Click to read the article
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:18
Fresh:7
Rotten:11
Average Rating:4.7/10
Synopsis: George Stevens presents his monumental adaptation of the story of Jesus Christ starring Max von Sydow. The film concentrates on the most familiar episodes of the biblical story, including the birth... George Stevens presents his monumental adaptation of the story of Jesus Christ starring Max von Sydow. The film concentrates on the most familiar episodes of the biblical story, including the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, Herod's (Jose Ferrer) decree of the execution of all male children in Judea, and the Holy family's escape into Egypt. It continues as Christ encounters John the Baptist (Charlton Heston) searches for the Twelve Apostles, and raises Lazarus (Michael Tolan), while John the Baptist is executed. It concludes with Jesus' expulsion of the moneylenders from the temple, the instruction of the Apostles at the Last Supper, Christ's betrayal by Judas (David McCallum), the Passion, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. The product of years of research and planning by Stevens, the film features a huge cast of stars, among whom Von Sydow, McCallum, Dorothy McGuire (Mary), Sidney Poitier (Simon of Cyrene), Claude Rains (Herod the Great), Donald Pleasence (The Devil), Martin Landau (Caiaphas), and Janet Margolin (Mary of Bethany), give fine performances. [More]
Starring: Max Von Sydow, Charlton Heston, Sidney Poitier, Claude Rains
Starring: Max Von Sydow, Charlton Heston, Sidney Poitier, Claude Rains, Bobby Blake, Dorothy McGuire, Robert Loggia, José Ferrer, David McCallum, Donald Pleasence, Angela Lansbury, Martin Landau, Van Heflin, Carroll Baker
Director: George Stevens
Director: George Stevens
Screenwriter: George Stevens, James Lee Barrett
Composer: Alfred Newman
Reviews for The Greatest Story Ever Told
Wile it's not quite as bad as the critics claimed upon its release, it's not particularly good either.
The prophets should speak with respect of this $20 million Biblical epic.
By reputation, the results are so dull and so consistently undercut by a succession of star cameos that no one seems to mind the various shorter versions released since them, one of them less than half as long.
If this is the greatest story ever told I can imagine how horrid is the worst story ever told.
Mr. Stevens has done it in a generous and often stunning style. And the quality of his reverence should captivate the piously devout.
Yes, the celebrity cameos distract, but the film focuses more on Jesus' message than the overated King of Kings If you've never seen it in widescreen, you are missing a revelation.
The New Testament meets "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" in this unintentionally funny all-star Biblical epic.
So call me a blasphemer and a heretic. Producer/director/writer George Stevens' ultimate project simply isn't a very good film.
One of the most boring movies ever made; if Jesus was a wooden in life as he is in this movie, he would not have attracted one disciple.
Don't let the title fool you. It's all hype. The gratuitous cameos make it hard to take the movie seriously.
The most unintentionally hilarious biblical epic ever to grace the silver screen.
More Movies
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 70% 70% | Where the Wild Things Are | 03/12 |
| 83% 83% | Paranormal Activity | 03/12 |
| 89% 89% | Zombieland | 03/12 |
| 76% 76% | The Informant! | 03/12 |
| | The Strength of Water | 03/12 |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- The Greatest Story Ever Told at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

Tim Burton's costume designer talks to Movieline about her long collaboration with the filmmaker and Johnny Depp.

The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

We've got 20 copies of the hit TV series' Pilot Episode to giveaway.

Double passes up for grabs to the new comedy starring Paul Giamatti.

Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.
Competitions

Enough Prequel, Original Trilogy and Family Guy DVDs to fill a space cruiser

Everything from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace could be yours.

We're giving away the 10th Anniversary Blu-ray, plus Braveheart and the Rocky collection



Top Critic

