🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: David Greene
- Genre: Musical, Drama, Comedy, Family
- Release year: 1973
- Runtime (length): 1h 43min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (4.3K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 53%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A group of groovy hippies follow a clown-faced Jesus around empty 1970s New York City, singing parables until things get, well, less groovy.
🍿 Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Modern-Day Calling in New York City
The film opens in a bustling, pre-9/11 New York City, depicting various individuals caught in the routines and struggles of urban life. Suddenly, a figure known as John the Baptist appears, calling them away from their mundane existence. Drawn by his unconventional presence, a group of eight young adults leave their everyday lives behind to follow him.
Gathering, Transformation, and the Arrival of Jesus
John leads the group to a fountain in Central Park, where he performs a symbolic baptism for each individual. During this gathering, Jesus arrives and is also baptized by John. The disciples adopt a vibrant, counter-cultural appearance, characterized by bright clothing, face paint, and enthusiastic demeanor.
Traversing the City and Enacting Parables
Led by Jesus, the transformed group wanders through an often eerily empty New York City, using iconic landmarks as their stage. Through song, dance, comedy, mime, and improv, they act out various parables and teachings from the Gospel of Matthew. These performances are joyful, energetic, and designed to convey Jesus’ messages of love, compassion, and forgiveness in an accessible way.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jesus (Victor Garber): The joyful, clown-like figure who gathers followers in modern New York City to teach them the parables of the Gospel according to Matthew.
- John / Judas (David Haskell): The dynamic figure who calls disparate New Yorkers to baptism and follow Jesus, later embodying the betrayer.
- Lynne (Lynne Thigpen): A vibrant member of Jesus’ ensemble of disciples who helps act out the parables and shares in the communal journey.
- Katie (Katie Hanley): A talented singer and member of the ensemble who follows Jesus and participates in the retelling of his teachings.
- Merrell (Merrell Jackson): A member of the diverse group of disciples who leaves his former life behind to learn and share Jesus’ message.
- Joanne (Joanne Jonas): One of the young New Yorkers who joins Jesus’ ensemble, contributing to the group’s communal exploration of faith.
- Robin (Robin Lamont): A member of the ensemble disciples who helps bring Jesus’ parables to life through song, dance, and mime.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Jesus: “Day by day, oh dear Lord, three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day.” – Sung as the iconic main theme of the musical, expressing a simple, heartfelt prayer for spiritual growth.
- John / Judas: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord!” – A powerful call to action, initially sung by John the Baptist to gather the disciples and later reprised in the emotional finale.
- Jesus: “Now, how can you take a speck of sawdust out of your brother’s eye when all the time there’s this great plank in your own? You hypocrite!” – Jesus scolds Judas while acting out the parable of the speck and the plank, exposing the hypocrisy of judging others without self-reflection.
- Jesus: “We can build a beautiful city, not make of alabaster, not make of chrome.” – From the song added for the film, this lyric expresses hope and the potential for human connection and community to create something valuable and lasting.
- Jesus: “And when he finds it, he will throw it over his shoulder and he will come home! And there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who do not need to repent!” – Jesus joyfully explains the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing God’s love and mercy for those who return.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $1,300,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I watched ‘Godspell’ and wow, it’s… a trip. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the clown makeup and the 70s vibe, but the music totally hooked me. ‘Day by Day’ is stuck in my head permanently now, in the best way possible. Seeing the cast just dancing and singing around empty NYC landmarks like Central Park and the World Trade Center (which is just wild to see now, honestly) was so cool. It felt like a weird, joyful fever dream happening in the middle of a deserted city. The way they acted out the parables was often really funny and creative. I especially loved Victor Garber as Jesus; he had such a gentle, charismatic energy, and his singing voice is amazing. The ending shifted the tone dramatically and was surprisingly impactful after all the lightheartedness. It’s definitely a movie that sticks with you, even if some parts are super dated.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of movie musicals, especially those by Stephen Schwartz”
- “Viewers interested in unique or unconventional adaptations of religious texts”
- “People nostalgic for 1970s culture and aesthetics”
- “Fans of films prominently featuring New York City landmarks”
- “Audiences seeking an uplifting and joyful, albeit ultimately dramatic, story”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Dated visual style and humor (reflecting the 1970s)”
- “Religious themes (interpretation may differ based on personal beliefs)”
- “Depiction of the Crucifixion (though not graphic, it is emotionally impactful)”
Professional Reviews
- Based on Reviews: “”Godspell” transports the stage show’s energy to a hauntingly deserted 1970s New York. While the infectious Stephen Schwartz score remains its greatest asset, the film’s quirky, almost childlike approach to the Gospel can feel jarringly dated today. The cast is enthusiastic, particularly Victor Garber as Jesus, but the visual style and theatrical performances don’t always translate seamlessly to the screen, leading to an uneven, albeit visually striking, experience.
- Based on Reviews: “David Greene’s film adaptation of “Godspell” is a joyous and vibrant take on the Gospel of Matthew. Its relocation to iconic, yet strangely empty, New York City locations provides a unique backdrop for the spirited ensemble’s performance of Stephen Schwartz’s memorable songs. Though undeniably a product of its time with its hippie aesthetic, the film’s core message of love and community resonates, culminating in a surprisingly moving final act that leaves a lasting impression.
Audience Reactions
Many were deeply moved by the music and the joyful, accessible portrayal of Jesus’ teachings.: The soundtrack is incredibly catchy and uplifting, and the use of New York City locations is visually stunning and often poignant, especially seeing the World Trade Center.
Some found the 70s hippie aesthetic and theatrical acting style charming and nostalgic, while others found it off-putting and dated.: The energy of the young cast is infectious, making the parables feel fresh and engaging, though some found the humor and vocalizations overly ‘silly’ or ‘infantilizing’.
Overall Consensus: A polarizing but often beloved musical film known for its infectious 70s folk-rock score, unique use of empty New York City as a backdrop, and a memorable, quirky portrayal of the Gospel of Matthew. It’s considered dated by some but profoundly joyful and moving by others.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was shot extensively in an empty New York City, often filmed on Sunday mornings to capture deserted streets and locations like Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the World Trade Center, and a junkyard.”
- “The movie prominently features the unfinished World Trade Center towers as a backdrop in several scenes, including the dance number ‘All for the Best’ on the South Tower’s roof, adding a poignant historical layer after 9/11.”
- “This film marked the feature film debut for lead actor Victor Garber (Jesus).”
- “Actor David Haskell plays the dual role of both John the Baptist and Judas Iscariot, a deliberate choice carried over from the stage production.”
- “The film cut several songs from the original stage musical, including ‘Learn Your Lessons Well’ and ‘We Beseech Thee,’ but added a new song, ‘Beautiful City,’ written specifically for the movie.”
- “The production budget for the film was approximately $1.3 million.”
- “The end credits feature a unique ‘infinity frames’ visual effect.”
🖥️ How to Watch Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew?
As a classic film, Godspell is often available through digital storefronts. You can search for it to rent or buy on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Historically, it has also been shown on television channels like Sony Movie Channel. Check major digital video retailers for current availability.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, you might like these similar films:
- Jesus Christ Superstar (1973): A direct contemporary comparison, this rock opera also adapts the story of Jesus, offering a more dramatic and politically charged perspective compared to Godspell’s joyful and communal take.
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1999): Another vibrant musical adaptation by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice based on a biblical story, sharing Godspell’s use of diverse musical styles and focus on teaching through song and performance.
- Hair (1979): Captures the spirit of 1960s/70s counter-culture, featuring an ensemble cast and set in New York City, exploring themes of community, freedom, and questioning societal norms through song and dance.
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975): A quirky, musical cult classic from the same era, known for its unique style, ensemble cast, and devoted fanbase, appealing to viewers who appreciate unconventional cinematic experiences.
- In the Heights (2021): A modern musical set in a vibrant New York City community, focusing on the lives and dreams of an ensemble cast, sharing Godspell’s emphasis on community and finding hope and connection in an urban setting.
🛒 Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew Related Products
- Godspell (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Experience the iconic 70s folk-rock score from the film. Features hit songs like ‘Day by Day’ and ‘Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord’.
- Godspell Blu-ray/DVD: Own the classic film adaptation in high definition. Includes bonus features on the making of the movie and interviews with the cast.
- Stephen Schwartz: Defying Gravity: An authorized biography of the composer behind Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked. Offers deep dives into his creative process and the history of his major works.
- Vintage Godspell Movie Poster Print: A reproduction of the original theatrical movie poster, capturing the colorful and distinctive aesthetic of the film’s release.
🎧 Soundtrack
Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” – performed by Stephen Schwartz
- “Day by Day” – performed by Stephen Schwartz
- “By My Side” – performed by Peggy Gordon & Jay Hamburger
- “All for the Best” – performed by Stephen Schwartz
- “Beautiful City” – performed by Stephen Schwartz
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Godspell is a modern adaptation of the Gospel of Matthew, using its parables and teachings as the basis for a musical in a contemporary setting. While it draws directly from the Biblical text for its core messages and events (like the Last Supper and Crucifixion), it presents them through highly stylized, allegorical performances and does not aim for strict historical realism in its portrayal of Jesus or the disciples.
In the film adaptation of Godspell, the roles of John the Baptist and Judas Iscariot are notably played by the same actor, David Haskell. This creative choice is open to interpretation, but often seen as representing the dual nature of humanity’s relationship with Jesus – both preparing the way for him (like John) and ultimately betraying him (like Judas). It’s a dramatic device from the original stage play.
The 1973 film version of Godspell concludes with the crucifixion and the disciples carrying Jesus’s body back into the city. It does not explicitly depict the resurrection, ending instead on a note of the message being carried forward into the world by the disciples. The interpretation of the final scene is left somewhat open.
Godspell was filmed entirely on location in a seemingly deserted New York City. Key filming locations include Central Park (especially Bethesda Terrace), the Brooklyn Bridge, and the World Trade Center (both under construction and completed), among many other recognizable Manhattan sites. Filming often occurred on Sundays to capture the empty streets.
Released in the same year (1973), Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar are both rock musicals about Jesus’s last days but differ significantly in tone and focus. Godspell is generally more joyful, lighthearted, and focuses on Jesus’s parables and teachings, ending on a note of hope despite the crucifixion. Jesus Christ Superstar is more operatic, dramatic, and focuses more on the political and human struggles surrounding Jesus, particularly through the eyes of Judas. Godspell draws from Matthew, while Superstar takes creative liberties.
🔥 Bonus Content
“By My Side” ~ Godspell (1973)
Want to hear one of the most beautiful and moving songs from Godspell? This performance of ‘By My Side’ is just breathtaking and captures so much of the film’s emotional heart.
“All Good Gifts” ~ Godspell (1973)
Curious about the thoughtful side of Godspell’s music? ‘All Good Gifts’ is such a reflective and lovely piece, really highlighting the simple, profound messages within the film.
“Bless the Lord” ~ Godspell (1973)
Get ready to feel the energy! ‘Bless the Lord’ is one of the most spirited and fun numbers in Godspell, and watching this clip just makes you want to dance along.
All For The Best GODSPELL
Did you know Godspell has a famous scene filmed atop the original World Trade Center towers? Check out ‘All For The Best’ – it’s a fascinating duet with a truly unforgettable backdrop.
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