Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Film version of the musical stage play, presenting the last few weeks of Christ's life, told in an anachronistic manner.

Director:

Norman Jewison

Writers:

Melvyn Bragg (screenplay), Norman Jewison (screenplay),

Stars:

Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ted Neeley	...	Jesus Christ
Carl Anderson	...	Judas Iscariot
Yvonne Elliman	...	Mary Magdalene
Barry Dennen	...	Pontius Pilate
Bob Bingham	...	Caiaphas
Larry Marshall	...	Simon Zealotes (as Larry T. Marshall)
Josh Mostel	...	King Herod (as Joshua Mostel)
Kurt Yaghjian	...	Annas
Paul Thomas	...	Peter (as Philip Toubus)
Pi Douglass	...	Apostle
Robert LuPone	...	Apostle James
Jonathan Wynne	...	Apostle
Thommie Walsh	...	Apostle Thaddeus
Richard Molinare	...	Apostle Andrew
David Devir	...	Apostle

Storyline

Based on a concept album project written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and the subsequent long-running Broadway performance, this film tells the story of the final 6 days in the life of Jesus Christ through the troubled eyes of Judas Iscariot. Too often mis-labeled a musical, this film is a "rock opera." There are no spoken lines, everything is sung.

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Plot Keywords:

rock opera | based on album | christianity | betrayal | whipping | 

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Taglines:

And now, the movie......

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Genres:

Drama | History | Musical

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 August 1973 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jesucristo Superstar

Filming Locations:

Beit Guvrin, Israel

Box Office

Gross:

$13,200,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (Westrex Recording System) (70 mm prints) Mono (35 mm optical prints) 4-Track Stereo (35 mm magnetic prints)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"King Herod's Song" is actually a number from "King Richard", a failed Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Tim Rice had to write new lyrics for this number so that it could be added to "Jesus Christ Superstar"; originally, the number was called "Those Saladin Days".

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Goofs

During the opening of the final song "Jesus Christ Superstar", after Judas steps off the chain the lipsync is out of time with the song. It's corrected after the first cutaway.

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Quotes

Judas: I have no thought at all about my own reward, I really didn't come here on my own accord. Just don't say I'm damned for all time.

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Connections

Spoofed in Es bello vivir (2008)

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Soundtracks

"The Arrest"
Performed by Ted Neeley, Paul Thomas (as Philip Toubus), The Apostles, Bob Bingham,
Kurt Yaghjian, and Crowd

User Reviews

The Book of Judas

The only disciple without a book in the bible, Judas gets his say in this Norman Jewison adaptaption of the Andrew Lloyd Weber play. Superstar sets Christianity on edge by turning supposed villians into the heroes of Christ 's crucifixion. Judas is seen as the noblest and most knowledgeable of all Christ's disciples who is used by God to accomplish His master plan. The movie makes clear that the legacy of Jesus would not have been possible without the involvement of Judas. Pontius Pilate too is shown in a more positive light than modern Christianity would like. Pilatae is shown as a troubled man who has premonitions of the "Jewish King" and his own role in his death. In recounting his dream, Pilate says that he "saw thousands of millions, crying for this man" and then he "heard them mentioning my name, and leaving me the blame". As controversial as Superstar is and as wonderful > as the score is it can stand alone on just the merits of its movie making. > > The cinematography is tops and the visual effects are magnificent.