Review of The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) by Sam T — 03 Aug 2007

Perhaps it's the greatest story ever told, but I'm not that convinced that it's the greatest movie ever made. However, that doesn't stop this three and a half hour biblical epic from being an interesting watch.

Not for the story, but more for the heaping helping of great actors and pop culture icons that litter this film. Your never sure who is going to show up. The film is full of strong performances - especially from Roddy McDowell as Matthew, Telly Savalis as Pilate, and Donald Plesence as the Devil.

Sidney Poitier shows great screen presnce as Simon of Cyrene, while John Wayne shows all of us how much he can't act by blowing a single line and one of the worst moments in film history. Meanwhile, David McCallum, in the role of Judas, gives us a new take on the character by making him a sympathetic character and not just a villain.

Furthermore, Charleton Heston, as John the Baptist, is the scene stealer in what was probably the best performance of his career. Also features Claude Rains as King Herold in what would be his last film and performances by a who's who of icons including Sal Mineo, Ed Wynn, Jamie "Klinger" Farr, Robert "Barretta" Blake, Robert Loggia, Martin Landau, Shelly Winters, Angela Lansbury, Van Heflin, Pat Boone, Victor "King Tut from Batman" Buono, Carrol Baker and even Russell "The Professor from Gilligan's Island" Johnston! Oh yeah, and Max Von Sydow is a pretty good Jesus.

However, where the film fails is that it is overly long, seriously pretentious, and offers nothing new to the viewer. I also think that they should have put a bit more time in to the resurection and the assention instead of breezing through that part in about two minutes.

Much better film then "The Passion of the Christ" in the fact that its more then just a snuff film, but "The Last Temptation of Christ" and even "Jesus Christ Superstar" offer more inspiration to this subject.

However, if you love a decent epic and want to see dozens of great actors giving strong performances (except, of course, John Wayne...but worth watching just to see him blow it) then take a look. Just be warned - this film is not as much a film as an all day commitment.