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

Version of The Visual Bible: The Gospel of John (2003)

User Reviews

Reverent portrayal of the life of Christ

Over the years, numerous attempts have been made to transfer the life of Christ to the screen, and one that succeeds is Franco Zefirelli's JESUS OF NAZARETH. The story is a straighforward retelling of the synoptic gospels(Matthew, Mark, and Luke), starting with the divine revelations to Mary and Joseph of their roles as Jesus's earthly parents on the the Resurrection. The score is beautific and reverent, and the big name actors who populate the film are well-cast(no Shelley Winters or John Wayne, thankfully). Also, British actor Robert Powell gives Jesus the proper reverence and poise. Zefirelli was correct to cast him; with his angular features, wavy brown hair and light eyes, this Jesus looks like every church icon and Sunday School picture I've ever seen, something Zefirelli was aware of and used to great effect. While he passes on accuracy for effect with Jesus, the apostles, it must be noted, all resemble the Hebrew peasants, publicans, and sinners they most certainly were. The length is tolerable, primarily because Zefirelli doesn't waste film on needless, arty panoramas or slow-moving dialogue. Zefirelli does keep the action moving, but one annoying technique he employs is the now dated-looking zoom close-up, but this happens infrequently. Highly recommended.