factor I'll mention in a bit, the subject matter was addressed appropriately. As Christ, Max von Sydow was of course very good in the role and this has some splendid scenes filled with grandeur, matched by a score that is ethereal at the appropriate times.

Unfortunately, even I can say this was slowly paced, and I can only imagine what this was like when it was originally released at a leg-numbing 260 minutes. To make an assumption, that cut is long gone, never to be resurrected... in addition, this is one of the many 50's and 60's movies filled with an all-star cast. I have no complaints with the likes of Charlton Heston (as John the Baptist), Claude Rains, Telly Savalas-he shaved his head for the role, and never grew it back-Jose Ferrer, Donald Pleasence, Martin Landau, David MacCallum, and others acting in substantial roles, as it was nice seeing all of them.

However, many talented performers appear briefly and I wish that more would have been done with the likes of Richard Conte, Angela Lansbury, Sidney Poitier, Jamie Farr, Van Heflin, Shelley Winters, Sal Mineo, and others. It started to become so prevalent-all those famous faces-that it became distracting; it seemed like useless cameos, you know. Then there was John Wayne... that is the most infamous aspect of the movie. He is there for seconds, as a Roman Centurion, and warbles, “Truly, this man was the son of God.” This may be apocryphal but it's been rumored that many takes were done of this line, which was something that Stevens usually did anyhow. Old George wanted more emotion from The Duke, a sense of awe. Allegedly, the next take was Wayne saying, “Awww, truly this man was the son of God.” It's an amusing anecdote no matter if it actually occurred. I am glad I finally saw the movie and I can say it was good overall. I just wish it would have been the greatest telling of the story.