From the Manger to the Cross (1912)

User Rating:

5.9/10   

Director:

Sidney Olcott

Writer:

Gene Gauntier (scenario)

Release Date:

1913 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Plot:

An account of the life of Jesus Christ, based on the books of the New Testament: After Jesus' birth is foretold to his parents...

Plot Keywords:

Jesus Christ | Egypt | Sphinx | Passion Play | Crucifixion

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Robert Henderson-Bland	...	Jesus, the man
Percy Dyer	...	The Boy Christ
Gene Gauntier	...	The Virgin Mary
Alice Hollister	...	Mary Magdalene
Sidney Olcott	...	Blind Man
Samuel Morgan	...	Pilate
James D. Ainsley	...	John the Baptist
Robert G. Vignola	...	Judas
George Kellog	...	Herod
J.P. McGowan	...	Andrew
Helen Lindroth	...	Martha
Sidney Baber	...	Lazarus
Montague Sidney	...	Joseph
Jack J. Clark	...	John
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Ethel Hollister	...	Young girl
George Hollister Jr.	...	Young boy

Also Known As:

From the Manger to the Cross, or Jesus of Nazareth (copyright title)
Jesus of Nazareth (USA) (recut version)

Runtime:

60 min | USA:71 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Silent

Filming Locations:

Bethlehem, Palestine

Company:

Kalem Company

Trivia:

Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark were married in Palestine during filming.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The Passion: Films, Faith & Fury (2006) (TV)

Has Several Strengths

While this pioneering effort does have some shortcomings that would now be easy to point out, it also has several strengths that are quite commendable, given that it was one of the earliest full-length movies to be produced. While mostly a straightforward rendering of the life of Jesus Christ, it has a number of visual effects that, while not flashy, are generally effective. The decision to film it in or near the original locations of the story, while introducing some occasional anachronisms, works in general, and gives it a more appropriate feel than a studio backdrop would have.

The adaptation by Gene Gauntier, the actress who also appears as Jesus' mother Mary, does a pretty good job of covering a selection of events from Jesus' life. It does clearly assume a pretty good familiarity with the New Testament writings, as in several scenes the point of the action is otherwise obscured. Even then, though, Robert Henderson-Bland's low-key rendering of Jesus usually communicates a general image of gentleness and wisdom, which in many cases is more significant than the specific teachings.

The whole picture is shot in the old 'tableau' format, which does, in particular, minimize the impact of Henderson-Bland's performance. But most audiences of its own era would almost certainly have found this a worthwhile and believable portrayal of the life of Christ, and even now it deserves some commendation for its positive qualities.