Jesus of Nazareth (1977– )

A reverent depiction of the life of Christ using the Gospel accounts.

Stars:

Robert Powell, Olivia Hussey, James Mason

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 3 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Robert Powell	...	Jesus Christ (2 episodes, 1977)
Anne Bancroft	...	Mary Magdalene (2 episodes, 1977)
Ernest Borgnine	...	The Centurion (2 episodes, 1977)
James Farentino	...	Simon Peter (2 episodes, 1977)
Ian McShane	...	Judas Iscariot (2 episodes, 1977)
Christopher Plummer	...	Herod Antipas (2 episodes, 1977)
Olivia Hussey	...	Virgin Mary (2 episodes, 1977)
Tony Vogel	...	Andrew (2 episodes, 1977)
John Duttine	...	John the Evangelist (2 episodes, 1977)
Michael York	...	John the Baptist (2 episodes, 1977)
Jonathan Muller	...	James I (2 episodes, 1977)
Claudia Cardinale	...	The Adulteress (2 episodes, 1977)
Valentina Cortese	...	Herodias (2 episodes, 1977)
Sergio Nicolai	...	James II (2 episodes, 1977)
James Mason	...	Joseph of Arimathea (2 episodes, 1977)
Laurence Olivier	...	Nicodemus (2 episodes, 1977)
Anthony Quinn	...	Caiaphas (2 episodes, 1977)
John Eastham	...	Bartholomew (2 episodes, 1977)
Ian Holm	...	Zerah (2 episodes, 1977)
Ian Bannen	...	Amos (2 episodes, 1977)
Keith Washington	...	Matthew (2 episodes, 1977)

Storyline

A reverent depiction of the life of Christ using the Gospel accounts.

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Plot Keywords:

back from the dead | ancient rome | crucifixion | easter | critically acclaimed | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Details

Country:

Italy UK

Language:

English Syriac

Release Date:

3 April 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jesús de Nazareth

Filming Locations:

Ait Benhaddou, Morocco

Company Credits

Production Co:

Incorporated Television Company (ITC), Radiotelevisione Italiana

Technical Specs

Runtime:

382 min 180 min (2 episodes) 237 min (2 parts)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Peter O'Toole was cast as Judas, but had to back out of the project due to illness.

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Goofs

Just after Jesus is baptized by John, in one scene it shows him walking up the hill with the lower 1/4 of his clothes still wet from him bowing down in the water. The camera shifts to view John watching Jesus walking away and then comes back to Jesus, but this time his clothes are completely dry!

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Quotes

Pontius Pilate: Do you realize I have the power to release you or have you crucified?
Jesus Christ: You wouldn't have had that power over me if it hadn't been given to you from above.

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Connections

Version of Gospel Road: A Story of Jesus (1973)

User Reviews

The Best Movie of the Life of Christ

"Jesus of Nazareth" is by far the most detailed movie on the life of Christ. I remember when it first aired on TV back in April of 1977. That was the week of my wedding and I remember watching it with my new bride on our honeymoon. Because of it's length and as a mini series it was able to cover most all the events in Jesus's life. There are many scenes and which I would say are some of my favorites but by far the best scene in the whole movie is when Earnest Borgnine, playing a Roman Centurian, approaches Jesus with a request that he heal a servant of his. A servant he loves as a son. Jesus says he will go to his home. The Centurian says that it won't be necessary since Jesus is a Jew and can't come into a Gentiles home. All Jesus has to do is give the word and he knows that Jesus would heal his servant. Jesus says that he has found no greater faith in all Israel than that of this Centurian. Although there were some artistic interpretations in the movie, they are so very few it isn't worth mentioning. I have seen the "Passion of the Christ" and I feel it is a very powerful movie on the last week of Christ, but it is so intense. I have to give "Jesus of Nazareth" the highest rating possible