In Palestine, a virgin named Mary (Gene Gauntier) is visited by one of God's angels; subsequently, she becomes pregnant. Meanwhile, an angel of God invites Joseph, a son of David, to wed Mary. The angel explains that Mary's child is the savior Jesus Christ, who will grow up to save his people from their sins. The child grows up without fanfare; but, as an adult (Robert Henderson-Bland ), Christ assembles disciples, and begins performing miracles. He is persecuted for his beliefs; and, finally, he is crucified.
For its time, a very good version of the often told story of Jesus Christ. Director Sidney Olcott and photographer George Hollister do very well; their scenes with Mary, Joseph, and young Jesus in Egypt are a beautiful example. It's nice to see the scenes with Jesus as a child; and, note the one where he carries a stick of lumber foreshadows the crucifixion.
Mr. Henderson-Bland acts the part very well; he is subdued, and looks comfortable in the role. Ms. Gauntier, who assisted Mr. Olcott greatly throughout the production, was certainly the film's most valuable player. The miracles scenes are very silly looking, and acted; although, to be honest, I haven't seen enough people "raised from the dead" to judge the antics on screen. The "walking on water" might have worked if the water was a little calmer. There should have been more story explanation given for it, but the crucifixion elicited passion.
Not the first "feature" film, but an important one; for its lovely Egypt, Palestine, and Ireland location scenes. "From the Manger to the Cross" is the peak production from the early "Kalem" film company. Notably, it omits the resurrection (some versions add it, from another film).
******* From the Manger to the Cross (10/3/12) Sidney Olcott ~ Robert Henderson-Bland, Gene Gauntier, Robert G. Vignola
For its time, a very good version of the often told story of Jesus Christ. Director Sidney Olcott and photographer George Hollister do very well; their scenes with Mary, Joseph, and young Jesus in Egypt are a beautiful example. It's nice to see the scenes with Jesus as a child; and, note the one where he carries a stick of lumber foreshadows the crucifixion.
Mr. Henderson-Bland acts the part very well; he is subdued, and looks comfortable in the role. Ms. Gauntier, who assisted Mr. Olcott greatly throughout the production, was certainly the film's most valuable player. The miracles scenes are very silly looking, and acted; although, to be honest, I haven't seen enough people "raised from the dead" to judge the antics on screen. The "walking on water" might have worked if the water was a little calmer. There should have been more story explanation given for it, but the crucifixion elicited passion.
Not the first "feature" film, but an important one; for its lovely Egypt, Palestine, and Ireland location scenes. "From the Manger to the Cross" is the peak production from the early "Kalem" film company. Notably, it omits the resurrection (some versions add it, from another film).
******* From the Manger to the Cross (10/3/12) Sidney Olcott ~ Robert Henderson-Bland, Gene Gauntier, Robert G. Vignola