The Greatest Story Ever Told Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Swedish carpenter wanders around Arizona, occasionally performing miracles and disappointing his mom, before ultimately being crucified by John Wayne.

🍿 The Greatest Story Ever Told: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Nativity and Early Life

The film opens with the arrival of the Magi, guided by a star, to Bethlehem, seeking the newborn King. They present gifts to the infant Jesus, while King Herod, fearing a rival, orders the slaughter of all newborn boys in Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary flee to Egypt to protect Jesus. After Herod’s death, they return to Nazareth.

John the Baptist and Jesus’ Ministry Begins

Years later, John the Baptist preaches repentance and baptizes people in the Jordan River. Jesus arrives and is baptized by John. Jesus then goes into the desert where he is tempted by Satan but resists. He returns to Galilee and begins gathering disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew.

Miracles, Teachings, and Growing Opposition

Jesus performs miracles, heals the sick, and teaches parables, attracting large crowds. His fame spreads, concerning the Pharisees and priests in Jerusalem. He defends a woman accused of adultery, demonstrating his compassion and wisdom. He raises Lazarus from the dead, further solidifying his reputation and alarming the religious authorities.

Triumphal Entry and the Last Supper

Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed by the crowds. He cleanses the Temple, driving out the merchants and money changers. He celebrates the Last Supper with his disciples, knowing his betrayal is imminent. Judas Iscariot leaves to betray him to the authorities.

Betrayal, Trial, and Crucifixion

Judas betrays Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is arrested and put on trial before the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate. Despite finding no fault in him, Pilate is pressured by the crowd to crucify Jesus. Jesus is crucified on Golgotha.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jesus (Max von Sydow): The central figure, Jesus is the Son of God who teaches, performs miracles, and ultimately sacrifices himself for humanity.
• John the Baptist (Charlton Heston): A prophet who baptizes Jesus and preaches repentance, paving the way for Jesus’ ministry.
• Judas Iscariot (David McCallum): One of Jesus’s disciples, Judas betrays him to the Pharisees for thirty pieces of silver.
• Pontius Pilate (Telly Savalas): The Roman governor who reluctantly orders Jesus’ crucifixion after being pressured by the crowd.
• The Dark Hermit (Donald Pleasence): The personification of Satan, who tempts Jesus in the desert and later instigates the call for his crucifixion.
• Mary Magdalene (Joanna Dunham): A woman saved by Jesus, who becomes a devoted follower and is present at his crucifixion and resurrection.
• Herod Antipas (José Ferrer): The tetrarch of Galilee who, influenced by his wife, orders the beheading of John the Baptist and sends Jesus back to Pilate.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jesus: “Do not weep for me; weep for yourselves, and for your children.” – Spoken to the women of Jerusalem as Jesus is led to his crucifixion, expressing concern for their future suffering.
• Jesus: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” – Jesus’s plea from the cross for the forgiveness of those who crucified him, highlighting his compassion.
• Jesus: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” – A moment of profound despair as Jesus questions his abandonment by God during his crucifixion.
• Centurion: “Truly this man was the Son of God.” – Spoken by the Roman centurion after witnessing the events surrounding Jesus’s death, acknowledging his divine nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $8,000,000 (estimated)
• Worldwide Gross: $8,000,000 (estimated)

💥 The Greatest Story Ever Told Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’ is a long one, but I found myself really drawn in. Max von Sydow’s quiet intensity as Jesus was captivating, and the Arizona landscapes were gorgeous. The Raising of Lazarus scene really got to me – it felt so raw and emotional. Yes, it’s a bit slow, and the cameos are sometimes distracting, but overall, I thought it was a powerful and thought-provoking movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in biblical epics”
  • “Those seeking a traditional and reverential portrayal of Jesus’ life”
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema”
  • “People interested in the history and cultural impact of religion”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “The film depicts crucifixion, which may be disturbing for some viewers.”
  • “Themes of religious persecution and betrayal.”
  • “Extended runtime; may not be suitable for young children.”
  • “Some scenes involve violence, although they are not excessively graphic.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “George Stevens’ epic is a visually stunning, reverential, but ultimately ponderous take on the life of Jesus. The all-star cast is distracting, and Max von Sydow’s performance is stoic. The film’s length and slow pace may test viewers’ patience.
• The New York Times: “Despite its grand scale and earnest intentions, ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’ falls short of its title. The film is reverential but lacks emotional depth, with Max von Sydow delivering a restrained portrayal of Jesus. The film’s overlength and episodic nature hinder its impact.
• Los Angeles Times: “A majestic and deeply moving cinematic experience. George Stevens masterfully brings the life of Jesus Christ to the screen with stunning visuals and a powerful score. Although lengthy, the film remains a richly rewarding and unforgettable journey.

Audience Reactions

The cinematography is breathtaking, showcasing the beauty of the American Southwest as a stand-in for the Holy Land.: Many viewers appreciate the film’s reverence and respect for the source material.

Some viewers found the all-star cast distracting, with cameos pulling them out of the story.: Others found the film to be overly long and slow-paced, testing their patience.

Overall Consensus: A visually impressive but lengthy and uneven epic that divides audiences with its pacing, casting choices, and reverential tone.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 1966

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “George Stevens originally intended for Max von Sydow to dub his own voice in English, but the actor’s Swedish accent was deemed too strong, leading to another actor being hired for the dubbing.”
• “The film was shot in the American West, specifically Arizona and Utah, to create a sense of grandeur and scale, despite the locations not resembling the actual terrain of the Holy Land.”
• “Numerous A-list actors, including John Wayne and Sidney Poitier, took on small roles in the film, often forgoing their usual salaries, as a sign of respect for the story and director George Stevens.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Greatest Story Ever Told?

The Greatest Story Ever Told is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules, as it occasionally airs on television, especially around religious holidays. Some libraries may also offer DVD copies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Greatest Story Ever Told, you might like these similar films:

• The Ten Commandments (1956): A classic large-scale biblical epic with a grand scope and impressive production values, similar to the scale of ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’.
• Ben-Hur (1959): Another epic set in the time of Jesus, featuring sweeping narratives, large casts, and themes of faith and redemption.
• Jesus of Nazareth (1977): A more intimate but still comprehensive portrayal of the life of Jesus, highly regarded for its faithfulness to the Gospels.
• The Passion of the Christ (2004): A more modern and visceral depiction of the crucifixion, which shares the epic scope and religious focus of ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’.

🛒 The Greatest Story Ever Told Related Products

• The Jesus Film DVD: A widely translated film depicting the life of Jesus based on the Gospel of Luke, offering a direct and accessible narrative.
• Bible Stories for Kids: The Story of Jesus: An animated series for children that tells the story of Jesus in an engaging way, making it accessible and educational. Features colorful animations and gentle narration.
• The Complete Bible Audio Book: Full Bible from Genesis to Revelation narrated by a professional. All chapters, books and verses are bookmarked so that you can quickly navigate to any part of the Bible at any time
• Christian Art Gifts King James Version Holy Bible: A standard bible for studying the origins of The Greatest Story Ever Told

🎧 Soundtrack

The Greatest Story Ever Told features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hallelujah Chorus” – performed by George Frideric Handel
• “Main Title” – performed by Alfred Newman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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