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

Banned in Egypt after religious leaders objected to its content.

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Goofs

When Jesus visits Jerusalem as a young boy, his family walks past the outer wall and travels past the crucifixion site where Jesus would be killed later in the movie. In this early scene, the crosses and scaffolding have already been set up with the same Roman guards who appear later in the film (set 30 years in the future) already posted by the crucifixion hill.

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Quotes

Simon Peter: [having denied Jesus thrice] Oh God... oh God...
[shouting]
Simon Peter: My God! Please, help me!

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Connections

Referenced in The Secret Life of Brian (2007)

User Reviews

Great for Families

I have watched this film for many years with my family. Each year we follow the life of Jesus through Holy Week and Easter Sunday. The director has made this a film that is understandable for all ages and makes the realism unique. I would highly recommend this film for families. Even though I loved "The Passion of the Christ," I found this film easier to view for the family. Maybe we'll watch in earnest when the kids are a little older, teens perhaps. All in all this film takes you through an understanding of life as it would have been seen through the eyes of the common person. Perhaps it is this reality that allows people to gravitate toward a love for the film and a commitment to making the viewing of it each year and family tradition. Looking for a great family movie to help teach the faith, this is it.